The Mac-A-Cheek Foundation for the Humanities
The Mac-A-Cheek Foundation for the Humanities is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization responsible for public programming, education, and research at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek.
The work of the Mac-A-Cheek Foundation is made possibly by MFH Members, individual donors, and the generous support of the following organizations:
Mission
The mission of the MFH is to promote research and educational experiences through historical life stories, period cultures, and the natural environment surrounding the Mac-A-Cheek Valley.
Support & Membership
Support the work of the MFH by making a tax-deductible contribution.
Be a part of this work all year long by becoming a member of the MFH.
The Mac-A-Cheek Foundation for the Humanities is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
MFH donors help to develop, produce, and promote:
Free outdoor events, exhibits, and use of benches and picnic tables
Reduced admissions for innovative youth and school group programs
Museum studies internships for high school and college students
Archival research leading to new publications and exhibits;
Staffing to engage visitors touring Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek.
These educational experiences are made possible by donations, grants, sponsorships, admissions, collaborations with other non-profit organizations, and volunteer services.
Larger donations may be earmarked for projects such as access to the tunnel, walking paths, and the restoration of an historical garden.
Board of Directors
Kip Lourens, President
Sam Crist, Vice-President
Rebecca Wilden, Secretary
Tommy Stolly, Treasurer
Sean Andres
Greg Belt
Marian Vance
The Mac-A-Cheek Foundation for the Humanities is seeking members to serve on the board or in subcommittees as we continue to expand our offerings at Mac-A-Cheek Castle beginning. We meet ten times per year at the convenience of board members. Meetings are currently held on Saturday mornings but that could be adjusted depending on the board composition. Expertise in multiple areas is desired including accounting, art, architecture, communications, education, fundraising, public history, landscape interpretation, and law. For more information, please contact us using the form below.
Since 1996 the MFH has supported:
Internships
Bowling Green State University
Wright State University
University of London
Urbana University
School & Youth Programs
With support from the Mary Eleanor Morris Fund of the Columbus Foundation, Ohio Humanities
Pre-K hands-on holiday workshops
High School writing & water color workshops
Ohio in the Civil War outreach exhibits
Ohio History Tours
Programs focusing on art and architecture
From the Ground Up: archaeology programs
The Family Farm: exhibits and programs on agricultural history
Youth summer camps in art, science, history and theatre
Awards in Writing to West Liberty-Salem High School seniors
Research and programs focusing on the sesquicentennial of the Civil War
Research internships for high school students
Concerts
Multicultural Music of Ohio
Holiday Concerts
West Central Ohio Community Concert Band
Champaign County Dulcimer Club
Community Links
A grant from the Ohio Humanities Council to improve the archival storage and index
Collaborative workshops and programs with other community organizations including the Bellefontaine Cultural Arts Commission, the Logan County Art League, the Logan Count Housing Authority, the Logan County Master Gardeners, the Logan and Champaign County Historical Societies, Mad River Theater Works, Urbana University, The Girl Scouts of America, the Logan County Bicentennial, the West Liberty Bicentennial, the West Liberty Historical Society, Sansami Creative Works, Bespoke Theatre of Dayton, Ohio Living History Association, and WWII US Mech Forces HQ,
Aiding and Abetting: The Piatt Family and the Anti-Slavery Movement - a workshop produced as part of a program on the Underground Railroad in Champaign County, Ohio. This program was sponsored by Urbana University.
Delve into Documents: Discussions on recent research for future exhibits and programs on local history and cultural change with support from the Mary Eleanor Morris Fund of the Columbus Foundation . Topics include: Communication, Education, Myths and Legends, Shawnee Life in the 18th century, and Generational Shifts on Anti-Slavery and Civil Rights.
Theatre & Entertainment
Living History: Past events include Vintage Baseball Matches, Historical Magic Shows, demonstrations by a Civil War Surgeon as part of a symposium, and World War II encampments
Festivals: Art, Architecture & Poetry, The Art & Science of Nature, Castle Faire & Dragon’s Lair, The Family Farm, Happy Birthday Piatt Castles: A Centennial of Tours
Holiday Events: 19th century customs celebrating: Easter; Fourth of July, Halloween
Poetry Readings: Michelle Cornell, Larry Michaels, Elizabeth Renker, Tony St. Clair
Theatre: Mad River Theatre Works, Sansami Creative Works, Bespoke Theatre of Dayton
Publications
That New World by Larry B. Michaels
The Wit & Wisdom of Donn Piatt by Scott Reagan
Donn Piatt: Gadfly of the Gilded Age by Peter Bridges
Donn Piatt of Mac-O-Chee by James Nash
William Mac-A-Cheek Piatt II Memorial Archive
This project was funded by the Ohio Humanities Council with additional support from The Champaign National Bank, Honeysuckle Creations, Angie and David Warye, Ohio Caverns, Piatt Castles, and private donors.
The MFH Logo
Designed by Celena Iluzzi of Cambridge, Ma, the design is based on a drawing by Donn Piatt. It was selected because the white oak is indigenous to this region, the acorn and oak leaf were popular design motifs in Victorian times and they are symbolic of life and longevity for Shawnee people.