About Us

 ORVILLE (Ohio River Valley Innovation Library and Learning Enrichment), a volunteer-led project of the Kenton County Public Library, seeks to:

• Discover, digitize and disseminate historic resources relating to innovation in the Ohio River Valley basin/watershed. For
  this project, innovation includes but is not limited to: agricultural; artistic & architectural; banking, business & economic; cultural; ecological & environmental; educational; engineering; ethnic/immigration; gender studies; healthcare;
  manufacturing & technology; music & media; planning; political; religious; scientific; sociological; sports & recreation; transportation; and other forms of innovation.
• Support the efforts of educators, the general public, scholars, and students to document the history of innovation in the Ohio River Valley region, and to disseminate their research to the public via the ORVILLE website, publications, documentaries, and other virtual and face-to-face opportunities;
• Cooperate with other like-minded agencies and organizations dedicated to the Ohio River Valley.

ORVILLE PROJECTS INCLUDE: 

The ORVILLE learning website is a clearinghouse for resources about the Ohio River watershed. Let us know if you would like us to add your organization’s links.

• Digitization: Scanning and digitizing photos, illustrations, media, booklets/ephemera, books, and collections important to the telling of the story of innovation in the Ohio River watershed. Photograph donations may be made on this site. 

• Research and Scholarship:

3-volume series entitled, Innovation Gateway: The Ohio River Valley and the Making of America. We’re seeking chapter authors.

• Education, K-12: Proposed lesson plans, tied to state standards, relating to a range of innovation topics in the Ohio River watershed. We’re seeking teachers and proposals.

For additional information regarding this project please contact Paul Tenkotte, Professor of History and Gender Studies Northern Kentucky University.