Annual Meeting & Tobias-Zimmer Barn Addition Dedication at Wartinger Park
Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 at the Tobias-Zimmer Barn in Wartinger Park, 3080 Kemp Rd.
We have an exciting program planned for you at our Annual Meeting and Barn Addition Dedication.
The restroom addition to the barn is complete and will be dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30. Beavercreek City and Parks Department representatives will be on hand to host the dedication, which will include singing happy 100th birthday to Bob Zimmer, who donated the barn in 1996!
Immediately following the dedication, we’ll have a brief Annual Meeting and elections.
Then, back by popular demand, is our program showcasing the Historical Society’s third grade Living History Program, with the cabins open 6:00-7:00 and activities in the barn. Through a longstanding partnership with Beavercreek City Schools (including St. Luke) all Beavercreek third graders visit the park each Fall or Spring to experience what life was like in our community during the 1800’s. Over the years the program has served well over 16,000 students! Many thanks to members Amy Rohrback and Marsh DeWeese for operating this program!! And thanks to our many volunteers!
The cabins will be open for you to tour (first floor) and see where and what the students learn about during their trip to the park. Maybe you would like to become a volunteer and help us with the program! As a visitor to the park that evening, you can experience the techniques of candle making (make your own candle) and washing laundry as it was practiced in the past. These hands-on activities will provide a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and daily routines of earlier eras. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in history in a meaningful and interactive way.
The Summer 2024 edition of the Log by Log Newsletter is now available!
Click Here to view the latest Log by Log Newsletter
A great way to explore local history is to go through past issues of the Log by Log which is available here: Log by Log Archives
Summer 2024 Community Ice Cream Social at Wartinger Park
Tuesday, July 23, 5:00-7:00 p.m at the Tobias-Zimmer Barn in Wartinger Park at 3080 Kemp Rd.
The Beavercreek Historical Society (BHS) is sponsoring its annual community ice cream social on Tuesday, July 23, 5:00-7:00 at the Tobias-Zimmer Barn at Wartinger Park. The community is invited to come out and enjoy an evening in the park complete with ice cream and cookies. The historic cabins will be open for touring. This event is free and open to the public.
Wartinger Park was named and dedicated as “John H. Wartinger Park” in 1975, honoring a local teacher and community servant. In the years following, it eventually became the home of four early Beavercreek family historic cabins representing the first settlers in the area: Philip Harshman, Samuel Ankeney, John Nicodemus, and George Jarusiewic. The Tobias-Zimmer Barn (circa 1858) was added in 1996 to complete the collection. All buildings will be open for visitors during the event.
Limited special needs parking is available adjacent to the barn at 3080 Kemp Rd. (behind the fire station). Public parking is available at the Beavercreek Board of Education, 3040 Kemp Rd.
Note for BHS Members: A brief quarterly meeting will be held at 5:00 at the Tobias-Zimmer Barn, including the dedication of the installation of a new ADA-compliant picnic table donated in honor of Kenny Fancher.
Questions? contact us at [email protected]
The Spring 2024 edition of the Beavercreek Historical Society Newsletter, the Log by Log, is now available
Click here to view the latest Log by Log Newsletter
A great way to explore local history is to go through past issues of the Log by Log which is available here: Log by Log Archives
Historical Society April 2024 Quarterly Meeting and Program
Tuesday, April 23, 7:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, Fellowship Room
3530 Dayton-Xenia Rd.
Presentation: American Indian Impacts in Beavercreek Township Prior to 1800, presented by Dave Nolin.
Within the last 25 years there has been an increasing awareness that American Indians had a major influence on the landscape throughout much of North America, mainly by their use of fire. They wielded it like a paintbrush to create and maintain landscapes that provided them with food, safety, and easy traveling, and they had been doing it for thousands of years. Dave has been mapping public land survey records for the Dayton Region, and it is clear that Beavercreek Township was heavily managed by American Indians, a legacy that can still be seen today. These native cultures had been on the land for over 10,000 years, lasting until 1830 when all were forcibly removed from Ohio by the Indian Relocation Act. The winners write the history books, which often depicted them as “savages” and their cultures, practices, and connection with the land was lost. This presentation is intended to increase awareness of a history that lasted far longer than our recent one.
If you would like to see an interactive map of the public land survey records of the Dayton/Beavercreek region, click the link below. You can zoom in and out, turn layers off and on etc. If you click on the section lines, the mile-long lines around each square mile, it will return the actual comments made by survey teams around 1800. If you click on “more info” it will link to the actual survey record in the National Archives.
https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=a9850ab5d299424fbc21e3feb3986025
Dave Nolin grew up in Fairborn and attended Wright State University, receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology. He retired from Five Rivers MetroParks in 2015 after 30 years involvement in conservation and land acquisition work for the agency. Dave is a former president of Beaver Creek Wetlands Association and is the author of Discovery and Renewal on Huffman Prairie.
The Winter 2024 edition of the Beavercreek Historical Society Newsletter, the Log by Log, is now available
Click here to view the latest Log by Log Newsletter
A great way to explore local history is to go through past issues of the Log by Log which is available here: Log by Log Archives
Historical Society Quarterly Meeting and Program
Tuesday, January 23, 7:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, Fellowship Room
3530 Dayton-Xenia Rd.
Presentation: Beavercreek’s Secrets and Surprises in County Archives
The Greene County Records Center and Archives holds the records of long-term and historic value for Greene County offices—but what does that mean in practice for the community? Join the Beavercreek Historical Society and Greene County Archives public outreach coordinator Mary McKinley to hear about the mission and operations of the Archives, their plans for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, and the secrets and surprises their archives records hold for the Beavercreek community.
Mary McKinley is the Public Outreach Coordinator for the Greene County Records and Archives and is responsible for the Archive’s Volunteer and Educational Outreach programs. Mary attained a Bachelor’s degree in History and Classical Languages from the College of Wooster, and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. In addition to her academic credentials, she has worked in libraries and archives of many sizes and kinds throughout the years—including working in local history and genealogy at two Carnegie libraries!
This program is free and open to the public.
The Fall 2023 edition of the Beavercreek Historical Society Newsletter, the Log by Log, is now available
Click here to view the latest Log by Log Newsletter
A great way to explore local history is to go through past issues of the Log by Log which is available here: Log by Log Archives
Beavercreek Historical Society Annual Meeting and Program, Tuesday October 24, 2023
6:00pm-8:00pm at Wartinger Park, 3080 Kemp Rd. Beavercreek, Ohio
Program for this meeting:
Experience Early 1800s Life in Ohio
The Beavercreek Historical Society is pleased to present a mini version of its popular Living History Program depicting early 1800s life in Ohio.
The presentation will take place on Tuesday, October 24, 6:00-8:00 pm at Wartinger Park, 3080 Kemp Rd. The evening will start with a brief officer’s election for members at 6:00 pm in the historic 1858 Tobias-Zimmer Barn, immediately followed by the Living History Program presentation.
The four authentic log cabins in the park will be open to feature live demonstrations. Volunteers in period costume will engage visitors in early American daily activities such as butter churning, spinning sheep wool, making rag dolls, finger knitting, quilting, barn/gardening chores, and school lessons. Attendees can make the rounds to see the mini demonstrations that interest them most—or see them all!
The Beavercreek Historical Society created the Living History Program in the early 1990s as a way to share Beavercreek’s rich history with each new generation.
Since that time, it has served well over 15,000 Beavercreek third-grade students through a day-long interactive program, which also fulfills a state curriculum requirement for students to learn about Ohio’s history.
Join us for an enjoyable evening in the park! There is no charge for this event. Parking is available at the park at 3080 Kemp Rd. and at the Beavercreek Board of Education at 3040 Kemp Rd.
Donor Pledges $40,000 Match for Tobias-Zimmer Barn Project
The Beavercreek Historical Society recently hosted a celebration on Sunday July 23 at Wartinger Historical Park to rededicate the Tobias-Zimmer Barn to the Beavercreek community. The original 1858 barn was destroyed in the 2019 tornadoes and a historically accurate rebuild was completed in 2022.
Festivities included free ice cream and historical cabin tours, and an interesting presentation highlighting Beavercreek’s colorful history.
The event kicked off a fundraising campaign to add restrooms and a warming kitchen to the barn with the announcement of a $40,000 matching gift commitment from barn donor Bob Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer will match donations dollar-for dollar up to $40,000. For example, a $100 gift will be matched with a $100 gift, doubling the value of the original gift.
The addition of restrooms and a warming kitchen will increase the usability of the barn, making it a more attractive rental venue, with proceeds directly supporting the maintenance and operations of Wartinger Park. The restrooms will also be accessible to park visitors during park hours. The park currently does not have restrooms. The project will begin in August with the installation of the water/sewer line.
Donated to the park in 1996 by long-time Beavercreek residents Bob and Agnes Zimmer, the barn joined four early Beavercreek family historic cabins representing first settlers in the area: Philip Harshman, Samuel Ankeney, John Nicodemus, and George Jarusiewic. The Tobias-Zimmer Barn was added in 1996 to complete the representation of early life in Beavercreek.
The barn and cabins are open for touring during special park events, including the City’s annual Winter Welcome set for December 15.
The Tobias-Zimmer Barn serves as a site for community and private gatherings, as well as an educational interpretive center for the Society’s annual Living History Program which fulfills a state curriculum requirement by teaching local third-graders about Ohio life in the early1800s. Launched in 1993, the program has served over 15,500 Beavercreek school children.
Contributions to the Tobias-Zimmer Barn Fund can be made by check to Beavercreek Historical Society, 1368 Research Park Dr., Beavercreek, OH 45432, or by donating online at greenegiving.org. Please specify “Beavercreek Historical Society Tobias-Zimmer Barn.”
The Society is always looking for descendants of early Beavercreek settlers. Contact [email protected] for additional information.
Visit beavercreekohio.gov for barn rental information.
Volunteers Still Needed as of September 2023!
We’re looking for volunteers to fill open positions within the Historical Society. If you are looking for something fun to do that will immerse you in the wonderful history of Beavercreek that will connect you to a group of engaged citizens, we would love to discuss the following roles with you!
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Program Director and Special Events Coordinator – Vacant
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Historical Buildings Director – Vacant
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Publicity – Vacant
We appreciate member volunteers and rely on you to keep our Society active. If you are interested in any of these positions and/or volunteering in any capacity, please email [email protected] leave a message at 937-244-5958.
Read our most recent (Summer 2023) Historical Society Newsletter “Log by Log” or browse the entire archive of our newsletters!
Donation information
Donations to the Beavercreek Historical Society can be made via Greene Giving at https://greenegiving.ejoinme.org/donation
RECENT EVENTS:
Tobias-Zimmer Barn Complete History
YOU ARE INVITED!
Beavercreek Historical Society Quarterly Meeting and Program April 25th at 7:00pm
Peace Lutheran Church Peace Lutheran Church 3530 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek
Come take a Walk Down Beavercreek’s Memory Lane
Join us for stories of the people, places, and things that built the Beavercreek Community—from Civil War panic to Prohibitionary tales to The Liar’s Table!
This unique program will be presented by our new History Center Director Brett Williford. A near lifelong resident of the Miami Valley, Brett moved to Beavercreek in the late 1990s and it quickly became “home.” As a local Realtor® he grew to know and love our community, its people, and its history. During the market recession years of 2008-2014, he built an interactive tour of Beavercreek in his “ample spare time,” The Beavercreek Heritage Trail. Brett now proudly serves as director of the History Center for the Beavercreek Historical Society.
A reading of The Beavercreek Chronicles with his son led him on a path of discovery to dive deeper into the structures, remnants, and families that made our community what it is today! His passion for the area is fueled by the stories and legends that echo within our borders—from fertile Native American hunting grounds to a hub of the early industry to the modern STEM municipality we enjoy today—Beavercreek offers something for everyone!
This program is free and open to the public. Bring a friend and join us for a fun evening of tall tales and short stories!
BHS Receives $5,000 grant award from Ohio Humanities Council
The national Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress on March 27 was established to provide assistance to state, local, and tribal governments to help combat the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19. Funds appropriated included $75 million in emergency funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities, of which 40 percent was distributed to the 56 state and territorial humanities councils to support local economic relief efforts.
BHS was a recipient of this funding in the amount of $5,000 through the Ohio Humanities Council grant application program, and was one of 91 organizations in Ohio to receive an award. Funding will be used to help with History Center expenses, upkeep of the historical structures at Wartinger Historical Park, and the creation of a video version of the Living History Program.
About Ohio Humanities
Established in 1972, Ohio Humanities is a private nonprofit organization and the state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Ohio Humanities promotes the humanities in Ohio through collaborations with cultural and educational institutions.
BHS Receives $500 from the Ohio History Fund
BHS is the recipient of a $500 gift grant from the Ohio History Fund COVID-19 Emergency Grant from the Ohio History Connection. This temporary grant program helps history organizations address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (www.ohiohistory.org/covidgrant).
The BHS request was one of 38 organizations funded out of 127 applications, and received the maximum award amount of $500 allowed for an organization of our size. These funds will be used together with the Ohio Humanities grant to create a video version of the Living History program.
The Ohio History Fund grants were made possible thanks to the support of the Ohio History Connection Foundation, the Conestoga volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing community support for the OHC, and private donors.
About Ohio History Connection
The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. Chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office, and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio.
