Historians Prevent Journal From Becoming History From: University of Cincinnati Currents Date: February 11, 2000 By: Marianne Kunnen-Jones A Cincinnati historical chronicle that originated in 1943 won't itself become a thing of the past, thanks to two UC historians who have volunteered to serve as its editors. The financially troubled Queen City Heritage, published by Cincinnati Museum Center, will find new life under a new title and two new editors: Wayne K. Durrill, associate professor of history, and Christopher W. Phillips, assistant professor of history. The Cincinnati Museum Center, home of the Cincinnati Historical Society Library and the Cincinnati History Museum, had come to the conclusion it could no longer afford the $80,000 cost of publishing the magazine four times a year, because the publication was bringing in only $20,000 in revenue, said Ruby Rogers, director of community history at Cincinnati Museum Center. UC history professor emeritus Zane Miller was instrumental in approaching Durrill and Phillips about coming to the periodical's rescue and the duo agreed. Their journal will take on a wider focus and title: Ohio Valley History. But Cincinnati will remain its central focus, with at least one article per issue dedicated to Cincinnati, Phillips said. The first issue under the new editors is expected to appear in June 2000, while the newly titled journal will appear in winter 2000, Phillips said. Initially, Cincinnati Museum Center has committed to publishing two issues per year. "It was essential to find guest editors so Cincinnati Museum Center can continue to publish and distribute a journal dedicated to history," said Rogers. "We are very pleased to collaborate with the University of Cincinnati because it enables us to produce a high-quality, significant publication with an expanded, regional focus." According to Phillips, the new editors would like to add new features to the journal, including book and movie reviews. "We're also looking to take the journal into a more academic realm without losing its popular appeal," he said. The museum center and UC's history department also work together to offer an annual series called the Seminar on the City, which meets monthly from September to May for lectures and discussion. Subscriptions to Ohio Valley History are $27 a year. The publication is also included in membership at the history museum ($40 for an individual plus one and $50 for a family). For information, call 513-287-7000.