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A reflection from Executive Director Christina Hartlieb, on behalf of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House Staff, Board, and Volunteers on the passing of Thomas D. Jordan, Board Member of the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House:

I first met Thomas several years ago at a conference on reckoning with the consequences of slavery at the University of Cincinnati.  We chatted and he became very interested in the work we were doing to educate visitors and facilitate discussions on historical context. 

He was also intrigued by the dual interpretation we talked about here in terms of the overlapping ideas of the 19th century abolitionist era and the 20th century Green Book era.  The concept of the House serving as a “lighthouse symbolizing good will and better understanding,” first voiced by the home’s preservation group in 1943, really resonated with Thomas. 

He became involved in our work and served as a board member of the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House for over three years.  During that time, he was instrumental in crafting a statement condemning senseless acts of racial violence during the summer of 2020, he presented a genealogy workshop as part of our programming series, he served on several committees, and he provided an on-camera presence during our 2020 virtual Harriet’s Birthday Party and for a video about our Restoration project.
 
Thomas had a positive attitude and a deep regard for sharing his own knowledge and expertise. We will certainly miss his smile and his willingness to learn even more.  When interviewed for a board member profile, he told us had learned more about the Beechers and the Lane Seminary, but also that “My favorite book I found in the bookstore is The Overground Railroad. It is about The Green Book and the author documented her trip to visit all of these locations. It gives a raw perspective on The Green Book as it relates to African American history especially during the Civil Rights Movement.” 

These snippets demonstrate his understanding of the relevancy of our work and the interconnections between our dual interpretation.   It speaks to Thomas’ recognition of knowing and understanding what has come before – “Cincinnati is full of history, some of which has been lost.”  He helped to bring it back.
 
We thank Thomas for his gift of time and support serving on the board of the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House.  His commitment to true history and to genealogy served as a beacon to others.  He will be greatly missed.

Details for Thomas Jordan's funeral can be found here: https://www.prestoncharlesfuneralhome.com/obituary/BishopThomas-Jordan

Upon the passing of Mr. George Wilson, The Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House wish to extend our public gratitude to Mr. Wilson for his contributions to the preservation, renovation, and continued work of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. In the late 1970s, Mr. Wilson led an extensive renovation project at the museum with the  Citizens' Committee on Youth, enabling the site to continue as a historic landmark and educational resource. 

As recently as March 2023, Mr. Wilson participated in interpretive planning meetings with the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House and Ohio History Connection, providing historical context and continuity to the museum's continuing educational work.

Visitors to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House can see a small collection of images from the 1970s renovation in the museum bookstore. Public hours are Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. The museum is located at 2950 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206.

Board Member Fred Warren grew up in New York and moved to the Greater Cincinnati area over 30 years ago. He has always been interested in history and even received his B.A. in History. Following are edited excerpts from an interview with Mr. Warren.

When did you first learn about the Harriet Beecher Stowe House? Did you immediately become actively involved?
I knew of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House for many years. I became a supporter between five and ten years ago. I started out donating to the Friends for a couple years. I attended a party for members of the Friends about four years ago where I was approached to become a docent. I love to meet new people through the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

What is your favorite book that you have read related to the House?
I have read quite a few books in relation to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. One book I have read was a Ph.D. thesis turned into a book written on Harriet’s life in Florida. Not many people know about her life in Florida since it was her later years. She was very influential and encouraged tourism in Florida. She also defended the wildlife population and brought education to children especially African American children. 

Fred enjoys being a docent because it is a very stimulating experience. He is able to interact with people from all over who are visiting the House and are people involved with the Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

​If you're interested in exploring more books related to Harriet Beecher Stowe, the Underground Railroad, or the Power of Voice, come check out our bookstore, open during all public hours. 

​Board member Dr. Cheli Reutter grew up in Detroit but had roots to Cincinnati through her mom. She is currently the Associate Professor-Educator of American Literature and Medical Humanities at the University of Cincinnati. Following are edited excerpts from an interview with Dr. Reutter.
 
When did you first learn about the HBSH? Did you immediately become actively involved or did you slowly integrate yourself into the community?
I first learned about the Harriet Beecher Stowe House during my undergrad at Rice University in Houston in the early 90s. I moved to Cincinnati for my Masters and to be near family. I began setting up tours at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House for my students in my "Reading Cincinnati" class. Barbara Furr helped me to become even more involved with the House. I especially enjoy participating in the Semi-Colon Club and literature talks and discussions.
 
What is one thing you have learned since becoming involved with the Harriet Beecher Stowe House?
I have learned about Isabella Beecher Hooker and her passion for women’s rights. I was surprised that Isabella was more involved with women’s rights than Harriet. "The Cause Dearer to Me Than Any Other in the World": Isabella Beecher Hooker and Suffrage was my favorite exhibit. This exhibit displays not only Isabella’s work for women’s rights but the family drama when she refused to take her brother's side in a scandal.

Dr. Reutter will be giving a lecture in October 2023 on one of Harriet Beecher Stowe's lesser-known novels, The Pearl of Orr's Island. Stay tuned for details!

About the author: 
Dr. Nicholas Andreadis is a volunteer at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. He was a professor and dean at Western Michigan University prior to moving to Cincinnati.    ​