Okay, I admit it. I'm a history geek. Actually, I'm mostly an over-the-top storyteller. I've been telling stories since I could talk, and I've enjoyed history since I was old enough to read. I love a good story! I'm fascinated by how people from the past lived in entirely different worlds than we do today, but they still laughed and cried, had a favorite color, hung out with best friends, and forged exciting life stories—just like you and I do in the 21st century. Sadly for some, history is just a list of facts and dates. What makes history come alive for me are the front-row seats to those enthralling people stories. I enjoy researching local history and sharing what I learn on tours I host and exhibits I create. But, most of all, I love the storytelling and hearing someone say, "I never knew that" because it means they've learned something new, and I've sparked their interest in people from the past.
This website is the perfect venue for me to refine my local history stories while sharing them with the public. I stumble on new photographs, maps, drawings, and documentation all the time. This dynamic space provides a place for me to keep these stories up-to-date.
My other significant area of curiosity is photography. My interest began in the early 1970s when my father brought home a Polaroid SX-79 Land camera to take family snapshots. My passion for photography came to me as an adult when my interest in history inspired me to capture images of historic buildings, bridges, and old forts. Eventually, I began to combine photography with my interest in the outdoors, which led me to nature photography. Over time, my life has been transformed through this beautiful journey of self-expression.
I grew up near the scenic hills of the Mohican Valley in north-central Ohio, where I often return for photo opportunities and to shop for local history books. Today, I live with my wife and our cats in the Oak Openings Region of northwest Ohio—home to many beautiful nature scenes and some vibrant local history.
I hope that my history research and photographs will help heighten awareness for America's historical heritage and provide support and encouragement to the many people who work to preserve our natural treasures.
Tedd Long
Chief Storyteller and Tour Guide
