History Enthusiasts
Historical Heritage of Oakwood, Dayton, and Ohio.
Our history is packed with fascinating tales, brilliant discoveries, and notable contributions. Join Wright Library and local historians as we uncover some "history mysteries" and reminisce on some of Ohio's greats. In-person and virtual programs available.
Visit the Wright Library Calendar for a list of every program each month.
![National Cryptologic Museum type with semicircle of random letters to left side](/sites/default/files/2024-06/CryptologyMuseum330_0.jpg)
American Secrets
August 8
The History of American Cryptology from the Revolutionary War through the 20th Century. In-person live-streamed event at Wright Library or register to join from home using Zoom.
![Far Hills Speaker Series brought to you by the Oakwood Historical Society and Wright Library.](/sites/default/files/2024-05/FHSS%20330x186.png)
Far Hills Speaker Series
Join the Oakwood Historical Society and Wright Memorial Public Library for entertainment and education. Whether you are a history buff or just interested in learning more about the place you live, the Far Hills Speaker Series has engaging stories for everyone.
- Victory in the Pacific: Stories of Local Veterans and Their Role in WWII (September 15, 2024)
- Oakwood Notables in Woodland Cemetery (October 20, 2024)
- Lucky Eddie: The Life, Times and Family of Dayton US Congressman Edward G. Breen (November 17, 2024)
![National Cryptologic Museum type with semicircle of random letters to left side](/sites/default/files/2024-07/CryptologyMuseum330.jpg)
Battle of Codes
January 16, 2025
Cryptology in WWII: How the U.S. protected its communications and broke enemy messages. In-person live-streamed event at Wright Library or register to join from home using Zoom.
![National Cryptologic Museum type with semicircle of random letters to left side](/sites/default/files/2024-07/CryptologyMuseum330_0.jpg)
Sharing the Burden
March 19, 2025
The role of women in cryptology specifically during World War II. In-person live-streamed event at Wright Library or register to join from home using Zoom.
![National Cryptologic Museum type with semicircle of random letters to left side](/sites/default/files/2024-07/CryptologyMuseum330_1.jpg)
Solving the Enigma
May 8, 2025
The history of the German cipher machine, Enigma, and how it was solved by the Allies. In-person live-streamed event at Wright Library or register to join from home using Zoom.
![Joseph Desch and a"top secret" codebreakers machine, circa WWII](/sites/default/files/2024-03/DaytonCodebreakers_330x186.png)
Past Events (2024):
- Dayton Codebreakers Film Screening with Oakwood Unsung Heroes - May 23, 2024
- James Garfield: Destiny of the Republic (History Mystery Book Club) - April 25, 2024
- Aullwood Audubon's Rich History with Nenita Lapitan (Far Hills Speaker Series) - April 21, 2024
- The Personal Life of John D. Rockefeller - April 15, 2024
- The Great Flood of 1913 with Mark Risley (Far Hills Speaker Series) - March 17, 2024
- Beyond the Playhouse: Mound Labs Mission in Space with Dout Gabriel (Far Hills Speaker Series) - February 18, 2024
- Muppets in Moscow with Natasha Rogoff (Cultural Arts & Book Series) - February 8, 2024
- Oakwood's Unsung Hero: Joe Desch with Andrew Lloyd (Far Hills Speaker Series) - January 28, 2024
- Polonium in the Playhouse with Linda Carrick Thomas (History Mystery Book Club) - January 25, 2024