As America approaches its 250th birthday, we're taking a closer look at the people, industries, and communities that helped shape Butler County and, in turn, helped shape America.

In this special America 250 episode, Laura Crago sits down with Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche to discuss Steeples & Stacks, a heritage weekend taking place July 10th-11th through the Butler Cultural District.

Their conversation explores the immigrants who built Butler County, the industries that fueled its growth, from oil and steel to glass and Jeep manufacturing and the stories that continue to define the region today. They discuss Butler County's role in the Underground Railroad, the history of the area's faith communities, the significance of Moses Jewelers and the region's historic synagogue, and the legacy of Charles Waters, the first African American member of the National Guard, who is buried in Butler's North Cemetery.

At its heart, this episode is about community, family, and the stories passed from one generation to the next.

Learn more about Steeples & Stacks and upcoming America 250 events at ButlerCulturalDistrict.org

Special thanks to photographer Ben Hughes for the stunning panoramic image featured on the Steeples & Stacks webpage, and to Shawn Hernandez for the beautiful drone image featured in the video version of this interview.

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

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Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago