Galion residents will have a chance to explore one of the community's earliest homes and learn about its history during a plaque dedication and open house at the Log House in Heise Park on Sept. 13.
The event, scheduled for 1 p.m., will mark the dedication of a new bronze plaque detailing the building's history, according to a community announcement. Visitors also will be able to tour the restored log cabin, which was relocated to Heise Park and restored in 1985.
The program is part of Ohio Open Doors, a statewide initiative organized by the Ohio History Connection that offers free access to historic sites and landmarks across Ohio during September. Admission is free.
The announcement states that two additional Ohio Open Doors locations in Galion will be open the same date: the Big Four Depot Pavilion and the Gill House.
A statewide list of participating sites and activities is available at ohiohistory.org.
"Ohio Open Doors shares stories of important landmarks and interesting sites right in our backyards, highlighting the history and unique nature of some of Ohio's most treasured places," said Diana Welling, director of the Ohio History Connection's State Historic Preservation Office and state historic preservation officer.
Ohio Open Doors was created in 2016 by the Ohio History Connection to celebrate Ohio heritage and recognize the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, according to the announcement.
The federal law, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Oct. 15, 1966, established a framework for preserving historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites. The announcement states the act has helped support investment, neighborhood stabilization, small-business development and job creation in communities across the country.
Ohio Open Doors partners include America 250-Ohio, Heritage Ohio, Ohio Local History Alliance, Ohio Museums Association, Ohio Travel Association and TourismOhio.
This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Free Ohio Open Doors tour spotlights Galion's Log House