The Heritage Village Museum is located 20 miles from Cincinnati and depicts life in a small village in southwest Ohio during the 19th century. The eleven village buildings, that include houses, a medical office, train station and presbyterian church reflect the different architectural styles from the period.
The buildings in the Heritage Village Museum have been re-built on the site using the original materials as far as possible, and by researching the pattern books used by craftsmen at the time, and historical records relating to the properties.
The Kemper Log House is an example of 'frontier architecture', using the locally-available construction materials, and the Gatch Barn a typical example of Ohio barn architecture. Other houses include Vorhes House which is built in the Federal style. This style developed from Georgian architecture, and this can be seen in the proportion and symmetry of the facade. Hayner House, in the Greek Revival style, features four prominent columns. Its beautiful galleries are used to display exhibits from life in the 19th century, from quilts to the medical instruments used in the Langdon Medical Office.
The Elk Lick House has all the features of Gothic Revivalism including the bargeboarding, decorated chimneys, and pointed windows and arches. The Chesterpark Station is in the Italianate style.
The Village Museum provides a great setting for educational activities ad a backdrop for festivals and historic events. Year-round activities for children include the Heritage Camp, where children live for a week in the 19th century, the Haunted Village at Halloween, and a traditional Christmas celebration. Other events include Historic Fireside Dinners, and 'Frontier' and Civil War Encampments.
