Richland Early American Center for History

Richland Early American Center for History A not for profit organization for the preservation, and education of local Richland County and Ohio Goals:
R- Research
E- Educate
A- Apply
C- Conserve
H- Honor

Mission Statement:
Richland Early American Center for History (REACH), a not-for-profit organization under 501(c) (3), is dedicated to the preservation and education of the history and life of the early settlers to the historical borders of Richland County, Ohio. In connection with preserving and showcasing the Mansfield 1812 Blockhouse, 1808 Petersburg Cabin, and Hawk’s Nest Forge and Cooperage f

rom the same period, REACH seeks to keep these and other parts of our local history from fading into the past. REACH will inform, educate and present the history and life of early American settlers to Richland County and Ohio to all that are interested. Vision Statement:
We at REACH look to the future, to obtain and build a small settlement village in the same location as part of a center for the preservation of and education in early American life and history. By hosting events throughout the years to come and making the buildings open to the general public, we will preserve, demonstrate, and showcase what life might have been like during the late 18th and early 19th century in this area.

Beautiful day for a Party in the Park sponsored by Healing Hearts Counseling Center. Our buildings are open until 4pm to...
05/30/2026

Beautiful day for a Party in the Park sponsored by Healing Hearts Counseling Center. Our buildings are open until 4pm today. Stop in to see us!

What was it like to be a Civil War Surgeon? “At early dawn, I was up at Surgeon's call and before breakfast prescribed f...
05/29/2026

What was it like to be a Civil War Surgeon?

“At early dawn, I was up at Surgeon's call and before breakfast prescribed for 86 patients at the door of my tent.

After meal I visited the hospitals and a barn where our sick are lying, and dealt medicines and write prescriptions for one hundred more; in all visited and prescribed for, one hundred and eighty-six men. I had no dinner.

At 4 o'clock this labor was completed and a cold bite was eaten. After this, in the rain, I started for Sharpsburg, four miles distant, for medical supplies.” - Dr. Daniel Holt.

Confederate States Army Surgeon, Major Doug Gill will be at Civil War Living History Days at South Park on June 14th and 15th, 2026 from 10am to 4pm each day. Stop by to see him.

We are located at 100 Brinkerhoff Ave., Mansfield, Ohio.

Do you know what type of herb would be used on an infected wound? Or in a fever-reducing tea? To calm a nervous disposit...
05/27/2026

Do you know what type of herb would be used on an infected wound? Or in a fever-reducing tea? To calm a nervous disposition or upset stomach? Even to remove freckles?

Natural remedies were used during the Civil War to relieve symptoms including pain, intestinal complaints, fever, colds, coughs and headaches and the most dangerous foe a soldier faced – diarrhea and dysentery. Many are still used today.

Meet The Civil War Herb Lady of Ohio and Miss Pauline Cushman portrayed by Valerie Hamill. Visit her on June 13th and 14th from 10 am to 4pm at Civil War Living History Days at South Park. She will be sharing the medicinal properties of herbs used during the war.

Make your plans to visit us for Civil War Living History Days at South Park, 100 Brinkerhoff Ave, Mansfield, Ohio

🌿Good Morning Garden Volunteers: Gardens need a lot of water—most in the form of perspiration. Our next garden session i...
05/22/2026

🌿Good Morning Garden Volunteers:

Gardens need a lot of water—most in the form of perspiration. Our next garden session is set for:⬇️⬇️⬇️

✔️🗓️ Tuesday • May 26 • 6pm

See you then!

💌”Dear Sallie" Love letters of the Civil War 💌In 1863 Jesse Burkett of West Milton, OH was serving in the Union Army. Mi...
05/19/2026

💌”Dear Sallie" Love letters of the Civil War 💌
In 1863 Jesse Burkett of West Milton, OH was serving in the Union Army. Missing his home and his girl. His letters to his sweetheart Sallie Weddle of Pigeye, Oh. were found in the walls of a home in Illinois that was being demolished. Thru great care and preservation they made their way home to West Milton, Oh in 2025.

Please join Shelley Schoen and Rex Maggert at Civil War Living History Days as they bring these letters to life as Jesse Burkett and Sallie Weddle. A look into the everyday life of a soldier and his girl.

🗓️ June 14 • 1pm • South Park • 100 Brinkerhoff Ave. •Mansfield • Ohio

Sunday our volunteers (Richard Gramo and Denny Spangler) were busy working on adding pickets to the front and right side...
05/18/2026

Sunday our volunteers (Richard Gramo and Denny Spangler) were busy working on adding pickets to the front and right side entrance to the garden! We’d like to thank them and give a thank you to Kevin Wappner, Tom Pappas, Bill Hale, and Bob Roberts who also helped out on cutting and painting the pickets! We appreciate all your hard work! The garden looks spectacular! 👏👏👏

⚒️Sunday we welcomed Andrew Hyde back to our Forge for an advanced blacksmithing workshop with our Master Blacksmith Sco...
05/18/2026

⚒️Sunday we welcomed Andrew Hyde back to our Forge for an advanced blacksmithing workshop with our Master Blacksmith Scott Reynolds. Andrew was up to the challenge and was able to forge weld a seven link hand forged chain. ⛓️‍💥

Our next Advanced Blacksmithing Workshop is set for Sunday, September 6, 2026. This class is limited to 2 participants and you can register for the class by clicking the link below ⬇️

https://forms.gle/6SRXtWLxSwfo6GXf6

⚒️Did you know that the duties of a blacksmith in the Civil War were varied and essential to military operations? ⚒️Blac...
05/14/2026

⚒️Did you know that the duties of a blacksmith in the Civil War were varied and essential to military operations?

⚒️Blacksmiths were responsible for shoeing horses, repairing and constructing wagon parts, and forging artillery components.

⚒️They also crafted specialized tools and weapons for soldiers. They forged swords, knives, and repair parts for rifles, providing troops with a steady supply of essential combat tools. Blacksmiths often worked directly with soldiers and officers, adapting their creations to meet specific tactical needs.

⚒️Broken axles, wheel spokes, and other critical parts were common due to the rough terrain and heavy loads carried by supply wagons. Blacksmiths’ were able to quickly repair these components and kept the supply lines moving, directly impacting the army’s ability to continue operations without significant delays.

⚒️Numerous blacksmiths were contracted by the Union Army during the Civil War to cast and drill out cannon barrels. The typical blacksmith in the North was paid three dollars per day for his services, which greatly exceeded the 13 dollars per month (43 cents per day) of a Union Army private.

⚒️Stop in to see Todd Salsburey, our featured blacksmith during Civil War Living History Days at South Park. We are located at 100 Brinkerhoff Ave., Mansfield, Ohio.

📣We’ve got a schedule that packed with lots to do! Join us for Civil War Living History Days at South Park on Saturday, ...
05/11/2026

📣We’ve got a schedule that packed with lots to do! Join us for Civil War Living History Days at South Park on Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th, 2026 from 10am to 4pm each day! We are located at 100 Brinkerhoff Ave., Mansfield, Ohio.

Are you ready for a unique experience? Step into the world of the ‘Mistress of South Park’. Meet Miss Barbie Salsburey S...
05/06/2026

Are you ready for a unique experience?
Step into the world of the ‘Mistress of South Park’.

Meet Miss Barbie Salsburey Shults as she welcomes you to her cozy one-room cabin where you can discover how the cabin was used for multiple activities during Civil War Living History Days. Visit us at 100 Brinkerhoff Ave, Mansfield Ohio on June 13th & 14, 2026 from 10am to 4pm for an enriching journey through time.

Address

100 Brinkerhoff Avenue
Mansfield, OH
44903

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