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ICU Presentations
Miami Valley Underground Railroad Story Quilt
Christmas Cheer
Partnership With True Faces Of Talent
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A story quilt created with African symbols, photo transfers and quilt patterns portray a visual story map of runaway slaves traveling
from the South through Ohio’s Miami Valley into Canada. Much of this story involves historical research discovered in Ohio’s
Montgomery and Miami Counties. ICU collaborated with professional artist, Paul Collins, in using a reproduction of his famous Harriet
Tubman’s Underground Railroad print. Master quilters, Katherine Kennedy Barnes and Eddy Erzen, contributed with the quilt’s
design and layout. ICU’s Executive Director, Lisa O’Hearn, has become a popular speaker throughout the Greater Miami Valley for
churches, civic groups, festivals, genealogical/historical associations, nursing homes/senior centers, quilting/sewing guilds, schools
and youth centers. Her interactive presentations are not only historical informative but, also entertaining in keeping her listeners
interested and engaged.
A story quilt created with African symbols, photo transfers and quilt patterns portray a visual story map of runaway slaves traveling
from the South through Ohio’s Miami Valley into Canada. Much of this story involves historical research discovered in Ohio’s
Montgomery and Miami Counties. ICU collaborated with professional artist, Paul Collins, in using a reproduction of his famous Harriet
Tubman’s Underground Railroad print. Master quilters, Katherine Kennedy Barnes and Eddy Erzen, contributed with the quilt’s
design and layout. ICU’s Executive Director, Lisa O’Hearn, has become a popular speaker throughout the Greater Miami Valley for
churches, civic groups, festivals, genealogical/historical associations, nursing homes/senior centers, quilting/sewing guilds, schools
and youth centers. Her interactive presentations are not only historical informative but, also entertaining in keeping her listeners
interested and engaged.
Hands-on learning is incorporated into the storytelling presentations with historical artifacts, such as slave shackles, slave
papers, quilts, costumes and samples of raw cotton still on the stalk are interactive educational tools. A miniature scale diorama
of Harrison Township dating back to the 1800s accompanied with specific landmarks is relevant to the story and used to
encourage the audience to interact.
papers, quilts, costumes and samples of raw cotton still on the stalk are interactive educational tools. A miniature scale diorama
of Harrison Township dating back to the 1800s accompanied with specific landmarks is relevant to the story and used to
encourage the audience to interact.
During the Holiday Season, ICU volunteers portray Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves to pass out donated handmade and store
bought toys. They have entertained at businesses, civic/community centers, homeless shelters, nursing homes, senior/youth
centers and schools. Each year at Christmas time, ICU has adopted a family that is in need of some extra help. Donations of
food, clothes, appliances, money and toys from local businesses and individuals have made this possible.
ICU has partnered with True Faces of Talent, a 501(c)3 non–profit organization that works with children with special needs and
are given the opportunity to show off their talents at The Harvest Gathering and win the hearts of everyone there. Their
performances allow them to continue to build self–esteem and confidence. Future events will be planned with this inspirational
organization.
Touching the future by exploring the past