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Arts and Cultural Heritage Trail Guides

Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area is blessed with a rich cultural tapestry influenced by the various ethnic groups that settled the region, by its Appalachian culture, and by its large number of talented and creative residents. Traditional and contemporary arts thrive in the region through our museums, performing arts organizations, and individual artists. The experience of “place” is truly enhanced by getting to know the region’s cultural heritage. We invite you to visit when you can attend a music or visual arts festival; see one of our museums or interpretive centers; observe an individual artist at work in his or her studio; or participate in a creative endeavor. Every county has a variety of special places to experience the arts and culture of Ohio’s Hill Country. A sampling of these places is listed here. Ohio’s Hill Country’s natural heritage can be enjoyed in every county. Some of the highlights follow:

Resources to Explore:

Appalachian Gateway Center
Established in 1999, the Appalachian Gateway Center celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Appalachians through its programs of exhibits, presentations, special events, productions and art studio areas. The Center offers Artisan Studio Tours which give visitors an opportunity to see artisans in their “home” environments. Southern State Community College Fincastle, Ohio www.applachiangateway.org [ back to top ]

Bob Evans Farm Festival
Enjoy a weekend “Down on the Farm” at the Bob Evans Farm Festival. Held at the historic homestead of Bob and Jewell Evans (founders of the Bob Evans Restaurants), the festival features Bluegrass music, square dancing tractors, farm demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides and over 150 traditional craftspeople demonstrating their craft. It is held the second weekend of October, while other festivals and events are held throughout the summer. The Craft Barn is open year round. (800) 994-FARM Bob Evans Homestead Rio Grand, Ohio www.bobevans.com [ back to top ]

Carroll County Commission for Advancement of the Arts and History
Located in the renovated historic Rutan-McCully Feed Mill in Carrollton, this facility is home to over 60 artists. Special classes, artists’ shows, concerts and a holiday tour of homes are all sponsored by this non-profit organization. Monday & Wednesday 1:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M., Friday 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. and Saturday 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. . (330) 627-3739 204 West Main Street Carrollton, Ohio [ back to top ]

Circleville Pumpkin Show
Held in October on the streets of historic downtown Circleville, this is one of Ohio’s most popular festivals and one of its oldest at nearly 100 years. Parades, entertainment, arts and crafts and an almost unbelievable array of “pumpkin foods” are offered to celebrate the fall harvest season. Downtown Circleville, Ohio www.pumkinshow.com [ back to top ]

Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center
A nationally-recognized arts center that promotes the arts, crafts and cultural heritage of Southeastern Ohio has been created in a historic Diary Barn adjacent to the campus of Ohio University. Its best-known event is the biennial Quilt National, which has become a premier event in the art quilt world, attracting over 1,500 submissions for the juried show. Once it debuts at the Dairy Barn, Quilt National tours nationally for several years. Another well-known event is Bead National, which showcases innovative uses and techniques of beaded artwork. The center is wheelchair accessible and there is a fine gift shop. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. and Thursday until 8:00 P.M. (740) 592-4981 Dairy Lane Athens, Ohio 45701 www.dairybarn.org [ back to top ]

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
Housed in one of Ohio’s finest Greek Revival homes, this museum celebrates the rich tradition of Ohio decorative arts, while also offering classes, lectures, changing exhibitions, and historic architectural tours. While visiting, plan to spend some time walking around the well-preserved Lancaster Historic District and visiting the Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman Museum next door. Tuesday – Sunday 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M., group tours by advance arrangements. (740) 681-1423 124 East Main Street Lancaster, Ohio www.decartsohio.org [ back to top ]

Foothills School of American Craft
Located on the historic square in Nelsonville, the Foothills School of American Craft celebrates the work of local artists and artisans, provides a wide variety of classes to those interested in trying their own hand at creativity, and offers scheduled tours to artists’ studios. A storefront gallery and gift shop feature pottery, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, stained and blown glass objects among other media. The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. (740) 753-4189 25 Public Square Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 www.foothillsartworks.com [ back to top ]

Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp
If you are a rock music fan, the owner of this venture will be familiar to you. Jorma Kaukonen was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the founders of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. He has created a retreat in the rolling hills of southern Ohio to offer entry level to advanced music workshops over 4-day weekends from February to November. If you have always dreamed of learning to play a musical instrument, especially guitar, this is the place for you. A year-round restaurant is housed in two historic log cabins. (740) 992-7595 39495 St. Clair Road Pomeroy, Ohio www.furpeachranch.com [ back to top ]

Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum
The collection of John and David Johnson, Coshocton natives and world travelers, forms the backbone of this fine museum. The collection is divided into four themes – the Native American Collection; the Americana Collection, the Oriental Gallery and the Decorative Arts Gallery. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum sponsors five special exhibits a year. It is housed in a building designed specifically for this collection and located in historic Roscoe Village. November – April: 1:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. , closed Monday; May – October: 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. everyday. Group tours can be arranged. (740) 622-8710 300 North Whitewoman Street Coshocton, Ohio www.jhm.lib.oh.us.com [ back to top ]

Kennedy Museum
Located in the impressive late 19th century former administrative offices of The Ridges, the former historic Athens State Hospital, the museum includes the collection of Edwin L. and Ruth E. Kennedy. It includes a Southwest Native American Collection as well as works on paper. The museum also has changing exhibitions. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M., Thursday 12:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Saturday and Sunday 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. (740) 593-1304 Lin Hall Athens, Ohio 45701 www.kennedymuseum@ou.edu [ back to top ]

Markay Cultural Arts Center
The restoration of this 1930 Art Deco movie theater in historic downtown Jackson is an excellent example of the community’s desire to preserve its cultural heritage. The theater now serves as a cultural center with exhibition space, while the theater space is undergoing restoration. The Southern Hills Arts Council manages the building and oversees the frequently changing exhibits. The theater is open Wednesday – Friday, 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. (740) 286-6355 269 East Main Street Jackson, Ohio [ back to top ]

McConnellsville Opera House Theater
Opera houses and theaters were once quite common in cities and towns of all sizes. While many have been demolished, McConnellsville is justifiably proud of the restoration of its beautiful 1892 Opera House. Located in the center of McConnellsville, a small historic community located along the Muskingum River, the Opera House Theater shows first-run movies every weekend and offers a wide variety of live performances throughout the year. For further information or to arrange a group tour call: (740) 962-3030 15 West Main Street McConnellsville, Ohio [ back to top ]

Mennonite Information Center
Although they have been around for over 500 years the Anabaptists who later became known as the Amish and Mennonite, are still a mystery to many people. Holmes County is home to the largest Amish/Mennonite population in the world and a stop in this center is a must for visitors. Behalt is an enormous 265’ mural-in-the-round that offers a glimpse into the history and beliefs of these fascinating people. A short video, informational brochures, literature and maps are also available. Open 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. daily, closed Sundays. (330) 893-3192 5798 County Road 77 Berlin, Ohio [ back to top ]

Pomerene Center for the Arts
Located in the 1836 Greek Revival Johnson-Humrickhouse Residence, the Pomerene Center for the Arts is a community arts center with classes, special exhibits and educational programs. Members of the Johnson and Humrickhouse families occupied the home for nearly a century. Anna Johnson’s (wife of the original owner) family helped acquire the artifacts that are housed in the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Roscoe Village (described above). The Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday from 1:00 P.M.– 4:00 P.M. and admission is free. (740) 622-0326 Mulberry and Third Streets Coshocton, Ohio [ back to top ]

Portsmouth Murals
Step into history as you visit the Portsmouth Murals with over 2,000 feet of original art. The first mural was painted in 1993 and when completed, there will be 55 murals, each measuring 20 feet high. The murals depict the history of Portsmouth and the surrounding area. Robert Dafford, of Lafayette, Louisiana, has been the artist for the entire project. His painting technique has a special three-dimensional quality that makes you feel that you can step into the historic scene. A brochure is available with information about each of the murals and can be obtained by contacting the Portsmouth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. (740) 353-1116 Ohio River Floodwall Front Street Portsmouth, Ohio [ back to top ]

Pump House Center for the Arts
Located in the historic Pump House and Water Works (built in 1882) in the city’s Yoctangee Park adjacent to the historic downtown area, this center is an excellent example of late 19th century civic architecture. Today, the Pump House serves as a cultural center with changing exhibitions, student workshops, and a gift shop. (740) 772-5783 Yoctangee Park Chillicothe, Ohio pumpart@bright.net [ back to top ]

Rural Action Mural Corridor
Thanks to the efforts of this non-profit organization and its community partners, they have developed large-scale historical murals in at least ten small communities in Southeastern Ohio. The murals have become both organizing tools to bring people of all ages together to plan and design the mural and a source of community activity and pride upon completion. www.ruralaction.org [ back to top ]

Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival
Held one weekend every August, this is one of the oldest Arts & Crafts festivals in Ohio. It features artist, craftspeople and performing artists from Appalachian Ohio. (740) 685-1350 Cambridge City Park Cambridge, Ohio [ back to top ]

Soakum Festival
Held the last weekend of September, the Soakum Festival commemorates frontier life in the 1800s. The event is held in Heritage Park which has a one-room schoolhouse, a church, log cabin and covered bridge which sets the perfect backdrop for the event. People in period dress, Appalachian craftspeople, activities for the entire family and food and fun are all part of the experience. Heritage Park Noble County Fairgrounds Caldwell, Ohio www.noblecountyohio.com [ back to top ]

Stuart’s Opera House
The preservation of this historic Opera House in downtown Nelsonville is a testament to the will and determination of the community and its respect for Nelsonville’s cultural heritage. The Opera House was undergoing restoration when a fire nearly destroyed the building. Rather than giving up, the community became even more determined that this architectural gem would be restored for future generations to enjoy. The restored building is now open for a special performances, scheduled tours and can be rented for private events. (740) 753-1924 Public Square Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 www.stuartsoperahouse.org [ back to top ]

Watt Center of History & Arts
Located in the former office building of the Watt Car & Wheel Company which manufactured coal mining cars until 1996, this newly created local museum celebrates both the history and arts of the region. Appropriately, one of the first permanent exhibits will be the Appalachian Coal Mining Heritage Project being developed in partnership with the United Mine Workers Union. Special exhibits and activities are offered throughout the year. Barnesville, Ohio [ back to top ] Welsh-American Heritage Museum One of the most interesting stops along the Welsh Scenic Byway in Gallia and Jackson Counties is the Welsh-American Heritage Museum, which fosters Welsh family times throughout the world. The museum, located in a historic Welsh church, collects, preserves and records Welsh culture and traditions. Many Welsh immigrants came to Ohio’s Hill Country to work in the iron furnaces, coal mines and other industries in the region. This cultural tradition is strongly associated with Appalachian Ohio. Open May-October on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. and by appointment. (740)682-7075 or (740) 682-651 412 East Main Street Oak Hill, Ohio www.oakhill.lib.oh.us/welshmuseum [ back to top ]