Gist Settlement Legacy

08/25/2026

What a special moment for Gist Settlement Legacy❤️

One of our very own board members, Taylor Turner, had the honor of accepting a Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame Award on behalf of her grandfather, Paul Turner, the man who fought so hard to save and preserve Gist Settlement.

Taylor and her family traveled all the way from California, joining local family and friends to celebrate Paul receiving this well-deserved recognition.

We are incredibly grateful to the Highland County Historical Society for honoring Paul and his legacy. One of the most meaningful parts of the day was hearing so many people share their own stories about Paul and the impact he had on them and their families. It was a beautiful reminder of just how many lives he touched.

We will continue doing everything in our power to preserve Gist Settlement, protect its legacy, and share its remarkable history with the world.

Congratulations, Paul❤️

08/05/2026

Did you know there are approximately 145 people buried in the Gist Settlement Cemetery?

Each grave represents a family, a story, and a connection to the history of Gist Settlement. We’ve also identified at least 17 veterans buried there, whose service and sacrifice continue to be honored.

Preserving this cemetery means preserving the stories of the people who helped build this community.

07/31/2026

Ladies and gentlemen, Paul Edward Turner’s story begins in 1931 in New Vienna, but his life’s work would become inseparably tied to a place just a few miles away — the historic Gist Settlement in Penn Township.

07/31/2026

We are honored to share that Paul Turner, founder of Gist Settlement Rollins Turner Legacy, will be posthumously inducted into the Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame.

Paul dedicated his life to preserving the history of Gist Settlement, protecting the land of his ancestors, and ensuring that future generations would know their story. His unwavering commitment laid the foundation for the work our organization continues today.

We invite our friends, family, descendants, and supporters to join us as we celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

📅 Sunday, August 16, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM EST
📍 First Presbyterian Church
201 E. Main Street
Hillsboro, OH 45133

A reception will follow at Highland House.

If you’d like to learn more about Paul’s incredible impact on Gist Settlement and the legacy he left behind, we’ve included a link to an article below.

Thank you to the Highland County Historical Society for honoring a man whose dedication ensured that the history of Gist Settlement would never be forgotten. ❤️

https://highlandcountypress.com/opinions-steve-roush/highland-county-historical-society-hall-fame-inductee-paul-turner-life-devoted?fbclid=IwdGRjcATZqUlwZG9mBWZkaWQWULmwazdfZypt0Eopvg7MUSvY4NwCw2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5rky1m__kOdYteX50eHAeo56TaY_7ZTAs49Oqr-5hBjKv-zcsMrPL-RPsmLA_aem_pfxkF4RaMCEo_U8Ziux5nQ .tab=0

Ladies and gentlemen, Paul Edward Turner’s story begins in 1931 in New Vienna, but his life’s work would become inseparably tied to a place just a few miles away — the historic Gist Settlement in Penn Township.

07/29/2026

🎬 Part 2 is now live!

The story continues.

If you watched Part 1 of this interview with The Mika Wilkerson Show , you won’t want to miss the next chapter of this conversation with Paige Green and Charles Green as they dive deeper into the history, challenges, and ongoing mission of Gist Settlement Legacy.

🎥 Watch Part 2 here:
🔗 https://youtu.be/vupCHy9Pc4k?is=QuWh8i_4TF_YshkA

After you’ve watched, let us know what stood out to you most!

Honoring a Promise: The Fight to Preserve the Gist Settlement Legac...

07/24/2026

Looking for your next great read?

We’re proud to spotlight The Unknown American Exodus: A Walk of Hope and Despair to Freedom, written by one of our very own Gist Settlement Legacy board members.

This book explores the remarkable journey of the formerly enslaved people who were freed through Samuel Gist’s will and their migration to Ohio in search of freedom, opportunity, and a new beginning.

Whether you’re a descendant, a history enthusiast, or simply interested in learning more about Gist Settlement, this book is a valuable resource.

Order your copy on Amazon today:
🔗 https://a.co/d/00YNnzLK

Have you already read it? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Imagine this. A teenage boy comes from England to be an indentured servant in the late 1730s. He works for a wealthy store and plantation owner. About ten years later this boy marries the owner's widow, and eventually becomes one of the wealthiest landowners in all of Virginia. He returns to his ...

07/22/2026

The wait is over! Part 1 premieres tonight.

After watching Sunday’s teaser, it’s time to hear the full story.

Join us tonight on YouTube at 8:00 PM EDT for the premiere of Part 1 of our exclusive interview featuring Paige and Charles Green as they share the remarkable history of Gist Settlement and the mission to preserve its legacy for future generations.

🎥 Watch the premiere here: https://youtu.be/WUQIY2R-wQg?is=aTGfYzahW5WeeN30

Please like, comment, and share the video to help us introduce more people to the incredible legacy of Gist Settlement. Every view and every share helps ensure this history is never forgotten. ❤️

Honoring a Promise: The Fight to Preserve the Gist Settlement Legac...

07/19/2026

Today we’re excited to share a sneak peek of an upcoming interview featuring our board members, Paige and Charles Green, as they tell the story of Gist Settlement and the work being done to preserve its history for future generations.

🎬 Watch the teaser below, then mark your calendar for Tuesday’s premiere of part 1 of this interview.

https://youtu.be/wVT0ITp9xWA?is=fkfQiyP8ddQz46sm

This is a teaser clip of The Gist Settlement Legacy interview with ...

07/09/2026

Looking for a way to support Gist Settlement Legacy? You can now make a secure donation directly through our website!

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue our mission to preserve the history of Gist Settlement.

If you’d like to make a donation, simply visit our website:

https://www.gistsettlementlegacy.com/donate

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us preserve the legacy of Gist Settlement. Together, we’re honoring the past while building for the future.

Gist Settlement Legacy is dedicated to preserving the history, land, and legacy of one of Ohio’s earliest freed slave communities. Your donation helps support restoration projects, historical preservation, educational initiatives, reunions, and ongoing efforts to protect this important piece of hi...

07/03/2026

Another incredible presentation on the history of Gist Settlement, led by our dedicated board member, Paige Green!

Thank you to the Clinton County History Center for welcoming us and providing the opportunity to share this important story with the community. We were thrilled to see a full house with standing room only, a testament to the growing interest in the history and legacy of Gist Settlement.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the full presentation on YouTube. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch it and let us know what you think or what you learned in the comments!

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission of preserving the past and educating the future. ❤️

https://youtu.be/5922B82R1wE?is=Vjz5QrapA1O4IkuC