'Life Through Their Lens' to spotlight story of narrative photo book produced by Amish community

Ohio University will host a special event to spotlight the creation of a first-of-its-kind photo narrative book, “Life Through Their Lens: a Photo Collection by Amish and Mennonite Communities, Volume 1,” on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Amish community religious leaders, as well as the photographer, editor and author of the book, will discuss the development of the project and offer a Q&A session about Amish life.

The book was developed with the community to combat the negative stereotypes and false beliefs generated by dozens of reality television shows, books and other media. Historically, the Amish and Mennonite communities have not had a voice in how their communities are portrayed and have been exploited through photographs and videos.

“Imagine a project that would allow a community of people to have a voice in describing who they are, and the very weapon that has been used against them—the camera—can be used now as a window into their world, through their eyes, told by their images and stories,” said Melissa Thomas, an assistant professor of family medicine in Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine who is the author and project director of the book.

Thomas, her research colleagues, and dozens of Amish and Mennonite community members spent more than four years working together to ensure the community had the tools they needed to share their voice and tell their story through their own words and images. One hundred percent of the book proceeds will fund health programs for Amish and Mennonite women.

Thomas has worked on addressing health disparities through community-engaged research and outreach models for over 20 years, with a specific emphasis on rural and Appalachia Ohio. She has led numerous studies aimed at reducing the burden of cancer through culturally proficient health education programs.

Panelists joining Thomas include Jake Beachy and David Kline, church bishops in Holmes County, home of the world’s largest Amish settlement; Talitha Tarro, photographer; and Margie Hiermer, Editor.

The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Ohio University’s Baker Center Ballroom. Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis will offer welcoming remarks.

The event is sponsored by the Research Division and Center for Campus & Community Engagement at Ohio University, as well as the Center for Appalachia Research in Cancer Education (CARE), publisher of the book.

For more information, contact CER@ohio.edu.