| Lancaster Showcases History and Decorative Arts |
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Lancaster, Ohio: This
Fairfield County seat has long been recognized for its well-preserved early
19th-century homes, its historic downtown area with parks along Zane square. |
Sherman House Museum
137 East Main Street
(740) 687-5891
This early frame house is preserved as a Registered National Landmark that is part of the Civil War
Discovery Trail. The city of Lancaster commemorates the two Sherman
brothers, William Tecumseh and John, who were born in this house, along with
nine brothers and sisters. The Sherman House is one of the few examples of New
England-style architecture in Lancaster. Sherman built his home
in the New England tradition. The wooden house was known as "The Little Brown
House on the Hill." Although humble in comparison to the mansions
that surround it, the Sherman home was the center of intellectual life and
hospitality in 1800's Lancaster. The original section contains the
restored dining room, the master bedroom, and the children's bedroom.
The second floor features Civil War memorabilia, and a some personal belongings of
the Sherman family, including the family album quilt, and two examples of Mary
Sherman's silk on silk needlework. The front brick
exterior was added later, when the Sherman family was no
longer living there. |
The Georgian Museum
105 East Wheeling Street
(740) 654-9923The majestic
Georgian is the cornerstone of
Lancaster's Historic Square. The original
owner, entrepreneur Samuel MacCracken, traveled in Europe to raise funds for the
expansion of the Ohio Canal system. Upon the return from one of his many trips, MacCracken engaged
local builder Daniel
Sifford to build a family home similar to the stately mansion of the Lord Mayor
of London, complete with fluted Ionic columns that support the massive west
portico. As you admire those columns, consider that at an entire tree, taken
from the surrounding forest, forms the center of each. The Georgian is as spectacular inside as it is from without.
The prosperous and influential MacCracken spared little expense to furnish his
home, which was perhaps the most impressive in the city.
Also through the generosity of local donors, visitors can view a
large collection of antique dollhouse furnishings, a display of Elijah Pierce
wood carvings, and a collection of numerous jade and ivory
pieces. Many items of national historic interest
are also on display at the Georgian. |
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The Decorative
Arts Center of Ohio
145 East
Main Street
(740) 681-1423
"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful and believe
to be beautiful."
These are the words of William Morris, 19th century British craftsman, designer,
writer and poet, and a founder of the Arts and Craft movement. The Arts
and Crafts Movement refers to the efforts of a group of craftsmen, artists, designers
and architects who first aimed to raise the status of the applied arts to that
of the fine arts. In 1877 in England. Today in Lancaster, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio fosters
knowledge, enjoyment, and appreciation
of the American Decorative Arts, and supports the work of present day Ohio
craftsmen and artisans.
The Gift Shop, which is located in the original dining room of the Reese-Peters House, is one of the most beautiful museum shops in America.
Visitors can purchase original work by Ohio artists, and choose from many
kinds of American Decorative Arts gifts.
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The Ohio
Glass Museum and Gift Shop
126 W Main Street
800-626-1296
740-687-0101
The
establishment of the Ohio Glass Museum incorporated in 2002
reflects the importance of glass in the history and development
of Lancaster and Fairfield County's financial stability from
1888 to present. Because of the abundance of natural resources
including natural gas and sand in this area, the establishment
of the glass industry was a logical step in utilizing those
resources. In fact, in 2003 Lancaster was designated the
"Pressed Glass Capital" of Ohio by the State Legislature.
Exhibits
Through educational and artistic displays of glass, the museum
hopes to take the visitor through the development and production
of not only industrial glass, but also pressed, blown and art
glass.
For more
information please visit their Web site
www.ohioglassmuseum.org
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