📰 Student Water Testing News Release

October 24, 2025

GTHH Sponsors New Student Water Quality Testing Initiative

Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons (GTHH) is excited to announce a new partnership supporting hands-on environmental education in our community. Working with the Toledo School District, GTHH is sponsoring the relaunch of a teacher led and student conducted water quality testing program, helping to reintroduce a valuable science learning opportunity that had previously been discontinued due to funding constraints.

To equip this initiative, GTHH is partnering with EarthEcho International, an environmental education nonprofit founded by Philippe Cousteau Jr., whose mission is to build a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet.

GTHH will purchase and provide user-friendly water quality test kits to local students and teachers, creating hands-on opportunities for real-world STEM learning and environmental engagement.

🌍 Global Connections Through Local Learning

EarthEcho’s Water Challenge Program is designed to empower the next generation to become the water scientists, stewards, and advocates that will protect our planet. Through this program, local students and teachers will receive, in addition to the water quality test kits, curriculum support designed to build real-world STEM skills and allow the teachers and students to connect with others in the global community for beneficial learning and sharing.

💧 Data to Inform Future Pond Restoration

The student water quality testing will provide basic information about conditions in Wallace Pond, which will help to inform future cleanup, restoration, and stewardship planning for the site.

This initiative reflects GTHH’s broader mission to promote education and environmental stewardship through youth-centered, community-driven efforts. GTHH will support program coordination, volunteer engagement, and logistics to ensure a safe and impactful experience for students and educators alike.

Stay tuned as this program launches. This news release is approved by Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons (GTHH) and EarthEcho International.

Introducing the Steamboat Toledo Tribute — History & Original Ballad

October 2, 2025

We’re excited to unveil a new tribute page celebrating the Steamboat Toledo — our town’s namesake. It features an evolving historical narrative drawn from period newspapers, books, and archives, plus an original ballad by Lawrence F. Davidson.

This is living history: we’re actively researching the Toledo’s routes, crew, community ties, her 1878 launch and 1885 lengthening, and the events that shaped her story. As better sources surface, we’ll refine details. If you have photos, clippings, corrections, or memories to share, please reach out!

Update: We’ve also connected with a present‑day descendant of Joseph Kellogg. We hope to enrich the tribute with family knowledge and any surviving records that add clarity to the Toledo’s story.

You’ll also find links to the tribute throughout our site — here’s a quick link to jump in:

Read the Tribute →

Note: Because historical records can be incomplete or conflicting, some details may be updated as new sources are verified.

GTHH Launches Funding Campaign

Community-led nonprofit begins fundraising for its operations and first community project with board-backed startup support.

September 2025

We have launched our fundraising efforts for our first two projects. Initial startup costs were covered personally by our founding board, with a small individual recurring donation towards GTHH operations.

While our nonprofit does not pursue local fundraising so as not to compete with existing 501(c)(3)s, we are seeking grant support and broader philanthropic partnerships beyond the local area. No developers, corporations, or outside entities are funding this effort.

Projects Page Updated for Improved Clarity

August 31, 2025

Our website was offline for maintenance this morning while we refreshed our Projects Page to make it easier for the community and supporters to find clear information about what projects we currently have in process. The page now highlights our two active efforts:

• Organizational Startup & Capacity Building ~ building the foundation that allows Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons to operate effectively, meet compliance standards, and carry out community projects responsibly.
• South County Park (Wallace Pond) Campaign ~ a focused effort to secure the park through the county surplus property process and address urgent repairs so families can enjoy a safe, clean, and welcoming community landmark. Our details page for the South County Park has also been updated with the types of repair and maintentance that is anticipated.

Our other ideas and concepts have not been removed ~ they are now located on a dedicated Future Possibilities page, where they can be viewed separately. This change was made to improve clarity and avoid confusion, while keeping everything accessible to the public.

Lewis County News Highlights Wallace Pond Discussion

August 27, 2025

The Lewis County News recently covered the community discussion about the future of Wallace Pond, describing it as a “beloved but long-neglected community landmark” and noting Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons’ plan to restore it for local families. We appreciate the paper’s thoughtful coverage of this important conversation.

Community Vision Presentation — Now Available Online

August 15, 2025

Our narrated Community Vision Presentation is now available to watch on our website. In about 30 minutes, you’ll hear the story of our shared heritage, the vision for Toledo’s future, and the next steps Greater Toledo Heritage & Horizons is taking to move from planning to action.

Watch the Presentation →

GTHH Launches New Website to Share Vision and Projects

August 10, 2025

We’re proud to announce the official launch of the website for Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons (GTHH) at www.greatertoledoheritageandhorizons.org (also accessible via www.gthh.org).

This new platform highlights our mission to preserve Toledo’s historical character while building a vibrant future through community-led revitalization.

On the site, you’ll find:

• Detailed descriptions of current and future community development projects
• Opportunities to get involved or donate
• Updates on local engagement, planning efforts, and public presentations
• A gallery of concept images and renderings showing the future of Old Town, Wallace Pond, and more

We’re also launching our presence across major search engines, including Google and Bing, so that our story — and Toledo’s — reaches as many people as possible.

In the News: GTHH Featured in The Chronicle

August 9, 2025

Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons was recently featured in The Chronicle for its community presentation to the Toledo City Council, outlining the nonprofit’s mission and long-term vision for revitalizing the region through heritage preservation, recreation, and civic planning.

You can read the full article here:
The Chronicle: GTHH Unveils Long-Term Revitalization Project

The meeting marks an important step in establishing community awareness and building momentum for the nonprofit’s growing initiatives.

Now a Member of the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce

August 9, 2025

Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons is now an official member of the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce.

We’re excited to connect with local businesses, civic organizations, and partners to expand our visibility and strengthen support for heritage-based community development in the region.