As part of Washington County America 250 celebrations, Ohio House Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-Marietta, will present a four-part series about the founding of the nation.

The first presentation was held Thursday at the Celebration Center, where Ritter talked about the origins of American government, British America, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“It’s a deeper look at the classical influences on the American founders and their effort to found a new nation,” said Ritter. “The presentations will be around 60-75 minutes with time for questions at the end.”

The first presentation focused on multiple individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence and the hardships they faced.

One example was Abraham Clark, a member of the Continental Congress who signed the document that separated America from British control, and the downfall of his two sons as a result.

“Clark had two sons that were officers and both were captured by the British and sent to a prison ship,” said Ritter. “Two weeks before the end of the Revolution, the British got a message to Clark that if he came out against the Revolution in favor of King Geroge, they would release his sons.”

Ritter said Clark told the British no and his two sons died on the prison ship.

“I always think of that story when people ask me why history is important,” he said. “It’s amazing what people gave up.”

Ritter said Clark was one of many individuals he would be speaking on during the presentation series.

The upcoming presentations would include spoken history on the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance and the Constitution.

Ritter said he has spent decades studying, teaching and sharing history at various colleges including Washington State College of Ohio, Marietta College and the University of Michigan.

“I’ve presented for about 25 years at the college level,” he said. “My Ph.D. was in European history, and I’ve done various ancient history and government-related talks.”

Ritter – who is running for reelection this fall against Democrat Wenda Sheard – said this wasn’t a political event but rather a celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The presentations are free to the public at 7 p.m. at the Celebration Center, 822 Front St., Marietta.

Series dates include:

* June 25 – Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights

* July 2 – Nullification, Northwest Ordinance, Federalist Era

* July 9 – Jeffersonian Republic, Language of the Early Republic

A full list of upcoming Washington County America 250 events can be found online at mariettaohio.org/america-250/ and www.facebook.com/America250WashingtonCounty/.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com