Newcomerstown in the News: Lenape Diaspora Memorial donations sought

The Times-Reporter
·3 min read
Sculptor Alan Cottrill is pictured in his workshop working on one of the designs for the Lenape Diaspora Memorial being planned in Newcomerstown.
Sculptor Alan Cottrill is pictured in his workshop working on one of the designs for the Lenape Diaspora Memorial being planned in Newcomerstown.

NEWCOMERSTOWN − The Newcomerstown Historical Society is launching a fundraising campaign to create the Lenape Diaspora Memorial beside the Temperance Tavern Museum on Canal Street in the village.

The memorial will feature six 7-foot bronze sculptures and will tell the “diaspora” story of six generations of the Lenape Tribe, including the founding of Newcomerstown by Chief Netawatwees, “The Newcomer.” “Diaspora” refers to the dispersion from one’s original homeland.

Bronze figures will include: Chief Tamanend (1625-1701), Chief Nutimus (1650-1756), Chief Netawatwees (1686-1776), "Bemino" John Killbuck Sr. (1704-1779), Miatoka Nyeswanon (1740-1779) and Jacob Schoolcraft (1761-1850). While the project focuses on the Lenape, the project tells the story and experiences of all Native Americans.

More Newcomerstown in the News:Christmas festivities planned around town

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Harley Dakin, vice president of the Newcomerstown Historical Society, said, “This is a great opportunity to tell the true story of the Lenape in our area, educate future generations, and support the redevelopment of our community.”

Alan Cottrill, nationally known bronze sculptor, will be creating this display. More than 500 of his works can be seen around the world, including the bronze sculpture of Thomas Edison in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall.

Donations toward this project can be sent to the Newcomerstown Historical Society, Account #8454, and mailed to: Park National Bank, 220 E. State St., Newcomerstown OH 43832.

For more information about this project, contact Dakin at newcomerstownmusuems@gmail.com or at 740-498-5636.

Fans Fair Play Code

The Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools have implemented a “Fans Fair Play Code” for the district. Items on the code include:

  • I will remember that young people play sports for THEIR enjoyment, not to entertain me.

  • I will not have unrealistic expectations and will understand that doing one’s best is as important as winning. I understand that ridiculing an athlete for making a mistake is not acceptable behavior.

  • I will respect the officials’ decisions and will encourage all participants to do the same.

  • I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches and understand that they have given up their time to provide sports activities for our young people.

  • I will encourage athletes and coaches to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

  • I will show respect for my team’s opponents because I realize there would be no game without them.

Christmas Party

The Newcomerstown Public Library will have a “Storybook Christmas Party” from noon to 5 p.m. today for ages birth to fifth grade.

There will be photos with Santa Claus from 1 to 5 p.m. and other activities will include crafts, face painting, games, a story time and snacks.

Church services

Upcoming services at Christ United Methodist Church, 648 Oak St., include:

  • Dec. 24 - Candlelight service for Christmas Eve at 7 p.m.

  • Dec. 25 - Christmas morning service at 10:30 a.m.

The services will be in the River of Life community center.

To submit an item for “In The News,” email the information to rbooth7747@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Newcomerstown in the News: Lenape Diaspora Memorial donations sought