City of Piqua Ohio
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The Johnston Farm
at Upper Piqua 
 
The focal point of this peaceful 200-acre park is John Johnston --farmer, public official, and United States Indian Agent for western Ohio from 1812 to 1829. Here Johnston's  numerous contributions to the growth of early Ohio and settlement of frontier America are  presented in a truly unique and beautiful setting. 
 
Today, visitors enjoy the home and farm of this most extraordinary man much as it appeared in 1829. Preserved and furnished structures include Johnston's two-story mixed Dutch Colonial/Georgian style farmhouse, a unique two-story spring house, and a cider house. Costumed interpreters and craft demonstrators provide farm tours and display activities in the summer kitchen and fruit kiln areas. A mammoth double-penned log barn, constructed in 1808, is reputed to be the oldest and largest of its type in Ohio, and is still in use on the grounds. Nearby a ring-shaped mound earthwork discovered and  preserved by Johnston was constructed by people of the Adena culture over 2,000 years ago. 
 
Afterwards, guests may enjoy a ride aboard the General Harrison, a replica 70 foot-long mixed cargo canal boat often used for transportation of passengers and cargo in the 19th century. Costumed guides direct the mule-drawn boat to provide an authentic and memorable experience for all.  

The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial was established as Ohio's 47th state historic site in  1965. The Johnston farm and Miami & Erie Canal areas were formally opened on 3 September 1972, with the dedication of the museum facility following on 20 May 1973. Today the site is administered through the Ohio Historical Society's Site Operations Department. 
   
Visit their web page at Piqua Historical Area
 
Unless otherwise noted, the cost for each program is the regular site admission fee: $7.00/adults, $3.00/students. Ohio Historical Society members, Piqua Friends, as well as children 5 and under are admitted free. AAA and Senior Citizen discounts are honored. Please note that some programs require advance registration. Site hours: April 2 -October 31; Wednesday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sundays and Holidays Noon - 5:00 p.m. The Piqua Historical Area is located 3 miles north of Piqua, Ohio off SR 66 on Hardin Road. Call 937-773-2522 or 1-800-752-2619 for additional information.
 

2008 Program Calendar 

Saturday, May 3, 2008, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mother's Day at the Johnston Farm

Come to the Johnston Farm before Mother's Day and learn about early crafts and take home a handmade gift. While the children are making their secret gift, Moms will learn more about the lives of mothers during the time the Johnston women called this place home. After gifts are completed, participants will be reunited to enjoy a Victorian-style tea. This is a RESERVATION ONLY activity so call either 773-2522 or 800-752-2619 by April 26.

COST: $15.00 for one adult and child, $5.00 for each additional person, $2.50 discount for Ohio Historical Society members and Piqua Friends

Saturday, May 24, 2008, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Batter Up! Vintage Base Ball

Come to the Johnston Farm and learn how base ball was meant to be played. Cheer on your favorite striker, hurler, or behind as the Ohio Village Muffins take on the team from Sycamore in a game of 1860's base ball.

Sunday, June 15, 2008, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Father's Day at the Johnston Farm

Bring your father or grandfather to the Johnston farm on his special day and when the family pays their admission, his is free! Guided tours of the Johnston home, games for the entire family, a visit to the Historic Indian and Canal Museum, and of course a ride on our replica canal boat General Harrison will make this a great day. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it.

Saturday, July 12, 2008, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. &
Sunday, July 13, 2008, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Piqua Traders Gathering

Traders and other campers representing the site's historic time periods will gather. Visitors are invited to stroll among the camps, and perhaps make a purchase or two from the vendors. The 1862 Camp Piqua era will be featured with re-enactors and a camp. A first person presentation by Andrew Montour, a trader who was active at Pickawillany, will be a part of both days' events as well. Visitors are invited to visit the Johnston home, the Historic Indian and Canal Museum, take a ride on the General Harrison canal boat, and bring a picnic lunch to make a day of their visit as they step back into the time periods that have been a part of this area's rich history.

COST: $8.00/adults, $4.00/students, $1.00 for Ohio Historical Society members and Piqua Friends

Saturday, August 16, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
An Evening of Feasting and Canawling

Enjoy a quiet dinner in the Historic Indian and Canal Museum. Guests will then continue their evening with a relaxing twilight ride on the replica canal boat General Harrison as it plies the entire length of our restored stretch of the Miami and Erie Canal. Passengers will be able to experience the canal from an entirely different prospective. This unique opportunity is offered once each season and is a RESERVATION ONLY event, so call either 773-2522 or 800-752-2619 by August 9.

COST: $25.00/adults, $20.00/children 6-12, $20.00 & $15.00 for Ohio Historical Society members and Piqua Friends

Saturday, September 20, 2008, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Celebrating the Barn

In 1808 John Johnston built his massive double pen log barn. Today this barn is one of the oldest of its kind in Ohio and will turn 200 this year. Help us mark its bicentennial by visiting it and, with the partnership of the Miami County Barn Club, other grand barns in Miami County. Upon returning from the tour, travelers may enjoy a picnic and listen to some traditional dulcimer music in Johnston's barn.

COST: There will be a $2.00 fee for those joining the barn tour

Saturday, December 6, 2008, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
A Dickens of a Murder Mystery on the Farm

This very special holiday event begins with dinner in John Johnston's dining room featuring a seasonal menu from the Johnston era. From there, guests will visit each room of the Johnston home decorated for the holidays. In each room characters will share clues with the guests needed to solve a murder. The evening concludes with dessert by the fireplace in the winter kitchen where the murderer will be revealed. This is a RESERVATION ONLY event; so call either 773-2522 or 800-752-2619 to confirm your spot for this very unique holiday event.

COST: $30.00/adults, $25.00/children to age 12, $25.00 and $20.00 for Ohio Historical Society members and Piqua Friends
 
 
The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial is one of sixty sites operated by the Ohio Historical Society. The Society is a non-profit organization that serves as the State's partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio's history, archaeology, and natural history.  Visit them on the web at www.ohiohistory.org.

 
   
  Col. John Johnston
  History of Piqua Ohio
  Piqua Ohio Local Heroes
  City of Piqua Ohio
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
    
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
    
    
    
    
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
 
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