By 1812Blockhouse
From a 214-year-old log house in Hamilton to Canton’s imposing McKinley Memorial, you can explore fascinating places that reflect Ohio’s rich heritage—some opening especially for Ohio Open Doors events or offering behind-the-scenes looks that aren”t ordinarily available. All Ohio Open Doors events are free.
The Ohio History Connection created Ohio Open Doors in 2016 to promote and inspire pride in Ohio’s heritage and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.
This year’s edition of the statewide event has shifted because of the pandemic to emphasize virtual tours and outdoor events. Visitors to Ohio Open Doors can gain access to view inside glimpses into many of the Buckeye State’s rich collection of historic sites.
Richland County and its surrounding counties are well represented. Included among the offerings include the following:
Oak Hill Cottage Video Tour — Oak Hill Cottage, Mansfield — The Richland County Historical Society in Mansfield has provided docent-led tours of c.1847 Oak Hill Cottage since it was opened to the public in 1984. Our delayed 2020 season, now under way, is supplemented with this 18 minute, room to room narrated tour.
Renaissance Theatre 3D Tour — Renaissance Theatre, Mansfield — The historic Renaissance Theatre, first opened in 1928, will begin showing a 3D Virtual Tour of its building on September 11 during Ohio Open Doors. This tour will give you an insider look at the front of the “house” and the back, and even tell you a ghost story or two.
The Historic Ohio Theatre – Loudonville Opera House — Ohio Theatre, Loudonville — Over a century of applause echoes through the walls of this beautiful, historic theatre in downtown Loudonville. The historic Loudonville Opera House was built as the municipal hall, fire station and opera house in 1909. It continues to house the village offices, council chamber, and police department as well as the 400 seat theatre which became known as The Ohio Theatre in 1931. Beginning September 11th as part of the Ohio Open Doors Event, we will be sharing a virtual tour of this historic gem which continues to provide movies, live shows, concerts, educational programming and more to the Mohican area and beyond. The virtual tour will even take you behind the scenes and share some fun stories about the history of The Ohio Theatre.
Virtual Tour of the Gill House — Gill House, Galion — Join us for a virtual visit to The Gill House, a landmark restoration project in north central Ohio. Learn about a remarkable history and remarkable architecture.
Brownella Cottage Virtual Field Trip/Tour — Brownella Cottage, Galion — Filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown, Director Tanesha Pickering hosts a virtual “field trip” of Brownella Cottage for all ages. Brownella Cottage was built in 1887 and still holds the furniture and belongings of Bishop Brown and his wife Ella. Step back in time to the High Victorian Era in this series that features a room a day!
Each of these tours, as well as others from across Ohio, is available on the official Ohio Open Doors website.
Photo: Chris Light at English Wikipedia
