Ohio Open Doors offers a look inside state’s historic buildings

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Three historical sites in Carroll County will have the doors open Sept. 6-15 as part of the Ohio History Connection’s “Ohio Open Doors” event.

During those dates, visitors can discover Ohio’s amazing heritage as historic buildings across the state open their doors for tours and events.

“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.

Participating Carroll County sites, all located in Carrollton, include the county courthouse, McCook House Museum and VanHorne Building.

The courthouse will be open to the public for self-guided tours on Sept. 6–15 during regular open days and hours (8 a.m. – 4p.m. Monday through Friday). Guided tours through the large courtroom will be offered Friday, Sept. 6, Wednesday, Sept. 11, and Friday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Those wishing to do the self-guided tours should enter through the side entrance and go through security; please do not enter any offices during self-guided tours. There will be historic information handouts available for the self-guided tours. Those visiting for the guided courtroom tours should go through security and meet at the security desk.

The McCook House Museum will be open during normal business days and hours. Free tours will be offered Friday, Sept. 6, Wednesday, Sept. 11 and Friday, Sept. 13.

The Van Horne Building is home to the Grand Tea Room (restaurant). Tours will be offered Wednesday, Sept. 11 and Friday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. Tours will begin in the Grand Tea Room at 3 p.m. with a slide show presentation presented by local historian Carl Winters. They will then move to the front of the Cedar One entrance to visualize the Federal-style entrance and end in the Reminisce Ice Cream Parlor, where guests are encouraged to try delicious ice cream set in the 1950’s styled shop.

A list of statewide events and activities is available at ohiohistory.org/opendoors.