January 28, 2026
Webinar: The Ray Brown Project
Ray Brown pitched for the legendary Homestead Grays of the Negro Leagues in the years before the integration of Major League Baseball. Born and raised in Alger, Ohio, the baseball star was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2006. Despite his achievements on the field, there is not a single mention of Brown in his hometown.
A multi-stage project in Alger now working to remedy this glaring omission, raising awareness for a locally forgotten legend, and creating a multi-use space that enhances the community.
During the Fall 2021 semester, Ohio Northern history professor David Strittmatter tasked a team of his students with drafting an initial application for an Ohio Historical Marker to Brown. The process required the students to make contact with Alger village administrator Paul Osborne, who envisioned the marker as a mere starting point for a wider redevelopment plan of Alger Village Park.
Today, the Ray Brown project is an ongoing collaboration of three entities: the Village of Alger, the ONU History Program, and Hardin County Historical Museums, Inc. This student-created website celebrates the successes of the project, describes the various components of this local history initiative, and identifies future plans for Ray Brown Memorial Park.
February 18, 2026
Revitalization Series Workshop: AI for Nonprofits and Speaking to Elected Officials
Delaware, OH
The morning session will be a hands-on introduction to the core concepts, tools, and strategies related to AI for Nonprofits. Designed specifically for nonprofit leaders, this workshop will show attendees how to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, strengthen engagement, and amplify the organization’s mission impact.
The second part of the training will feature an in-depth training on communicating with elected officials at both the local, county, and state levels. This session will be led by Main Street America’s Senior Director of Government Relations, Kelly Humrichouser. Participants will leave the training with an understanding of what is important to those office holders, how to communicate with them and how to craft your message specifically for elected officials.
April 13-15, 2026
2026 Main Street Now Conference
Tulsa, OK
Join peers from across the Main Street network and experts in commercial district stewardship for insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and incredible experiences in Tulsa.
