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Media contacts: Kim Schuette: 614.297.2314 or kschuette@ohiohistory.org
For Immediate Release
Ohio Historical Society to Conduct Public Meeting Nov. 9
Regarding Future Management of Zoar Village
(COLUMBUS, OHIO)-The Ohio Historical Society will conduct a public meeting on Monday, Nov. 9 to solicit input concerning the future management of the Zoar Village State Memorial by the Zoar Community Association. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at the Zoar Community Association/Zoar Schoolhouse, 221 E Foltz St., in Zoar.
Representatives from the Ohio Historical Society and the Zoar Community Association will be on hand to discuss the future management of the site and answer questions. For more information about the meeting, contact George Kane, the Society's director of historic sites and facilities, at 614.297.2441 or at gkane@ohiohistory.org.
Zoar Village was founded by the German religious dissenters called the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1817 as a communal society. The fortunes of the village were aided by the digging of the Ohio-Erie Canal in the early 1820s. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, cooper, wagon maker, two iron foundries and several stores. Although Zoar became economically prosperous by the second half of the 19th century, the members' commitment to the society's original goals began to deteriorate under the influence of the outside world. In 1898, the remaining members decided to dissolve the society and the Zoarites divided the property among themselves. It was the end to communal living at Zoar.
Today, the Ohio Historical Society administers Zoar Village for the state of Ohio. Ten restored buildings, including the Number One House, Kitchen/Magazine Complex, Garden House, Bakery, Tinshop, Dairy, Wagon Shop, Blacksmith Shop and Zoar Store are furnished with items made or used by the Separatists. Many of the buildings are staffed with costumed interpreters.
Zoar Village is one of 58 historic sites and museums operated by the Ohio Historical Society, a private, nonprofit organization that serves as the state's partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio's history, archaeology, historic architecture and natural history.
The Zoar Community Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to preserve the historical character and heritage of the village of Zoar while promoting the economic vitality of the Zoar area. The Zoar Community Association and the Ohio Historical Society have collaborated for many years to stage events and to ensure the preservation of the village.
Zoar Village is located 2.5 miles east of I-77 (exit 93) on State Route 212. It is between New Philadelphia and Canton in Tuscarawas County. Visit www.ohiohistory.com/zoar for more information.
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