Century Village Museum, an 1800s Western Reserve Settlement tucked away in the heart of Burton Village, has had quite a year of change.
Century Village Museum, an 1800s Western Reserve Settlement tucked away in the heart of Burton Village, has had quite a year of change.
Normally open from May through October, the village has closed its historical buildings and limited its programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a typical year, school children from all over Northeast Ohio plan field trips to this educational mecca. The tour includes 25 historic buildings, led by costumed interpreters acting as their guides. Admission is free for self-guided tours and wandering the grounds, and a small admission charge is required for guided tours. Open grounds are available to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
Education also abounds at the village through a Pioneer School where young people experience a summer of fun while learning about the past.
However this year, the historical society, now under new leadership with President Bobbie Nichols, has had to recalibrate and is seeking more volunteers for future programs and activities.
“Volunteers are at the very heart of everything we do,” Nichols said. “The village could not operate without our treasured volunteers.”
Anyone interested in history or in serving their community in unconventional ways is welcome to interview for an interpreter role, she said.
Century Village boasts venues for special events and gatherings. The Bond Building and the Auburn Church are available for rent, Nichols said, adding this provides a special setting for an event.
The historical society is re-establishing its Heritage Partners program, Nichols said.
Through this program, supportive patrons, businesses and residents can sponsor a dwelling and/or maintenance project to keep history alive, she said.
The historical society is also planning a “Raise the Roof” fundraising effort for next year to provide new roofs for all the village buildings. Historic artifacts, all originating in Geauga, will be protected by this critical maintenance, Nichols said.
For more information about tours, gift baskets, programs and donations, visit www.centuryvillagemuseum.org or call 440-834-1492.
