Who we are...
A non-profit Ohio corporation, the Association is dedicated to the documentation and preservation of the architecturally and historically significant homes, buildings, and neighborhoods of Tuscarawas County.
Our mission is to cultivate awareness and appreciation of this part of our local heritage, encourage interest in preserving historic structures within the community, and to educate those who are interested in preservation or are actively involved in the restoration of historically significant structures.
Since its inception in 1976, The Tuscarawas County Heritage Home Association has awarded plaques in recognition of more than 60 of our county's extraordinary historic homes and buildings, including the Tuscarawas County Courthouse and the historic Reeves Victorian Mansion in Dover, Ohio. The JE Reeves Victorian Home & Carriage House Museum is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Association is tax-exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Click here for more About Us.
The Power of Preservation...
There is no question about the power of preservation to fuel economic development, according to the Strategic Plan offered by the Ohio Department of development. As the fourth goal of that Plan, the Department places strong emphasis on and publicly supports the Ohio Preservation Tax Credit as an integral component of the Plan.
To access the page of the plan discussing the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, click here. For the entire plan, click here.
Our members...
are individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations. Their common thread is an appreciation of history, historic places, historic homes and buildings, unique architecture, and they understand the importance of preservation and restoration efforts. Most of our members reside (or used to reside) in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Some do not.
Some of our members attend monthly meetings for members, which are usually held in the home of a member and are more social than business. Some are more active, participating in committees and events, getting involved as directors, officers, or committee chairs. Many members participate, too, in our members-only tours, picnics, and banquets.
Others are unable to attend meetings and are happy just to offer their financial support of our ambitious mission.
Membership can be for an individual, a couple, business, or non-profit organization. A lifetime membership option is available for individuals, as well.
Join us?
About Our Plaques
To be considered for a Heritage Home Plaque, a home or building has to have been built prior to the year 1901, must have its original lines still evident and its facade intact.
A Historic Marker may be awarded for a home or building that has historical significance -- such as a notable person having lived or conducted business there -- without the property having to qualify as a Heritage Home.
Criteria for determining worthiness for our 20th Century Plaque are essentially the same as that of the Heritage Home, except that it is awarded for architecturally or historically significant homes or other structures built between 1901 and 1925.
Activites & Meetings...
Our members’ meetings convene on the first Thursday of each month. Meetings are frequently hosted in the homes of members, many of which are historic structures. Snacks and refreshments are served during the social that follows adjournment of each meeting. In addition to attending monthly meetings, members often have the opportunity to participate in tours of historic homes, buildings, and other local historic sites, as well as those in other communities in and around Ohio.
Our third Olde House Parts & Antiques garage sale was held in September, and our members hosted an area Garden Tour in July.
2009 marked our first Christmas Tour of Homes. For many years the Dennison Depot Railroad Museum sponsored and operated the tour. Members of The Heritage Home Association are grateful for their invitation to take over the operation of the tour. Our fourth go-round with The Christmas Tour, its 19th year running, will be presented on Sunday, December 9, 2012. For more information, including ticket information, click HERE.
Our organization has also sponsored guest speakers at Kent State University’s Tuscarawas Campus and hosts workshops and educational seminars on historic preservation and restoration techniques and materials.
Our Board of Directors meets monthly, usually on the Thursday that immediately precedes our regular monthly members’ meeting. Members are welcome at all board meetings. Non-members may attend and participate by invitation only.
The Value of The Plaque
While the aesthetic and quality-of-life benefits of preservation are widely accepted, skepticism is sometimes expressed about the quantifiable economic contribution of such endeavors.
After analyzing data and obtaining the input of government and community leaders, researchers at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law say those doubts should be erased.
Historic preservation and restoration initiatives nationwide have reversed years of deterioration and decay, and continue to yield economic benefits that surpass those created by such alternative investments as infrastructure and new construction.
Notable paybacks include stabilization of neighborhoods, heritage tourism, stimulation of private investment, revitalization of downtown activities, affordable housing and office rentals, and enhancement of community pride.
Our plaque symbolizes a property owner’s respect for these principals and appreciation of the benefits that they afford.
To learn more about the Historic Preservation Tax Credit, visit the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Resource Center. (MyHometownOhio.com)
