frequently asked questions
Q: Is Oviatt House part of Richfield Heritage Preserve?
A: Yes! The Oviatt house and surrounding land are part of Richfield Heritage Preserve.
A: Yes! The Oviatt house and surrounding land are part of Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Q: Why is the Oviatt house being restored?
A: The Oviatt house was built by one of Richfield, Ohio’s pioneering families, is one of the oldest homes in Richfield, and has construction techniques that are historically significant. It also has ties to the Underground Railroad and is listed on the National Park Service's Network to Freedom. We believe that this house is worth restoring so we can transmit our understanding of its past to future generations.
A: The Oviatt house was built by one of Richfield, Ohio’s pioneering families, is one of the oldest homes in Richfield, and has construction techniques that are historically significant. It also has ties to the Underground Railroad and is listed on the National Park Service's Network to Freedom. We believe that this house is worth restoring so we can transmit our understanding of its past to future generations.
Q: Who is restoring the Oviatt house?
A: Oviatt House Incorporated. This non-profit, created in 2021, has a contract with the Richfield Joint Recreation District (the governing body of Richfield Heritage Preserve) to restore the Oviatt house and to operate it as an educational museum. Learn more: Who We Are
A: Oviatt House Incorporated. This non-profit, created in 2021, has a contract with the Richfield Joint Recreation District (the governing body of Richfield Heritage Preserve) to restore the Oviatt house and to operate it as an educational museum. Learn more: Who We Are
Q: How much will this effort cost?
A: Much of the work has been performed by volunteers, an exception being the roof reconstruction which was contracted out. Using volunteer labor has saved tens of thousands of dollars in restoration costs. But materials and supplies add up quickly! As of March 2024, we have spent approximately $81,000 of our total $250,000 budget goal for restoration. More money may need to be raised to develop the museum.
A: Much of the work has been performed by volunteers, an exception being the roof reconstruction which was contracted out. Using volunteer labor has saved tens of thousands of dollars in restoration costs. But materials and supplies add up quickly! As of March 2024, we have spent approximately $81,000 of our total $250,000 budget goal for restoration. More money may need to be raised to develop the museum.
Q: Who is paying for this? Are taxpayers bearing the burden?
A: The majority of our funding has come from private donations with a smaller portion from grants. We have received no funding from Richfield Heritage Preserve, Richfield Village, Richfield Township or from taxes.
A: The majority of our funding has come from private donations with a smaller portion from grants. We have received no funding from Richfield Heritage Preserve, Richfield Village, Richfield Township or from taxes.
Q: How much money has been raised so far?
A: As of December 2023 we have received approximately $154,151 toward our goal of $250,000. Learn more: Get Involved
A: As of December 2023 we have received approximately $154,151 toward our goal of $250,000. Learn more: Get Involved
Q: Is Oviatt House Inc. qualified to undertake this restoration?
A: Our full-time project manager recently retired from a position with the National Park Service as "Historic Preservation Carpenter". He is an expert in the Department of the Interior’s preservation standards. We also have volunteers with knowledge and skills in restoring old buildings
A: Our full-time project manager recently retired from a position with the National Park Service as "Historic Preservation Carpenter". He is an expert in the Department of the Interior’s preservation standards. We also have volunteers with knowledge and skills in restoring old buildings
Q: What will happen to the house when the restoration is complete?
A: We have a contract with the park to operate the house as an educational museum.
A: We have a contract with the park to operate the house as an educational museum.
Q: How can I help?
A: We have a wonderful group of volunteers that continues to grow. Many of our volunteers help with the construction efforts and we also have volunteers that help on different committees including fundraising, grants, events, and museum development. We always welcome new volunteers!
Raising funds to continue our journey is an ongoing effort. Please consider donating to the cause. Any amount helps and 100% of all donations go directly to our restoration and museum efforts.
Learn more: Get Involved
A: We have a wonderful group of volunteers that continues to grow. Many of our volunteers help with the construction efforts and we also have volunteers that help on different committees including fundraising, grants, events, and museum development. We always welcome new volunteers!
Raising funds to continue our journey is an ongoing effort. Please consider donating to the cause. Any amount helps and 100% of all donations go directly to our restoration and museum efforts.
Learn more: Get Involved