A Museum Development Committee was formed in 2023 to formalize the visioning process and begin the planning and procedures required to operate as a public museum with commercial occupancy. To enhance the museum development process, we began expanding our learning and knowledge by attending workshops, webinars, conferences, and meetings within the museum and archive space, joining the American Association for State & Local History (AASLH) Standards and Excellence Program for History Organizations (STEPS), the Northeast Ohio Inter-Museum Council (NEOIMC), the Ohio Local History Alliance (OLHA), and the Ohio Museums Association (OMA). We continue to participate in networking and professional development learning opportunities as time and budget allow.

Museum Development major accomplishments include:

• Developing a museum scope, Code of Ethics, and Collections Management Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Developing a Reference Library with the help from University of Akron student interns enrolled in the Museum and Archives Certificate Program, with grant funding supported by the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
• Designating interior areas of the structure to keep exposed in order to showcase some of the original construction techniques common in 1836.
• Consulting with a historical color expert from Sherwin-Williams Co. to determine a historically accurate interior color palette.
• Developing a vision statement, name, and logo of the future museum.

​VISION

Oviatt House provides a welcoming museum experience that immerses visitors in the history of the Oviatt house, its occupants, and their role in the Underground Railroad. Through partnerships and community involvement, we invite guests to connect with the past, reflect on freedom’s struggle, and inspire introspection and movement toward a more equitable society.

                   FUTURE MUSEUM NAME & LOGO
Oviatt House at Richfield Heritage Preserve: A History Experience

INTERIOR INTERPRETIVE DESIGN CONCEPTS

​On January 12, 2026, Oviatt House contracted with Benchmark Craftsmen, a local museum design and fabrication company located in Seville, Ohio, to guide the museum planning, interpretation, and exhibit design process. Development of interpretive design concepts and interpretation continue. A preview of initial concept renderings are offered below. 

First Floor = Phase 1 Museum Fabrication & Installation

Open & Close Interactive Wagon Gate
Interactive Spin & Learn Black American Abolitionists

Office/Docent/Research Room

Second Floor =
​Phase 2 Museum Fabrication & Installation