A non-profit organization for the preservation, and education of local Richland County and Ohio early history located in South Park in Mansfield, Ohio
Contact USA 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Open Weekends and Hours:
July 11th & 12th - 1pm to 3pm
July 25th & 26th - 1pm to 3pm
Aug 8th & 9th - 1pm to 3pm
Aug 22nd & 23rd - 1pm to 3pm
We can open the buildings to tour groups of 20 or more depending on availability of REACH volunteers or other scheduled events. We ask for a donation of $1.00 donation per person.
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. Come see reenactors, feel the thunder of artillery, witness firsthand Civil War medicine, talk with civilians in 1860's and take a stroll through the militarycamps.
We are located at:
100 Brinkerhoff Avenue
Mansfield, Ohio 44906
Email: Reachistory@gmail.com
Dates/Hours for 2026 Summer:
Jul 11th & 12th - 1pm to 3pm
Jul 25th & 26th - 1pm to 3pm
Aug 8th & 9th - 1pm to 3pm
Aug 22nd & 23rd - 1pm to 3pm