Date: October 05, 2004

Ohio Historical Society Director To Speak at Ft. Laurens Foundation Annual Fundraiser

Bolivar, OH—The Executive Director of the Ohio Historical Society (OHS), Dr. William K. Laidlaw, Jr., will speak at the Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation’s 9th Annual Moccasin Roast fund raising dinner on Saturday, October 16th at Fort Laurens State Memorial in Bolivar, OH. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., with an 18th century meal expected to be served at 6:00 pm, followed by Dr. Laidlaw’s presentation at 7:00. The annual event ends at 8:00 p.m.

"We are very excited to have Director Laidlaw speak at the Foundation’s event," said Foundation Trustee Scott Fisher. "I am sure our membership and guests will be anxious to hear from Mr. Laidlaw on how we can work more closely together for the betterment of the site of the only American Revolutionary fort built in what now is the state of Ohio."

Laidlaw brings to OHS a blend of business acumen and non-profit experience. He spent nearly 25 years at the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, serving as that agency’s executive vice-president and chief operating officer. After earning his Doctorate in Management, he was appointed as head of executive education and professor for the practice of management at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. He became the Society’s Executive Director in August 2003.

His experience includes managing non-profits as a business, restructuring marketing efforts, developing strong brand identity, and expanding collaborative relationships.

"Dr. Laidlaw has begun to implement many changes at OHS to make the organization more financially responsive, entrepreneurial and customer oriented," said Trustee Vice-President Tom Pieper of Canton. "He also recognizes the importance of support groups such as the Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation to help promote and enhance OHS administered sites such as Fort Laurens. Our organization has helped secure funding for OHS that enabled additional archaeological site investigations and the planting of vegetation along the park’s border to hide 21st century distractions such has the road and Ft. Laurens cemetery. We will continue to advocate with OHS on behalf of this site and those who served and died here."

Tickets to the Annual Moccasin roast are $25 per adult and $8 for children under 16 years of age. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 330-874-2728. Warm casual dress is suggested as the event is held outside, but under a large tent.