5+ Questions with LAS Advisory Committee Member Jennifer Marco

The Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) has always been shaped by people who bring both a love of music and a genuine investment in community, creativity, and connection. Jennifer Marco is a wonderful example of that spirit. Since becoming involved with LAS, she has been a thoughtful presence behind the scenes—bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to support the series however she can.

Jennifer’s background spans both the technical and creative worlds. Professionally, she works in digital health and technology, while her earlier experiences in live music production at Riverbend Music Center gave her a firsthand appreciation for the work that goes into creating memorable concert experiences. Beyond her professional life, she has also dedicated time to fundraising, volunteer coordination, and community-focused events throughout Cincinnati.

In this week’s Q&A, Jennifer shares more about her experiences, her connection to live music, and what excites her most about being part of the LAS community.

What first drew you to get involved with Memorial Hall and LAS?

It was really a combination of community, music, and wanting to give back locally in a meaningful way. I have always felt enthusiastic about supporting and staying connected to the local arts scene. The more I learned about the organization and its mission, the more it genuinely felt like the perfect fit for me personally. As an avid supporter of music, I felt I could bring a unique perspective and fresh lens to the LAS committee.

I am currently a healthcare IT professional, but I also had a background working at Riverbend Music Center in production support many years ago, and that experience deepened my appreciation for live music and the impact it can have on people and communities. I value the opportunity to serve and contribute to Cincinnati’s cultural landscape while helping to create an experience that brings people together.

What LAS concert(s) have you attended? Which did you enjoy most and why?

I’ve attended Christian McBride, esperanza spalding, and, most recently, Madison Cunningham. I enjoyed esperanza’s show the most because it felt healing and immersive. I resonate with how she blends jazz, storytelling, and experimentation in a way that evokes deeper feelings. She took me on an unforgettable sonic journey!

What makes the Memorial Hall experience different from other venues in the city?

Memorial Hall offers a unique experience: an intimate concert with exceptional acoustics set within an architecturally and culturally rich historic gem that exudes its own charm.

As someone with a strong marketing lens, what do you think more people should know about LAS?

The series offers a trifecta experience: a beautifully curated evening showcasing Grammy-nominated and winning performers and bands, spotlighting local musicians at our pre-concert reception, and the opportunity to support the local restaurant community.

What album would you take to a desert island?

Thievery Corporation - “The Temple of I&I”

What song makes you want to dance?

Idris Muhammad - “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This (Chris Lorenzo, Walker & Royce Remix)”

Who is the most underrated musician, in your opinion?

Hiatus Kaiyote—their artistic vision deserves a much brighter spotlight than it currently receives.

Memorial Hall and Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47, Grand Army of the Republic

1909 Memorial Service at Memorial Hall: Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47, G.A.R.
On Sunday, December 26, 1909, the Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) held its annual memorial service at the newly completed Memorial Hall auditorium in Cincinnati. The preserved program from this event offers valuable insight into how Civil War veterans continued to honor their fallen comrades well into the 20th century.

The Grand Army of the Republic and Post 47
The G.A.R. was a national fraternal organization composed of Union veterans of the American Civil War. Founded in 1866, it played a significant role in shaping post-war public memory, advocating for veterans’ rights, and establishing Memorial Day as a national holiday. Posts were organized across the country by state departments. Post No. 47, based in Cincinnati, was one of several in the area and named in honor of General William Haines Lytle.

About General William H. Lytle
William Haines Lytle (1826–1863) was a Cincinnati-born lawyer, state legislator, and Union brigadier general. He was also a well-known poet, remembered especially for his work “Antony and Cleopatra.” Lytle died in battle at Chickamauga, and his funeral in Cincinnati became a city-wide event. Thousands gathered as his riderless horse, Fallaballaugh, led the procession—boots reversed in the stirrups, a time-honored military symbol of loss. He was laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery, and his legacy endures in Cincinnati landmarks like Lytle Park and Memorial Hall.

Memorial Hall and Its Purpose
Memorial Hall was constructed between 1908 and 1909 as a dedicated space to honor veterans of the Civil War and to host civic and commemorative events. Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 was among the organizations that regularly held meetings and ceremonies there.

Overview of the 1909 Program
The printed memorial program includes several key sections:

• Roll of Deceased Members — The front page lists members of Post 47 who died in 1909, along with their Civil War units, dates of death, and ages. These records are particularly useful for researchers and genealogists, offering details such as “Co. D, 28th O.V.I.” (Company D, 28th Ohio Volunteer Infantry).

• Order of Service — The memorial program included a structured sequence of musical and spoken elements, such as:

  • Patriotic hymns including “America”

  • Recitations including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”

  • Vocal and piano performances

  • A memorial address by Mr. Harley V. Speelman

  • Bugle taps by Mr. Jacob Hoos

  • Participation by students from the 27th District School

• Post Officers for 1909 — The program also lists the officers of Post 47, including:

  • Commander John Brinkman

  • Senior Vice Commander Fred Rullkoetter

  • Other officers such as the adjutant, chaplain, and quartermaster

The G.A.R. insignia—a five-pointed star with Union imagery—is featured prominently on the program. The piano used for the event was provided by the Wm. H. Lytle Post No. 47 , then located at 222–224 West Fourth Street in Cincinnati.

Historical Significance
This document provides a detailed example of how G.A.R. posts commemorated their members and maintained civic visibility. Organizations like Post 47 often participated in public observances, parades, and political events tied to Union veteran identity. Archival references also note that the Wm. H. Lytle Post had an active drum corps in the 1890s.

These materials are valuable for historians studying post-war veteran culture, public memory, and community organization in the early 20th century. They also serve as a resource for those researching family history or the activities of specific Civil War units.

—Kyle Fugate

Special thanks to Colonel Todd Mayer of John R. Little Post Inc. VFW No. 3186 for providing these historical images

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Linda Heldman Greenberg

Honorary Co-Chairs of the Longworth-Anderson Series: Linda Heldman Greenberg, Jerry Kathman, and Amy Goodwin

The Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) mourns the loss of Linda Heldman Greenberg, a cherished friend, passionate arts advocate, and foundational force behind the creation of our Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS). Linda passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of service, vision, and generosity that will long be remembered.

A native Cincinnatian raised in Bond Hill and a longtime resident of Hyde Park, Linda brought grace, warmth, and insight to every role she embraced—whether as a mother, grandmother, counselor, volunteer, or arts leader. After earning her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Wright State University, she worked as a behavioral specialist at Jewish Hospital, where she was known for her empathy and dedication to others. Her philanthropic impact reached across the city, supporting institutions such as Playhouse in the Park, the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.

In 2017, Linda joined the CMHS board of trustees, serving with distinction, including a term as vice president. But her involvement began well before then. Linda was instrumental in the founding and early growth of the LAS. Her deep love of music—especially Americana, folk, bluegrass, and country—made her a trusted voice in artist selection and series direction.

She also helped form the LAS’s essential support group, the “Founders of the Longworth-Anderson Series,” serving as one of its honorary co-chairs for eight seasons. Her leadership helped shape not only the music we present, but the community we’ve built.

“Memorial Hall, the CMHS, and the LAS all benefited greatly from Linda’s valuable advice, service, and generosity,” said Bill Baumann, Chair Emeritus of the CMHS and Chair of the LAS. “It was a distinct pleasure to work alongside her for the betterment of these organizations.”

Linda will be remembered not only for what she gave, but for how she gave it: with heart, elegance, and joy.

—Kyle Fugate