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Kirtland
Experience Historic Kirtland Village
A meticulously restored and reconstructed 19th-century settlement, Historic Kirtland showcases the vitality and spirit of the early American frontier. It also offers a colorful glimpse into the Second Great Awakening, a period of religious fervor in the United States in the 1820s and '30s, as it tells the story of early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Attractions include:
Newel K. Whitney Store. See how shopping has changed over two centuries! This restored "general store" has been stocked with commodities listed in the owner's 1826 ledger and account book. Shoppers bartered personal belongings for household supplies: brown sugar, molasses in 15-gallon wooden kegs, cooking oil in hand-thrown pottery, and fancier "imports" like shoes, bolts of fabric, dishes, and tools.
Newel K. Whitney Home
In the heart of Historic Kirtland, the Church carefully restored the original home of Newel K. Whitney. This residence was authentically restored to its original condition both inside and out. Carefully selected furnishings and clothing original to the early 1800's are displayed in each room. Gardens display herbs and flowers popular in the 1830's. Joseph and Emma Smith lived with Newel and Elizabeth Whitney and their five children here in 1831.
The Ashery. Explore the only restored ashery in North America. Asheries produced potash or pearl ash, an essential ingredient used to manufacture glass, soap, and gunpowder. Learn how this 19th-century chemical plant produced this highly useful commodity from ashes that were collected, purchased or bartered from the settlers.
The Schoolhouse. Get a feel for a day in a student's house nearly 200 years ago. Inside the 1819 "little red schoolhouse" rests a cast-iron stove surrounded by authentic tiered seating. Students of all ages met together to learn reading, writing and arithmetic.
The Sawmill. Smell the scent of fresh cut timber as you study the operation of a reconstructed, fully functional sawmill. An impressive water wheel powers saw blades that move up to 60 strokes per minute and can handle logs up to 16 feet long. You will see historically correct tools and machinery, including a wood lathe, newly created by talented craftsmen. Periodically the sawmill is "powered up." Call for scheduled demonstrations.
The John Johnson Inn
This charming inn looks as it did in the 1830s. Inside, meander and interact with the display kiosks that visually portray the lives of the Kirtland settlers and the religion they lived.
John Johnson Farm House (Hiram, Ohio)
This original 1829 home, displays the careful and meticulous restoration work completed by award winning Church artisans. This large farm home features colorful floors, unique period interior paint designs, built in china closets and other features such as warming cupboards and original brick fireplaces. Each of its many rooms boast beautifully restored furnishings from the early 1800's. From 1831 to 1832 it became home to the Joseph Smith family. It is located in the heart of rural Ohio's beautiful, rich farmland overlooking many surrounding rolling hills.
Isaac Morley Farm
On a hill, overlooking a fertile river valley, stood a small frame home and a fourteen-foot square log schoolhouse, which formed important, pioneer church roots. Today, over sixteen acres of Isaac Morley's original 1811 farm have been acquired and beautifully landscaped. A portion of the Chillicothe Trail has been preserved and visitors can experience a short hike up the original trail. Part of an original 1800's silo can be explored and picnic tables enable guests to stop and enjoy the farm's tranquil setting.
Stone Quarry
In the heart of Chapin Forest reservation, which is now operated by the Lake Metroparks System, lays the newly exposed 1830's Stannard stone quarry. Stone quarried here found its way into many early homes and buildings, including the Kirtland Temple. Many foot trails enable visitors to hike through the beautiful surrounding forests, which total several hundred acres. Signs and demonstrations tell the story of men who labored mightily to quarry and haul stone into surrounding structures. Quarry Lake is visible immediately upon entering the park, as are the paths on either side of the lake, which lead to the extensive rock foundations, which still display original drill marks made by workers of over 170 years ago. Picnic tables, swings, sports fields and other recreational facilities further the enjoyment of this densely preserved forest.
Schedule Group Tours
Historic Kirtland is east of Cleveland, Ohio, just minutes from I-90 and other major highways. FREE TOURS are available beginning at the Visitors' Center. Modern facilities, available at no charge, include ample parking, clean restrooms, and picnic areas. Lodging and restaurants are available within a mile.
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