A Living History Museum
Heritage Village Museum is a living history museum depicting life in Southwestern Ohio through-out the 19th Century. Homes, out-buildings and equipment on the museum grounds were moved here from other locations in the region to be preserved and aid in telling the story of our recent past. Interpreters at the museum provide the facts and stories that bring the Village to life with nostalgic glances of days gone by.
During special events at the Village interpreters demonstrate some of the historic tasks and crafts of the 19th century such as spinning, weaving, candle-dipping, soap making, hearth cooking, carpentry work, herb lore, gardening, printing, trade and bartering, and communication.
Plan a Visit
Open to the public for admission Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00- 5:00, and Sunday 1:00- 5:00 May through September. Guided tours and special events are offered so be sure to check out the website to learn more.
October through April the open hours are Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for self-guided tours.
Heritage Village Museum & Educational Center is owned and operated by Historic Southwest Ohio, Inc. a non-profit 501c (3) organization that features nearly a dozen historic buildings.
The buildings are actual historic buildings from the 1800’s that were saved from demolition and moved to Heritage Village Museum or are replicas of historic buildings. They are from various locations around Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
From a simple log home to high Victorian architecture and even a train station, the village provides a serene and peaceful place (located inside Sharon Woods Park) to explore what life was like in the 19th century.
Heritage Village is dedicated not just to preserving these buildings, but to sharing the stories of the people who lived here. They bring to life the history of our region and the people who settled it, connecting visitors with their heritage. They serve thousands of school children and visitors every year with programs, tours and events that engage the imagination and enrich their understanding of the past.
A Shared History with Cincinnati Preservation
On May 5, 1964 Miami Purchase Association held their first meeting as a non-profit organization. This began a concerted effort to identify, document, acquire and renovate some of the finest homes and buildings in Cincinnati and the surrounding area. Buildings were bought, repaired and sold with the agreement that the outside would not be altered. Some of the buildings of historical value were made into House Museums including the John Hauck House on Dayton Street’s “Millionaire’s Rowe in 19th century Cincinnati.
In 1968, the Hamilton County Park District agreed to lease 14 acres of land in Sharon Woods to provide space for historically significant buildings that were destined for destruction. In 1972, the first of 12 historic 19th century buildings was brought into what would become Heritage Village Museum.
In 1984 the Miami Purchase Association board recommended that a separate organization be formed to operate Heritage Village Museum, and as a result, Historic Southwest Ohio, Inc. was formed.
The Miami Purchase Association was renamed Cincinnati Preservation Association in 1992 as it’s mission and goals broadened.
Now known as Cincinnati Preservation, the organization is thrilled to be back at the John Hauck House as their homebase. As the region’s go-to resource for preservation advocacy and education, Cincinnati Preservation is grateful for the journey, accomplishments and shared history over the past 60 years!