Welcome to the Stroede
The Stroede Center for the Arts is home to the Defiance Community Cultural Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, communication, and historic preservation in Defiance. It is also home to Defiance Community Television, the local public access station and DCCC partner in advocacy for the arts.
The Stroede Center has become an important hub for community arts and cultural events. In addition to the DCCC Performance Series, the venue hosts the Young People's Theatre Guild, Fort Defiance Players, Andrew L. Tuttle Memorial Museum, music recitals, and other special events.
History of the Stroede Center for the Arts
The Stroede Center for the Arts was originally the First Baptist Church. This congregation was organized in 1846 and began construction of the Romanesque style building in 1894. Then Governor William McKinley was present at its cornerstone laying. In 1980, the Baptist congregation vacated the building for a new location, and the building was then occupied by several other congregations. In 2007, the building was donated to the newly formed Defiance Community Cultural Council organized by the late Dr. Richard Stroede. The structure became a cultural center and the home for the local public access television channel.
After being nominated by Historic Homes of Defiance in 2010, Dr. Stroede was awarded the title of "Preservation Hero" by Heritage Ohio. This award focused interest on the Arts & Media Center (former name of the building) since it had been saved from possible demolition through Stroede's efforts. In 2011, the building was renamed in his honor.
Dr. Stroede
Richard W. Stroede, Ph.D. (1939-2010) was an educator, a cultural arts visionary and musician, whose influence on the cultural heritage of the Defiance community is still alive and well today. Stroede arrived in Defiance in 1964 as associate professor of music at the Defiance College. During his 40 year career at the college, he chaired the FORUM series that featured concerts by André Previn, and Ferrante and Teicher; created the Schomburg Series, a college-community series centered on the performing arts; and founded and conducted the Defiance College Community Band.
His vision for the cultural arts for the community resulted in the incorporation of the Defiance Community Cultural Council (DCCC). Stroede’s vision also resulted in the restoration and conversion of the former First Baptist Church to the Arts and Media Center now known as the Stroede Center for the Arts. During his tenure as the first executive director of the DCCC, Stroede created several music series including "Music in Your Parks" which is still active today.
Dr. Stroede was inducted to the Defiance City Hall of Fame in 2021.
Defiance Community Cultural Council
Defiance Community Cultural Council (DCCC) provides opportunities for Defiance area citizens to come together, to see, to listen, to talk, to share the rich traditions of their cultures, and to welcome and embrace the diversity of all people. As a result, Defiance will become a more vibrant community with a sense of historical identity, cultural awareness and receptivity, a respect for historic preservation, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Defiance Community Cultural Council is proud to be supported by the Ohio Arts Council.
DCCC Board of Trustees
Laurie McCann ~ President; Bob Morton ~ Vice President; Ben Schrock ~ Treasurer; Sara Dempsey; Drew Shindler, Steve Corbitt, Kelly Grube, Norm Wasson.
Meet The Stroede Team
Jeff Tackett —Executive Director/CEO
Sarah Tackett —Executive Director/CEO
Dalys Tice —Office and Events Manager
Josh Busch—DCTV Director of Operations
We are here to help. Please contact us if you need assistance or additional information. 419-784-3401