Firelands is a community, not a city. At the time of the Revolutionary War, nine towns in Connecticut were burned down by the British soldiers, and the residents of those areas sought restitution from the Connecticut legislature. In 1792, 500,000 of their most western acres were set aside for these citizens who had been affected by the fires. This area was referred to as theFire Suffers’ Lands, which was shortened to the “Fire-Lands” and later to the “Firelands.” In 1803 this area became part of a new state called Ohio. Permanent settlement of the area began about 1808, but most of the settlement did not occur until after the War of 1812.

The Firelands Local School District was founded in 1952 by combining schools which were already established in Birmingham (which had previously merged with Florence Township), Brownhelm, Camden, Henrietta, and in 1988 merged with South Amherst.

The Firelands Local School District covers approximately 90+ square miles of this historic area. Communities served by this district are in Amherst, Amherst Township, Birmingham, Brownhelm Township, Camden Township, Florence Township, Henrietta Township, Kipton Village, New Russia Township, South Amherst Village, Vermilion, and Vermilion Township. Firelands Local School District will be serving more than 1750 students in the 2023-2024 school year.

Twenty years ago the Firelands Athletic Hall of Fame inducted their last class. The newly formed Firelands Hall of Fame is to honor Firelands High School alumni, or founding members of our district, who have gone on to significant success in life as well as other individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Firelands Local Schools or founding districts. By being inducted into the Firelands Hall of Fame, honorees will forever be recognized as representing our best.

The committee is excited to emphasize that this hall of fame is all encompassing. We are looking at honoring achievements in all aspects of life, but are not limited to areas such as the arts, business, education, entertainment, government, health, humanities, literature, medical, military service, politics, and science in which community members feel that someone has demonstrated excellence.

Applications will be accepted for the 2023-2024 induction class through November 1st, thereafter, applications will be accepted through October 1st of each year, notification to the nominees will be made by December 1st. The 2023-2024 FHOF Induction Class will be held on April 14th at Germans Villa in Vermilion. Tickets for the event are open to everyone. Please see the Firelands Hall of Fame Facebook account or email [email protected] for ticket information.

More information regarding The Firelands Hall of Fame Charter and Application can be located on the website as well as on the Firelands Hall of Fame FaceBook Page. You can also scan the QR code below. The application is digital and all applications and any questions need to be submitted to [email protected].

The Firelands Hall of Fame Committee is also looking at creating an endowment that would fund the recognition of the inductees and future scholarships to current graduating students who exhibit exceptional leadership skills. If you would be interested in donating to this effort, or donating the committee itself, please contact the committee treasurer, Will Schlechter through the same hall of fame email.

Firelands Hall of Fame
2023-2024 Committee Members
• Chair: Lori Kneisel
• Board of Education Student Achievement Liaison/Secretary:Ellen Gundersen
• Firelands High School Principal:Cathy Keener
• Firelands High School Athletic Director: Ty Stillman
• Treasurer: Will Schlechter
• Community Members: Laurie Beran, Tony Caldwell, Joe Gentile, Lynn Schmitz, Bill Wasem, Marty Whitney