septemberfest 2026
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Please join us Saturday, September 26 from 11 am - 3 pm for our annual SeptemberFEST! Enjoy food and fun for all ages, including house tours, games, raffles, crafts, and more as we welcome in the fall season and commemorate International Underground Railroad Month. All proceeds and donations benefit the ongoing restoration and museum development of the historic 1836 Oviatt House, listed on the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Oviatt House is located at the southwest entrance of Richfield Heritage Preserve at 3771 Oviatt Road in Richfield, Ohio. |
SeptemberFEST has been accepted as an official
We Want More History! event.
Oviatt House is proud to join communities across the county in We Want More History!, a nationwide celebration of history programming focused on the weekend of September 25-27, 2026.
We Want More History! is a coordinated, place-based national weekend of history programming designed to strengthen civic health, build community trust, foster democratic dialogue, and showcase the essential role of history in public life. It comes at a time of heightened public interest in how American history is interpreted, supporting trusted public institutions where people already gather to learn, reflect, and engage.
Timed to align with 250th era programming, We Want More History! helps ensure that national commemorations reflect the full, complex story of the people and places that make up the United States and beyond. Learn more at wewantmorehistory.org
We Want More History! is a coordinated, place-based national weekend of history programming designed to strengthen civic health, build community trust, foster democratic dialogue, and showcase the essential role of history in public life. It comes at a time of heightened public interest in how American history is interpreted, supporting trusted public institutions where people already gather to learn, reflect, and engage.
Timed to align with 250th era programming, We Want More History! helps ensure that national commemorations reflect the full, complex story of the people and places that make up the United States and beyond. Learn more at wewantmorehistory.org
What to Expect?
When you first arrive, check in at the Welcome Table to choose a door prize raffle ticket, sign up for a guided tour, and pick up an all ages Activity Passport.
House Tours
Take a guided tour to view the current state of restoration, learn how the Oviatts participated in the abolition movement, and preview initial renderings of the future museum.
Activities
We have plenty of kids' activities and fun for all ages! Earn stamps and prizes with an all ages Activity Passport by playing games, making crafts, and learning about the history of Oviatt House and the Underground Railroad in Ohio.
Food
We will have freshly grilled brats and hot dogs, gluten-free veggie wraps, snacks, soft drinks, water, and homemade baked goods available. Donations are gratefully accepted via cash and credit card.
Raffles
FREE Door Prize Raffle - Everyone entering the event may choose an Oviatt House related word ticket which will act as your door prize raffle ticket. Door prize raffle tickets will be drawn approximately every 30 minutes with the winning word announced and displayed at the Welcome Table.
Basket Raffle - We have a variety of fun and interesting basket raffle items that we would love for you to win! Please come check them out and have fun seeing if your ticket is the lucky one!
50/50 Raffle - Support Oviatt House and try your luck at the 50/50 Raffle.
Both the Basket and 50/50 Raffle winners will be drawn at 2:45 pm. You do not need to be present to win. Winners will be immediately contacted. Items will be available for pick up on Sunday, September 27 from 11 am - 2 pm; or if needed, at another individually arranged time.
We can't wait to see you there!
House Tours
Take a guided tour to view the current state of restoration, learn how the Oviatts participated in the abolition movement, and preview initial renderings of the future museum.
Activities
We have plenty of kids' activities and fun for all ages! Earn stamps and prizes with an all ages Activity Passport by playing games, making crafts, and learning about the history of Oviatt House and the Underground Railroad in Ohio.
Food
We will have freshly grilled brats and hot dogs, gluten-free veggie wraps, snacks, soft drinks, water, and homemade baked goods available. Donations are gratefully accepted via cash and credit card.
Raffles
FREE Door Prize Raffle - Everyone entering the event may choose an Oviatt House related word ticket which will act as your door prize raffle ticket. Door prize raffle tickets will be drawn approximately every 30 minutes with the winning word announced and displayed at the Welcome Table.
Basket Raffle - We have a variety of fun and interesting basket raffle items that we would love for you to win! Please come check them out and have fun seeing if your ticket is the lucky one!
50/50 Raffle - Support Oviatt House and try your luck at the 50/50 Raffle.
Both the Basket and 50/50 Raffle winners will be drawn at 2:45 pm. You do not need to be present to win. Winners will be immediately contacted. Items will be available for pick up on Sunday, September 27 from 11 am - 2 pm; or if needed, at another individually arranged time.
We can't wait to see you there!
