ZOAR – Historic Zoar Village will be the site of a lively debate this Saturday when three famous inventors duke it out over who harnessed the better electric current. 

Billed as the “War of the Currents,” this electrifying three-way debate will feature George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla. Westinghouse will be portrayed by first-person interpreter Chris Hart, with Tom Foti and Adam Wilgus portraying Edison and Tesla, respectively. Hart is a local actor who brings numerous historical and literary characters to life through his storytelling. Tom Foti is a retired pharmacist and was named Zoar's 2018 Volunteer of the Year. Wilgus is a Magistrate at the Tuscarawas Juvenile and Probate Court. Officer James Dressui of the Canton City Police Department will referee the debate.

The event will take place from 11 am to noon in the Zoar United Church of Christ at 142 5th Street in Zoar. The presentation is part of Historic Zoar Village’s free Speaker Series which takes place the first Saturday of the month from April through December. 

About Historic Zoar Village 

Historic Zoar Village was founded by German Separatists in 1817 and thrived as a communal settlement for more than 80 years. Today, the village is home to approximately 75 families living in homes built from 1817 to present. Zoar’s historical district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark District. Dozens of village structures have been painstakingly preserved through the collaborative efforts of the Zoar Community Association and the Ohio History Connection.