Dr. Janet Ebert of Urbana was named one of Ohio’s Outstanding Women in American History during last month’s Ohio Society Daughters of the American Revolution State Conference. The award recognizes her extensive work and research in the field of history.
“Since early childhood I have been fascinated by history,” Ebert told the Daily Citizen. “Both my mother and my stepfather encouraged my love of history by taking me to historic places and by challenging me to learn and evaluate my responses to learning about historic events.
“I enjoy researching family and local history, as well as reading biographies and descriptions of historic events. I love sharing what I have learned with students and in speeches on various topics,” she said.
“I was thrilled and surprised to receive this OSDAR recognition for my work in the field of history. I am grateful to Urbana Chapter for the nomination.”
Ebert’s current projects include a portrayal of “Unsinkable Molly Brown” (Ebert says she always was called Margaret, never Molly) and contributions of writing and photos for the Bexley Historical Society, Family Directory/with history, Bexley Class of 1953 Memory Book, and Heritage Project of local cemeteries and monuments.
Noting that a number of students attended the April ceremony, many to receive awards for history essays, Ebert said she encouraged them to continue their interest in history.
“Ask your parents about your family history, find the history of the house or community in which you live, find out about an interesting building or person. Pursue your historic interests,” she advised.
It was noted at the OSDAR conference that Ebert’s interest in history led her to write articles for Reader’s Digest and write historical commentaries, biographical works and other works, including submissions to the Daily Citizen.
Her musical accomplishments also were noted, how she studied, played and taught piano, flute, piccolo, violin and cello.
The presenter stated:
“Her enthusiasm for music spills over into her commitment of serving her community, her professional organizations and her church. Via lectures, workshops, productions, clinics, social gatherings, story-telling programs and by holding various offices, Dr. Ebert has shared her mastery of words and music.”
A member of the Urbana Chapter, Ebert joined the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in 1976. Her chapter duties have included being director of the 1976 Children’s Choir, historian, vice regent and regent. She has been the Women’s Issues Committee State Chair, a district vice chair for the American History Committee, and the National Defense Committee State Chair. She belongs to the State Officers Club, has performed at many Ohio Society State Conferences, in Constitutional Hall and at Ohio Teas at Continental Congress. She has served as a senior president for the Children of the American Revolution.
