Library Archivist Gwendolyn Mayer Speaks on The Science, Art and Slugs of Hudson’s Alfred Pettingell at September Meeting

On September 11, Hudson Heritage Association begins its season of public programming when Gwendolyn Mayer, archivist of the Hudson Library & Historical Society, will share the fascinating and little-known story of Alfred Pettingell (1837-1914), affectionately known as “the Audubon of Hudson.”Pettingell was part of a close-knit circle of naturalists including Dr. Frank Hodge, Dr. Raymond Rush and Burt Sandford who were considered pioneers of their time – dedicated to the exploration, documentation and preservation of the natural world of Hudson, Ohio. Their passion for ecology earned them national recognition.

From fungi to feathers, the natural world has long served as a muse for artists across disciplines, according to Mayer. Her presentation will explore how science fuels artistic creativity and will also include the story of how Pettingell and his peers drew inspiration from their environment to help win World War I.

Mayer is a familiar face to many in Hudson and has been a member of the staff at the Hudson Library & Historical Society for 28 years. She currently serves as the Library’s archivist, overseeing a collection of newspapers, maps, manuscripts, papers, genealogy materials and artifacts dating back to Hudson’s founding in 1799. It is the only such collection focused on Hudson and is dedicated to educating the community about the town’s rich history through outreach, research and events. The Historical Society also maintains one of the nation’s largest research collections on abolitionist John Brown and the Brown family. Mayer grew up in Hiram and currently resided in Garrettsville. She attended Hiram College, Kent State University and the University of Pittsburgh.

HHA’s September 11 program, to be held at Barlow Community Center, begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.