William Tecumseh Sherman assured his place in history books by conquering Atlanta and marching to the sea. Former slave Sojourner Truth became an early and passionate abolitionist.

        Sarah Emma Edmonds enlisted in the Union Army disguised as a man — Pvt. Franklin Thompson. She fought in battles, served as a male nurse and ultimately as a Union spy.

        Meet them all (and Generals George Armstrong Custer and Ulysses S. Grant) tonight through Sunday at Heritage Village in Sharonville.

        Heritage Village is hosting Ohio Chautauqua 2001 and its themed living history portrayals of Buckeyes in the Civil War. It's the first time the Chautauqua comes to Southwest Ohio and a major metropolitan area.

        Chautauquas — educational and recreational assemblies — were hugely popular in the 19th century. They were reborn in the Great Plains states starting in the mid-'70s to strong response. Ohio Humanities Council debuted its first summer Chautauqua tour in 1999.

        “We wanted to reach more people in different ways,” says Fran Tiburzio, who oversees the reborn Chautauquas for the council. “It brings out whole families. I think it's because it's not just an event you attend but an experience you have.”

        A huge red-and-white striped tent is the time machine that transports audiences into the past for nightly hour-long living history programs.

        Tonight through Saturday, concerts start at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. performance. A scholar/actor performs in character for 30 minutes, takes questions in character for 30 minutes then takes questions as himself.

        • Tonight: Lonesome Nights Bluegrass Band and George Armstrong Custer.

        • Friday: Lagniappe and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.

        • Saturday: House of God Ensemble Choir and Sojourner Truth.

        Sunday has two programs: Lexington Vintage Dance Society performs at 3 p.m., followed by Emma Edmonds. Cincinnati Brass Band performs at 6 p.m., followed by William Tecumseh Sherman.

        Sunday also will feature special children's activities from the Civil War era.

        If local audiences respond to Ohio Chautauqua 2001, the council hopes to return in 2002 with living history portrayals themed to the Ohio frontier.

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