Living History Comes Alive in Ashland as Genesis Christian Academy Launches Chautauqua Series for America’s 250th Anniversary
ASHLAND — History will step out of the pages of textbooks and into the hearts of the community in 2026 as Living History Productions brings an immersive Chautauqua Living History Series to Genesis Christian Academy, inviting residents of Ashland, Wayne, and Richland counties to experience America’s story firsthand.
The monthly series will be held at 6 p.m. at Genesis Christian Academy, 810 Katherine Avenue, located directly across from Ashland High School. Each program will feature first-person historical portrayals, transforming iconic figures from the nation’s past into living, breathing storytellers who educate, inspire, and spark reflection.
The series opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with a presentation honoring one of the region’s most beloved historical figures — Johnny Appleseed, known locally as John Chapman, who traveled throughout Ashland and Richland counties in the early 1800s and left a lasting imprint on the area’s heritage.
Genesis Christian Academy, a comprehensive, non-traditional Christian school offering university-style courses, provides a fitting setting for a series rooted in education, history, and civic reflection.
ACP News recently caught up with Kenneth Hammontree, renowned historical reenactor with Living History Productions, who shared his enthusiasm for the year ahead.
“2026 is going to be an exciting year for our country — 250 years of our freedoms as a nation,” Hammontree said. “We here at Living History Productions in Ashland, Ohio are excited about presenting numerous historical programs over this year.”
Hammontree noted that the Genesis Christian Academy presentation will be the first major program of the year, launching what will become a statewide — and even national — tour of living history performances throughout 2026.
From Johnny Appleseed to the Founding Fathers
While Johnny Appleseed will open the series, the lineup will take audiences on a journey through the Revolutionary era and the birth of American democracy, with portrayals planned of:
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Paul Revere and his historic midnight ride
The Federalist Papers
George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Day, 1776
George Washington at Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1777
“We will be walking through the history of our country in 2026,” Hammontree said. “It’s taken 250 years to get where we are today. It has not all been good. It has not all been bad — but it has been worth preserving.”
Beyond storytelling, Hammontree emphasized the deeper purpose of the series — remembrance and gratitude.
“Above all, we want to think about our veterans and the major wars that we fought to maintain our freedoms,” he said. “We should always be appreciative of our veterans.”
Looking ahead, Hammontree also hinted at a broader community celebration, including a large Fourth of July parade in Ashland County, where George Washington himself is expected to make an appearance.
“It’s going to be a great year here in Ashland County,” Hammontree said. “There are many, many activities planned as we look into 2026 — 250 years of our history.”
A Community Collaboration
Living History Productions is partnering with Joe Lyons and Ashland County Pictures (ACP News) to document and share these events with the wider community, ensuring the stories and moments of this historic year are preserved for generations to come.
Chautauqua Living History Series
📅 Begins: January 13, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 p.m.
🏫 Location: Genesis Christian Academy, 810 Katherine Avenue, Ashland
Ashland County is invited to come experience history — not as a distant lesson, but as a living, breathing story — as America prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom.
