The Historic Village of Zoar has been named to the 2012 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places®
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has identified the Village of Zoar, OH as an important historic site that is at risk. The Village sits at the base of a levee constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) nearly 75 years ago to hold back potential floodwaters. The levee is in need of major repairs. By being named to the list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places” the historic Village of Zoar moves into a national discussion. The additional attention generated through this designation by the NTHP is expected to encourage more people to learn about Zoar and to become supporters of saving the village.
The historic village on the Tuscarawas River is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It tells a unique story of a group of German immigrants escaping religious persecution to establish a commune in 1817. Descendents of original founders continue to live in some of the historic homes. It is an easy stroll through town to visit shops, the beautiful garden in the center of town, and to see original homes, the school, the hotel, and more.
Please read about the community here and follow the links to express your support.
"...Zoar is the quaintest, most interesting and most absolutely unique village that...[you] could find in all the length and breadth of our magnificent country. It is situated in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is owned and occupied exclusively by a most singular sect of German pietist-mystics, socialists and communists known as Zoarites, who founded it in the year 1817."
--Geoffrey Williston Christine
Peterson's Magazine
January 1889
Founded by the German religious dissenters called the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1817 as a communal society, Zoar today is an island of Old-World charm in east-central Ohio. Many of the German-style structures built by the Zoarites have been restored and are open to the public as Zoar Village State Memorial. Others are privately-owned, and serve as residences, shops, restaurants and bed and breakfast inns.
Visitors can experience the life of the agrarian Separatists by visiting the ten restored buildings (Number One House, Kitchen/Magazine Complex, Garden House, Bakery, Tinshop, Dairy, Wagon Shop, Blacksmith Shop and Zoar Store), which are staffed with costumed interpreters and furnished with items made or used by the Separatists. Some buildings are staffed, others open by guided tour. Volunteers give craft demonstrations during the many yearly special events.
Additional Information:
ZOAR STORE HOURS:
April – December
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Wednesday - Saturday |
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
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Wednesday - Saturday |
noon - 5 p.m. |
ZOAR SITE HOURS:
June - September
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Wednesday - Saturday |
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
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Sunday |
noon - 4 p.m. |
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