Living History Comes Alive in Ashland: Genesis Christian Academy to Host Chautauqua Series Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
ASHLAND — History will step out of the textbooks and onto the stage in 2026 as Living History Productions launches an exciting Chautauqua Living History Series at Genesis Christian Academy (GCA), bringing iconic American figures to life for the Ashland, Wayne, and Richland County community.
The series will be held monthly at 6:00 p.m. at Genesis Christian Academy, 810 Katherine Avenue, located directly across from Ashland High School. Each program will feature immersive, first-person historical portrayals designed to educate, inspire, and connect audiences with the nation’s past.
The inaugural program is set for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and will spotlight 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.
Genesis Christian Academy is a comprehensive, non-traditional Christian school offering university-style courses, making it a fitting venue for a series rooted in education, history, and civic reflection.
ACP News had the opportunity to catch up with Kenneth Hammontree, renowned historical reenactor with Living History Productions, who appeared in full character as General George Washington while discussing the vision for 2026.
“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.”
He noted that the Genesis Christian Academy event will be the first major program of the year, marking the beginning of a statewide — and even national — tour of living history presentations.
While Johnny Appleseed opens the series, the lineup for 2026 will span the Revolutionary era and the birth of American democracy, including portrayals of:
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Paul Revere and his historic ride
The Federalist Papers
George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Day, 1776
George Washington at Valley Forge during the brutal 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.”
Hammontree emphasized that the series is not only about storytelling, but also about 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, he hinted at a community-wide celebration, including a large Fourth of July parade in Ashland County, where George Washington himself will be in attendance.
“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.”
Living History Productions is partnering with Joe Lyons and Ashland County Pictures (ACP News) to help document and share these events with the broader community.
As Hammontree concluded in character, he offered a message fitting for the historic milestone ahead:
“God bless all of you. God bless the United States of America.”
📍 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 lesson, but as a living, breathing story — as America prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom.
