frequently asked questions
Q: Is Oviatt House part of Richfield Heritage Preserve?
A: Yes! Oviatt House and the surrounding land are part of Richfield Heritage Preserve.
A: Yes! Oviatt House and the surrounding land are part of Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Q: Why is Oviatt House being restored?
A: Oviatt House is not only one of the oldest homes in Richfield with historically significant construction techniques, but also has connections with 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: Oviatt House is not only one of the oldest homes in Richfield with historically significant construction techniques, but also has connections with 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 all volunteer 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 all volunteer 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 for Phase 1 restoration has been performed by volunteers, an exception being the roof reconstruction which was contracted out. Using volunteer labor saved tens of thousands of dollars in restoration costs. But materials and supplies add up quickly! At the end of 2024, we spent approximately $116,000 for Phase 1 restoration costs. Phase 2 began in 2025 by beginning the multifaceted procedures required to achieve a commercial occupancy permit in compliance with the Summit County Building Department and the Ohio EPA. Completing the restoration requires licensed contractors to fulfill the majority of the work with a budget of $150,000. More money will need to be raised to develop the museum.
A: Much of the work for Phase 1 restoration has been performed by volunteers, an exception being the roof reconstruction which was contracted out. Using volunteer labor saved tens of thousands of dollars in restoration costs. But materials and supplies add up quickly! At the end of 2024, we spent approximately $116,000 for Phase 1 restoration costs. Phase 2 began in 2025 by beginning the multifaceted procedures required to achieve a commercial occupancy permit in compliance with the Summit County Building Department and the Ohio EPA. Completing the restoration requires licensed contractors to fulfill the majority of the work with a budget of $150,000. More money will need to be raised to develop the museum.
Q: Who is paying for this? Are taxpayers bearing the burden?
A: Our funding is completely dependent on private independent donations and grants. Thanks to the support from our local state representatives, Oviatt House was awarded two State of Ohio Capital Budget grants facilitated by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). The first grant for $50,000 with a 50% match covered expenses during Phase 1. The second grant for $100,000 with a 50% match is currently being used to cover expenses for the completion of Phase 2 restoration costs. The 50% match has been made possible thanks to the generous donations from individual donors within our Oviatt House Community.
Oviatt House has also received two grants from the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) totaling $5,954 for window and research expenses, and one $5,000 grant from the Cohen & Company Community Foundation for water well expenses. Oviatt House recently received notification of a grant awarded for $7,500 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors to help cover expenses for the restoration of existing plaster walls and plaster finishing on new drywall.
We receive no funding from Richfield Heritage Preserve, Richfield Village, Richfield Township or from taxes. Our fundraising efforts and grant seeking remain an ever constant.
A: Our funding is completely dependent on private independent donations and grants. Thanks to the support from our local state representatives, Oviatt House was awarded two State of Ohio Capital Budget grants facilitated by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). The first grant for $50,000 with a 50% match covered expenses during Phase 1. The second grant for $100,000 with a 50% match is currently being used to cover expenses for the completion of Phase 2 restoration costs. The 50% match has been made possible thanks to the generous donations from individual donors within our Oviatt House Community.
Oviatt House has also received two grants from the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) totaling $5,954 for window and research expenses, and one $5,000 grant from the Cohen & Company Community Foundation for water well expenses. Oviatt House recently received notification of a grant awarded for $7,500 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors to help cover expenses for the restoration of existing plaster walls and plaster finishing on new drywall.
We receive no funding from Richfield Heritage Preserve, Richfield Village, Richfield Township or from taxes. Our fundraising efforts and grant seeking remain an ever constant.
Q: What will happen to the house when the restoration is complete?
A: We have a contract with the Richfield Joint Recreation District and Richfield Heritage Preserve to operate the house as an educational museum.
A: We have a contract with the Richfield Joint Recreation District and Richfield Heritage Preserve to operate the house as an educational museum.
Q: How can I help?
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: DONATE
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: DONATE
