Mike Martini glows like an old tube radio when he talks about his 2013 project: Reviving the Greater Cincinnati Broadcast Hall of Fame.
“It’s been 20 years! It’s time to do it,” says Martini, Media Heritage archives president and WMKV-FM (89.3) producer/host.
Mike Martini wants to revive the Greater Cincinnati Broadcast Hall of Fame. He wants to make modest 8-by-10 plaques to be displayed in the Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting on Tylersville Road in West Chester. Photo taken by Tony Jones.
Ruth Lyons, Bob Braun, Red Barber, Powel Crosley Jr., Ernie Waits and “Uncle Al” and Wanda Lewis were among the 37 people inducted in 1990-93.
But you’d never know it. No plaques hang anywhere. And nobody has been added since the Cincinnati Historical Society abandoned the Hall of Fame ceremony 20 years ago.
Martini needs $10,000 to resume the program and preserve the past. He wants to make modest 8-by-10 plaques to be displayed in the Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting on Tylersville Road, West Chester Township.
By the end of the year, he wants to induct a new class of Cincinnati’s best broadcasters from the recent and distant past. Perhaps Gary Burbank, Jerry Thomas, Bonnie Lou, Peter Grant, Robin Wood, Rich King, Don Herman, Bob Trumpy or Joe Nuxhall?
His event won’t be as elaborate as the Historical Society’s 1990 black-tie gala or the 1992 ceremony with “Howdy Doody” star Buffalo Bob Smith or the 1993 concert by Braun, Marian Spelman, Ruby Wright, Bonnie Lou, Colleen Sharp, Mary Ellen Tanner, Nancy James and the Cliff Lash Trio.
“I understand they lost lots of money, which is why they didn’t do it in 1994,” Martini says.
Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the non-profit organization, or volunteering, should write Martini at Media Heritage Hall of Fame Fund, Voice of America Museum, 8070 Tylersville Road, West Chester Township, 45069. See more about Media Heritage at www.historyofbroadcasting.com. For a list of the 37 Greater Cincinnati Broadcast Hall of Fame members, go to my blog at www.cincinnati.com/blogs/tv. See the gallery by searching keyword: FAME.
To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.
However, due to a busy holiday season, the Buzz decided to recap some of the bigger stories in the month of December as many of us prepare for 2013.
MetroParks announces new motor vehicle permit plan – MetroParks motor vehicle permit hang tags will again be available free to all Butler County residents. According to a release from the park system, MetroParks of Butler County will be issuing hang tags that are valid for two years versus the current one-year tag due to suggestions from park customers for increased convenience.
Voice of America Museum Board gets key go ahead – The “last piece” to make West Chester Township’s Voice of America Bethany Relay Station a museum may finally be in place. During its Dec. 4 meeting, township trustees unanimously agreed to enter a five-year lease with the Board of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, which will put the museum’s board in charge of maintaining the landmark and will allow them to raise funds as a non-profit corporation.
Township approves ‘No Parking Zones’ near local schools – The West Chester Board of Trustees approved last week the establishment of “No Parking Zones” near several of the community’s schools on Dec. 4. The schools affected by the new “No Parking Zones” are Hopewell Junior and Hopewell Elementary, as well as Endeavor Elementary and Adena Elementary.
John Boehner of West Chester became the 61st Speaker of the House Jan. 5, 2011. In December of 2012, Boehner found himself on the hot seat. Photo taken by Michael E. Keating.
Wish List: West Chester mom wants to hear books- Dorothy Jones of West Chester is a mother of three who lost her vision in 2001 following an operation to reduce pressure on her brain. This was life-altering for Dorothy, her husband and children, who were infants and toddlers at the time, Leigh Taylor reported last month.
Enquirer poll: Should John Boehner keep his job?- House Speaker John Boehner of West Chester was on the hot seat in December from those worried that he will give in to President Barack Obama’s demands for higher tax rates in their negotiations to reduce the deficit.
On this birthday, a special number is the one-two know – John Johnston shared the story of Jack Greenlee of West Chester Township, who turned 12 on 12/12/12. Twelve-year-old birthday boys and girls everywhere have extra reason to whoop it up last week. After all, the calendar won’t show this kind of confluence of numbers again until Jan. 1, 2101, or 01/01/01.
West Chester parks to accept trees for recycling in Jan. – There will be two areas in West Chester where the community can recycle their Christmas trees this January, the Township announced in December. Those recycling areas will be located at Keehner Park and Beckett Park. Christmas trees will be accepted at both locations through the end of January.
Lakota West grad John Conner signed by Cincinnati Bengals – When Chris Pressley suffered a season-ending knee injury on Thursday night, the Bengals did not have to look far to find someone to come in. The team signed West Chester native and former Jet John Conner to a two-year deal after a morning workout on Dec. 15 involving three players. Conner moves into Pressley’s roster spot after the Bengals placed him on injured reserve. Pressley suffered the injury during the first quarter of the 34-13 win over the Eagles.
Lakota community dealing with questions after elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn. – Many schools across the nation opened their doors on Dec. 17 after a weekend where parents, students, teachers and other school staff questioned what could be done to prevent a school shooting like the one that took the lives of 20 children and six adults in Newtown, Conn., on Friday, Dec. 14.
Coney Island, the way it was in 1965, is being built at West Chester’s EnterTRAINment Junction. The replica is expected to be finished in the spring of 2013 and could cost more than $100,000 to finish. Currently, the exhibit already features the Shooting Star roller coaster, which is almost 40 feet long. Photo by Adam Kiefaber Dec. 18, 2012.
Coney Island being built in West Chester- Replica of the Cincinnati amusement park in 1965 to be completed in spring of 2013 at West Chester’s EnterTRAINment Junction. The new Coney Island exhibit, which is expected to open this spring, is expected to cost more than $100,000 to build.
Two families who refuse to let tragedy divide them – In March, Lakota West student Zeke Stepaniak was killed in an automobile accident when he turned in front of James Moore, who was heading home from work. Within a few days of the accident, James had reached out to Zeke’s parents and Zeke’s grandmother had reached out to James. Story written by The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Krista Ramsey.
Butler County deputy delivers baby on Christmas Eve – Sheila McLaughlin reported Dave Runnells’ full-time job is as a Butler County sheriff’s deputy running the graveyard shift. His part-time job is deputy chief of the Madison Township Fire Department, where he’s also an EMT. That’s why Runnells didn’t hesitate to deliver a baby in the back seat of a couple’s car in Trenton early on Christmas Eve.
Lady Liberty battle continues – Kyle Garth isn’t giving up his fight to put a costumed Lady Liberty on Tylersville Road to wave customers into his Liberty Tax Service, Sheila McLaughlin reports. After losing a decision in Ohio’s 12th District Court of Appeals, Garth is taking the case to the state’s highest court in a legal battle that’s already cost township taxpayers $60,000 in legal fees, according to records obtained by The Enquirer.
Pipe bomb explosion still rings in West Chester - Five years ago, Robby Moser couldn’t sound taps on his trumpet at his best friend’s funeral. On Jan. 2, Moser will have a chance to perform in memory of his best friend when the now-Yale graduate student leads a concert at Center Pointe Christian Church in Liberty Township to benefit the Daniel Ferraro Memorial Fund.
The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting will once again be open for tours this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The West Chester landmark has opened on the third Saturday of each month since July, so the public can have the opportunity to learn about the history of Voice of America.
Since the building, the Bethany Relay Station, was built in 1944 until 1994, it delivered U.S. news in a total of 52 different languages throughout the world and was originally created under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. to combat Germany and Japan shortwave transmitters, which shared anti-American propaganda to the world.
“Locally we want people to understand the history that has been made in West Chester and all the history of broadcasting that has been developed here in Greater Cincinnati,” VOA board chairman Ken Rieser said in a recent interview with WestChesterBuzz.com.
“There is also a certain draw to the people behind the Iron Curtain, the people in China and places where there have been problems understanding and knowing what the truth was. This place is a draw for them. They just want to see it.”
To see it for yourself, donations of $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12 are suggested.
Clyde Haehnle, who is also on the board of directors, provides a tour of VOA Museum. He was a project engineer at the Voice of America Bethany Relay Station and was involved with the project when it was built in 1944 under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. Photo taken by Tony Jones.
In the near future, the museum’s board is planning to begin fundraising so it can turn the old Bethany Relay Station into a revenue-generating museum. According to Rieser, it will take roughly $12 million to convert it into the museum his board wants it to be.
As of right now, it consists of exhibits featuring the old relay station; Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History; the Gray History of Wireless Museum; and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.
In addition to Saturday’s tour, the museum is looking for volunteers and docents, and is planing a Work Day to help clean the interior of the museum on Saturday, Jan. 12.
Adults and high school students are urged to participate. Teens, who need community service hours, will receive a letter from the museum board after completion of their cleaning chores.
“We’ve had a lot of exterior improvements to the museum over the past couple of years, and our inside housekeeping has suffered from outdoor foot traffic,” Rieser said. “We’ll have a list of specific cleaning projects we want to accomplish by Jan. 12, but are looking for people with good attitudes who can dust, clean display cases, move boxes and materials and help clean floors.”
To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.
Voice of America Museum Board gets key go ahead – The “last piece” to make West Chester Township’s Voice of America Bethany Relay Station a museum may finally be in place. During its Tuesday night meeting, township trustees unanimously agreed to enter a five-year lease with the Board of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, which will put the museum’s board in charge of maintaining the landmark and will allow them to raise funds as a non-profit corporation.
Contest: Design the official 2013 Shamrock Shuffle t-shirt – For the first time in the history of the Shamrock Shuffle, the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty is hosting a t-shirt design contest for annual event that attracts approximately 4,000 runners every March. The Shamrock Shuffle, which is now in its seventh year, raised around $10,000 for approximately 50 local charities or causes this spring.
Township approves ‘No Parking Zones’ near local schools – The West Chester Board of Trustees approved last week the establishment of “No Parking Zones” near several of the community’s schools on Tuesday. The schools affected by the new “No Parking Zones” are Hopewell Junior and Hopewell Elementary, as well as Endeavor Elementary and Adena Elementary.
Lakota East’s Spark magazine wins Pacemaker award – Spark Magazine announced last week that it won its 10th national Pacemaker award at the National Scholastic Press Association/Journalism Education Association Fall National Convention in San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 15-18. The magazine has been run by students at Lakota East High School for the past 21 years.
Representing Endeavor at the Nov. 12 awards presentation for its SOAR Award in Columbus were Endeavor Principal Joanna Sears and Assistant Principal Gail Allshouse; Lakota Assistant Superintendent Robb Vogelmann; and Lakota School Board member Julie Shaffer. Photo provided.
Endeavor recognized with SOAR Award – WestChestBuzz.com shared last week that Endeavor Elementary was honored recently by receiving the 2012 SOAR Award for High Progress in the school category. The annual award acknowledges Ohio schools and districts participating in SOAR, Battelle for Kids’ school improvement collaborative, for their academic progress in multiple grade levels and subjects in the 2011-2012 school year.
Wish List: West Chester mom wants to hear books – Dorothy Jones of West Chester is a mother of three who lost her vision in 2001 following an operation to reduce pressure on her brain. This was life-altering for Dorothy, her husband and children, who were infants and toddlers at the time, Leigh Taylor reported last week.
Tri-County Heating and Cooling sponsoring local coat drive – West Chester’s Tri-County Heating and Cooling is sponsoring the Spread the Warmth campaign to benefit Reach Out Lakota. The company is collecting new and gently-used coats and winter accessories for Reach Out Lakota from through Dec. 15. The company will donate $20 for each coat collected and $10 for each hat, scarf and pair of gloves collected, up to a maximum of $2,000.
Tara Schafer-Kalkhoff, Lakota West’s first and only head coach for girls soccer, recently announced her retirement.
Lakota West announces coaching changes- The Lakota West athletic department recently announced a few coaching changes. Tara Schafer-Kalkhoff, Lakota West’s first and only head coach for girls soccer, announced her retirement, while current fall coaches added spring coaching gigs.
MetroParks announces new motor vehicle permit plan – MetroParks motor vehicle permit hang tags will again be available free to all Butler County residents beginning Dec. 15. MetroParks began giving free permits to county residents after narrowly passing a levy in November of 2010.
Ex-Butler auditor Kay Rogers wants out of prison – Sheila McLaughlin of The Cincinnati Enquirer reported last Tuesday that a federal judge refused to let former Butler County Auditor Mary “Kay” Rogers out of prison early. Rogers, who is serving a two-year sentence for wire and mail fraud, asked Monday to serve the remaining five months of her sentence on home incarceration.
For collector of razors, thrill is the hunt – Reporter Rachel Richardson wrote a feature story on West Chester resident Jerry Rosenthal’s unique collection of 600 safety razors (photos below). Rosenthal told Richardson that he likes to think of himself of a treasure-hunter.
The “last piece” to make West Chester Township’s Voice of America Bethany Relay Station a museum may finally be in place.
During its Tuesday night meeting, township trustees unanimously agreed to enter a five-year lease with the Board of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, which will put the museum’s board in charge of maintaining the landmark and will allow them to raise funds as a non-profit corporation.
While the board of trustees approved the lease, it still requires approval from the Secretary of the United States Department of Interior. Township administrator Judith Boyko said she doesn’t expect an objection from the U.S. government.
“It is the last piece to put us in position to actual begin the museum’s development,” VOA board chairman Ken Rieser said.
“Bethany Station is truly a national treasure, it is West Chester’s good fortune that it is here. I have no doubt that it will bring national and international fame to West Chester.”
Since the township acquired the property in 1998, it has undergone numerous restoration projects that were finally completed in the summer of 2012.
Clyde Haehnle, who is also on the board of directors, provides a tour of VOA Museum. He was a project engineer at the Voice of America Bethany Relay Station and was involved with the project when it was built in 1944 under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. Photo taken by Tony Jones.
Through those improvements and utilities payments, the township has spent around $1.68 million from its own budget on the building since 2004. Additionally, according to the museum’s board, $1.5 million from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission has been used to repair the structure built in 1944.
Since its inception to 1994, the Bethany Relay Station delivered U.S. news in a total of 52 different languages throughout the world. It was originally created under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. to combat Germany and Japan shortwave transmitters, which shared anti-American propaganda to the world.
“Locally we want people to understand the history that has been made in West Chester and all the history of broadcasting that has been developed here in Greater Cincinnati,” Rieser said.
“There is also a certain draw to the people behind the Iron Curtain, the people in China and places where there have been problems understanding and knowing what the truth was. This place is a draw for them. They just want to see it.”
For any person to see it the way the VOA Museum board wants it to be presented, approximately $12 million will need to be raised to make it a revenue-generating landmark.
Its first large contribution could come from the township itself. In January of 2013, the trustees are expected to vote on a financial contribution schedule. Amounts could change, but the contributions, if approved, will descend from $85,000 in the first year, to $75,000 in years two and three and to $50,000 in years of four and five.
“It is important to all of the board that this facility be able become an independent unit,” said West Chester Trustee President Catherine Stoker, who has been trustee since 1994.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to bring West Chester before the world.
“We have had people come over, for example, from Ukraine, who specially came to West Chester to see that building because during the Cold War they would secretly listen to Voice of America so they could find out what was going on. They were just in tears when they played some old broadcasts for them. It was just a wonderful experience.”
If and when the fundraising is completed, it is expected to attract 25,000 visitors, bring in $475,000 in out of area direct spending and provide an overall economic impact in excess of $1.7 million annually, according to estimates by museum design firm Jack Rouse Associates.
Currently, the unfinished museum off Tylersville Road has been open from 1 to 4 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month since July of 2012.
As of right now, it consists of exhibits featuring the old relay station; Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History; the Gray History of Wireless Museum; and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.
With the recent completion of some significant construction work, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting re-opened for tours in July and will provide another opportunity for the public to tour the West Chester landmark this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.
The recent renovations included installation of a new roof and block maintenance on the rear of the building. West Chester Township will be reimbursed for the work through a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission.
As well as the recent grant, the township also received a $1 million grant in 2008 to repair the exterior facade, windows and entry doors, as well as some electrical.
Clyde Haehnle, who is also on the board of directors, provides a tour of VOA Museum. He was a project engineer at the Voice of America Bethany Relay Station and was involved with the project when it was built in 1944 under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. Photo taken by Tony Jones.
During the 2008 restoration, the township had to pay an additional $731,653. Overall, West Chester has spent around $1.68 million from its own budget on utilities and improvements since 2004.
With construction completed, it will soon be up to the VOA Museum board to raise approximately $12 million to make it a revenue-generating landmark.
If and when the fundraising is completed, it is expected to attract 25,000 visitors, bring in $475,000 in out of area direct spending and provide an overall economic impact in excess of $1.7 million annually, according to estimates by museum design firm Jack Rouse Associates.
The National VOA Museum of Broadcasting consists of exhibits featuring the Voice of America at the VOA-Bethany station; Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History; the Gray History of Wireless Museum; and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.
To help lead future tours, board members of the facility have implemented a docent program for volunteers to learn about the museum. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Dave Snyder at DavidSnyde@aol.com.
The public tours of VOA are expected to continue on the third Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. Donations of $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12 are suggested.
With the recent completion of some significant construction work, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting re-opened for tours in July and will provide another opportunity for the public to tour the West Chester landmark this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.
The recent renovations included installation of a new roof and block maintenance on the rear of the building. West Chester Township will be reimbursed for the work through a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission.
As well as the recent grant, the township also received a $1 million grant in 2008 to repair the exterior facade, windows and entry doors, as well as some electrical.
Clyde Haehnle, who is also on the board of directors, provides a tour of VOA Museum. He was a project engineer at the Voice of America Bethany Relay Station and was involved with the project when it was built in 1944 under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. Photo taken by Tony Jones.
During the 2008 restoration, the township had to pay an additional $731,653. Overall, West Chester has spent around $1.68 million from its own budget on utilities and improvements since 2004.
With construction completed, it will soon be up to the VOA Museum board to raise approximately $12 million to make it a revenue-generating landmark.
If and when the fundraising is completed, it is expected to attract 25,000 visitors, bring in $475,000 in out of area direct spending and provide an overall economic impact in excess of $1.7 million annually, according to estimates by museum design firm Jack Rouse Associates.
The National VOA Museum of Broadcasting consists of exhibits featuring the Voice of America at the VOA-Bethany station; Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History; the Gray History of Wireless Museum; and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.
To help lead future tours, board members of the facility have implemented a docent program for volunteers to learn about the museum. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Dave Snyder at DavidSnyde@aol.com.
The public tours of VOA are expected to continue on the third Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. Donations of $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12 are suggested.
It will not be just an eventful weekend in Greater Cincinnati, but also in West Chester and Liberty Township. From touring the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting to attending the seventh annual Safety Fair at Bridgewater Falls there is plenty to do close to home.
Friday
Lakota West senior linebacker Mike Kelly leads his team onto the field for a game against Anderson this September. Photo taken by Mark Ferland of ferlandfotos.smugmug.com.
Get a free scoop of Graeter’s ice cream- Graeter’s is giving away a single scoop of Elena’s blueberry pie ice cream in a sugar cone to its customers Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. The free ice cream giveaway is the kickoff to Cones for the Cure, a partnership between Graeter’s and The Cure Starts Now Foundation to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Friday night lights – Both Lakota East and Lakota West will enter conference play this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Lakota West will be hosting Greater Miami Conference rival Mason, while Lakota East will be on the road at GMC foe Oak Hills. For previews and results, visit WestChesterBuzz.com’s sports page.
Saturday
Farmer’s market continues- The weekly West Chester farmers’ market will take place this Saturday and every consecutive Saturday through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Square at Union Centre. The farmers’ market features all local vendors with produce and meats grown and raised locally and products made by hand.
After two years of being shutdown to the public, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester opened its doors to the public for a few weekend tours in late 2011. After renovations were completed in July, the museum is now planning to be open on the third Saturday of every month for the time being. Photo by Tony Jones.
Safety Fair at Bridgewater Falls- Helicopter landings, a fire safety house for children and a robot used by the bomb squad are just a few of the attractions offered at this Saturday’s Safety Fair at the Bridgewater Falls shopping complex in Fairfield Township. For the seventh year this is a free event for the community, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tour the National VOA Museum – With the recent completion of some significant construction work, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting re-opened for tours in July and will provide another opportunity for the public to tour the West Chester landmark this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Those unfamiliar with the museum will be surprised to learn how much history is in West Chester.
Zeke Stepaniak Memorial Fund Kickball Tournament – The first annual Zeke Stepaniak Memorial Fund Kickball Tournament will kick off this weekend, Sept. 15-16, and continue next weekend, Sept. 22-23, at Lakota West High School. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Zeke Stepaniak Memorial Fund, created to honor the Lakota West student, who died after being involved in a fatal car wreck March 16.
Community Foundation’s Key Event – The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty will be hosting their 19th annual Key Event this Saturday. The event is the Community Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. This unique event draws more than 600 people and raises more than $140,000.
With the recent completion of some significant construction work, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting re-opened for tours in July and will provide another opportunity for the public to tour the West Chester landmark this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.
The recent renovations included installation of a new roof and block maintenance on the rear of the building. West Chester Township will be reimbursed for the work through a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission.
As well as the recent grant, the township also received a $1 million grant in 2008 to repair the exterior facade, windows and entry doors, as well as some electrical.
Clyde Haehnle, who is also on the board of directors, provides a tour of VOA Museum. He was a project engineer at the Voice of America Bethany Relay Station and was involved with the project when it was built in 1944 under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. Photo taken by Tony Jones.
During the 2008 restoration, the township had to pay an additional $731,653. Overall, West Chester has spent around $1.68 million from its own budget on utilities and improvements since 2004.
With construction completed, it will soon be up to the VOA Museum board to raise approximately $12 million to make it a revenue-generating landmark.
If and when the fundraising is completed, it is expected to attract 25,000 visitors, bring in $475,000 in out of area direct spending and provide an overall economic impact in excess of $1.7 million annually, according to estimates by museum design firm Jack Rouse Associates.
The National VOA Museum of Broadcasting consists of exhibits featuring the Voice of America at the VOA-Bethany station; Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History; the Gray History of Wireless Museum; and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.
To help lead future tours, board members of the facility have implemented a docent program for volunteers to learn about the museum. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Dave Snyder at DavidSnyde@aol.com.
The public tours of VOA are expected to continue on the third Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. Donations of $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12 are suggested.
With the recent completion of some significant construction work, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting reopened for tours last month and will continue provide another opportunity for the public to tour the West Chester landmark this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Unique to the tours this Saturday will be the visit from longtime radio announcer Don Herman, who is celebrating his 51st year in Cincinnati this month.
Don Herman at WCKY. Photo provided.
Herman started in radio in 1947, at a station in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he was a staff announcer and disc jockey. He came to WCKY in Cincinnati in 1961 as a news host and announcer. While with WCKY, Herman covered the Hoffa Cincinnati teamsters debate, the Kennedy assassination and the 1974 tornadoes.
When the station switched call letters and formats in 1994 to Oldies WSAI, Herman enjoyed the unique status of having worked on the same AM frequency—1530—for 37 years. That frequency later switched back to WCKY and is now a sports station.
The public tours of VOA are expected to take place on the third Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. Donations of $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12 are suggested.
The museum’s board chairman Ken Rieser said the group hopes to kick off its fundraising efforts this year in order to make the historical venue a revenue-generating landmark for years to come.
If and when the fundraising is completed, early estimates show that it needs to raise approximately $12 million, the museum is expected to attract 25,000 visitors, bring in $475,000 in out of area direct spending and provide an overall economic impact in excess of $1.7 million annually, according to estimates by museum design firm Jack Rouse Associates.
The National VOA Museum of Broadcasting consists of exhibits featuring the Voice of America at the VOA-Bethany station; Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History; the Gray History of Wireless Museum; and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.
