News Release

For Immediate Release Media Contact:

Rose Finnerty
E.W. Scripps School of Journalism
Rose.B.Finnerty.1@ohio.edu

Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area seeks historically rich places to explore

SHAWNEE, OH, October 5, 2009 – Ohio’s Appalachian region has a wealth of historical,

cultural, natural and recreational resources. Tucked away in its rolling hills, a local grassroots

organization is encouraging citizens and community organizations to help identify special places

to hold “Roamin’ the Hills” events.

During a “Roamin’ the Hills” event, people are led on a hike or tour of unique

Appalachian site then have an opportunity to explore and socialize and a meal is shared. These

events are aimed at educating people about a particular heritage resource in a social context.

Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the unique

culture and heritage of Ohio’s Appalachian region, regularly visits heritage-rich places and

spreads knowledge about the importance of their resources.

Tim Traxler, a member of Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area’s board of directors,

believes the best way to build community is to educate the people about its resources and history.

There are great areas in the Appalachian region that citizens should be proud of. “Every person

has a history, every place has a history, every building has a history, every school has a history.

They all have a story to tell,” Traxler said.

“Roamin’ the Hills” events are opportunities to tell the stories of each community in the

MORE MORE MORE

31-county Ohio Appalachian region. Every community has a unique culture and stories to tell.

This is an opportunity to nominate a heritage-rich area and promote local resources. Spreading

the word about a beautiful bridge, an old barn with a rich history, a local art museum or any

community place can increase tourism and build a sense of place for citizens.

Past “Roamin’ the Hills” events have been held at a 2,300 year old Indian mound in Perry

County and at the Buckeye Trail in Harrison County. Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage area has also

had a part in the Paw Paw Festival in Athens, and a Celtic Day Celebration in Perry County.

Through education about and protection of the region’s resources Ohio’s Hill Country

Heritage Area hopes to promote sustainable economic progress and a sense of pride in

communities.

To suggest a place for a “Roamin’ the Hills” event, or for more information about Ohio’s

Hill Country Heritage Area, visit their website at www.ohiohillcountry.org.

About Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area

Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage area is a non-profit organization that is working to improve the

quality of life in Ohio’s Appalachian region by the use of education and preservation of the

natural, recreational, cultural and historic resources of the area. The organization was founded in

1996 by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council and became an independent non-profit in 1998. It

runs on a completely volunteer basis. For more information or to become a member visit

www.ohiohillcountry.org

###