Richland Early American Center For History

A non-profit organization for the preservation, and education of local Richland County and Ohio early history located in South Park in Mansfield, Ohio

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Our 18th Century Village

A small settlement village and center for the preservation of and education in early American life and history. Located within South Park, 100 Brinkerhoff Ave., Mansfield, Ohio

Petersburg Cabin

A pre-civil war made of hand hewed logs. The cabin is dated early 1800’s (around 1808) and it was originally located on a knoll opposite Petersburg Lake, and it was later relocated to the town of Mifflin. Ohio.

On October 30, 2016, REACH members broke ground for the reconstruction of the 26’ wide x 20’ deep log cabin at South Park.  Construction began in the spring of 2017 and the cabin was completed in spring of 2020 by REACH members and volunteers.

Mansfield Blockhouse

The blockhouse built in 1812 and is one of two that were originally located in Central Park in Mansfield, Ohio. It was built to provide protection from possible Indian attack during the War of 1812. From 1813 to 1816 it functioned as Richland County's first courthouse. This building is a commemorative structure built in the fall of 1906 for the 1908 Mansfield Centennial Exhibition.

Hawks Nest Forge & Cooperage

This early 1800’s period blacksmith and woodworking shop was completed in September 2021 in time to showcase at American Heritage Days on October 3,2021.

When you step inside the Blacksmith shop one of the first things you notice is the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of an1800’s Smithy.  Inside the shop, relics from the past tell the story of how the shop adapted to local needs. The forge built for the shop is a replica of a forge that was once a working forge in the area. Great care was taken to recreate the forge along with skill and craftsmanship.

Our Events

By hosting events and making the buildings open to the general public, we will preserve, demonstrate, and showcase what life might have been like during the late 18th and early 19th century in this area.

Spring Open House in connection with RichHistory Weekend
May 3rd & May 4th, 2025
10am to 4pm

The Richland Early American Center for History invites you to tour the 1812 Blockhouse, the 1808 Petersburg Cabin, and the Hawks Nest Forge & Cooperage. Take a step back in time and explore early American cabin life, venture into the blockhouse where early pioneers gathered for protection and discover the “golden age” of American blacksmithing and woodworking

Civil War Living History Days at South Park
June 14th & 15th, 2025
10am to 4pm

The Civil War comes to life at South Park! Visitors can meet authentically clad and equipped military and civilian reenactors who will discuss the everyday lives of Civil War soldiers, and the roles civilians played in supporting them.


Re-enactors can register here

https://forms.gle/1ipYwv4NgbysoL359

American Heritage Days at South Park
October 4th & 5th, 2025
10am to 4pm

The Richland Early American Center for History invites you to discover life in early America during the 18th and 19th Century from living historical reenactors. This is a juried event.

Re-enactors can register here

https://forms.gle/o9aVksPdPga7SxBC9


Contact Us

We are located at:
100 Brinkerhoff Avenue
Mansfield, Ohio 44906
Email: Reachistory@gmail.com

Dates/Hours for 2025 Summer:
Jun 28th & 29th - 1pm to 3pm
July 12th & 13th - 1pm to 3pm
July 26th & 27th - 1pm to 3pm
Aug 09th & 10th - 1pm to 3pm
Aug 23rd & 24th - 1pm to 3pm

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