Mentor to Host Revolutionary War Presentation on May 20

MENTOR, Ohio — The City of Mentor is set to host a special presentation offering a unique look into the daily lives of those who lived through the American Revolution. The free event will take place Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Springbrook Gardenhouse. Historian and collector Todd Brighton will lead the presentation, showcasing original artifacts from his extensive private collection to tell the personal stories of seven Patriot soldiers. The immersive exhibit will feature authentic military gear, original portraits, rare manuscripts and early Americana, including Native American trade silver, ceramics and pewter. The event holds a special local connection. Brighton's fourth-great-grandfather, Garrit Brass, served in the Revolutionary War from 1781 to 1783 with the Massachusetts Militia. In 1812, Brass moved his family to Mentor Township, establishing a farm along what is now Garfield Road. He is interred in the Mentor Municipal Cemetery. Brighton, a retired senior policy adviser with the U.S. Department of Justice, brings a wealth of knowledge to the subject. The event is sponsored by the City of Mentor, and light refreshments will be provided. Organizers note that due to the fragility of the artifacts and the nature of the content, the presentation is not suitable for young children. The Springbrook Gardenhouse is located at 6776 Heisley Road in Mentor. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.