In September 1812, during the War of 1812, tensions between settlers and Native Americans in north-central Ohio reached a violent climax at what came to be known as the Copus Massacre. Following the forced removal and destruction of the nearby Greentown Indian village, many Native residents were betrayed by the US Army and blamed their white neighbors, intensifying hostilities. Reverend James Copus, a settler who had been close friends with the Greentown residents, was targeted alongside soldiers stationed in the area. The resulting attack left several settlers, soldiers, and natives dead.
The Copus Massacre of 1812 was one of the most significant and tragic events to occur in north-central Ohio during the War of 1812. This program explores the wider context of the war and the nearby Greentown Indian village, the events that led to the clash between local settlers and Native Americans, and the enduring legacy the conflict left behind. Finally, the program will highlight the results of the first phase of modern archaeological work at the historic site, shedding new light on the landscape and stories tied to this turbulent moment in Ohio’s past.
About the Speaker
Kenny Libben is the curator of the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum, where he has served since 2010. During his tenure, he has been recognized with multiple awards for his leadership in the museum field, including the Ohio Local History Alliance’s Outstanding Individual Achievement Award, the Small Museum Association’s Hunter-Burley Award, and the Ohio Museum Association's Best Exhibition Award.
He serves as an officer of the International Committee for Regional Museums (ICOM-ICR) and as a representative for the Ohio Local History Alliance. He has previously been featured on American History TV.
Program Details
This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the program begins at 7:00 PM. The lecture will be held in the CRF Museum Lecture Hall.
This event is held in cooperation between the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum and the Ashland County Historical Society:
The CRF Museum is operated under the Mohican Historical Society, a501(c)3 nonprofit, and serves the Mohican area as a source for research, learning, and historical discussion by connecting the community with the history and traditions of the area.
ACHS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings Ashland County’s history alive through education, preservation, and community engagement. Located at 420 Center Street, Ashland, OH, it is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 to 3:00 for self-guided tours. Guided tours are available by appointment. Its entire campus includes the Noonan and Manor Houses, Freer Home, and the Carriage House, which serves as its research library. For more information, visit www.ashlandhistory.org or call 419-289-3111.
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