In 1817, 200 separatists escaping religious persecution fled Germany and founded the settlement known as Zoar. The historic community sits on the outskirts of Ohio Amish Country in rural Tuscarawas County. The self-sufficient Zoar villagers raised crops, built mills and produced textiles, eventually becoming one of America's most successful communal settlements. Although the commune dissolved in 1898, the town carried on. Modern Zoar consists of only a few families, but portions are maintained as a historic site by the Ohio Historical Society.
Step Back in Time
- Costumed interpreters bring Zoar Historic Village's past to life. Guided tours through Zoar's 10 restored buildings shed light on how the separatists lived and work. Purchase tour tickets at the Zoar Store. Built in 1833, the store was the village hub and the spot where commune products were sold to outsiders. Other tour highlights include the village bakery with its brick ovens. Visitors lucky enough to visit on a demonstration day will see the oven produce bread, pretzels and gingerbread. At the Number One House, once home to the society leader and two other families. Period furnishings made or used by Zoarites are displayed. Other buildings to see include the Kitchen/Magazine Complex, Garden House and Greenhouse, Dairy, Tin Shop, Wagon Shop, and Blacksmith Shop. Guided tours are available April through October or any time with advance registration.
Hear Tales of the Past
- Monthly presentations at the Zoar Schoolhouse offer an opportunity to engage with Ohio's heritage. Zoar Historic Village's free speaker series is recognized as one of the state's premier outreach programs. In 2013, the series received a History Outreach Award in Public Programming by the Ohio Local History Alliance. The acclaimed presentations have addressed topics ranging from civil war stories to spooky ghost tales, to Tuscarawas County's historic covered bridges and U.S. presidents from Ohio and much more. Talks begin a 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.
Learn and Celebrate
- For anyone who has ever been inclined to learn historic crafts or trades, Zoar Village classes offer the opportunity. Day-long workshops in blacksmithing teach participants to forge their own hooks, nails and more. Weaving sessions teach use of a two-harness floor loom, while the drop spindle classes show how to spin wool roving into yarn. Village special events offer a blend of demonstrations, nostalgia and recreation. August's annual Harvest Festival and Antique Show involves more than 60 antique dealers complemented by craft demonstrations and village tours. The two-day Christmas in Zoar celebration ushers in the season with music, home tours, a live nativity, a visit to Santa's workshop, a tree-lighting and candlelight church service.
Shop and Dine at Historic Buildings
- The Zoar Village experience isn't complete without availing yourself of refreshment and merchandise presented in a historic building. Firehouse Grille & Pub serves casual American fare from No. 23 House, built in 1831 and home to the society's physician. Enjoy American or German fare at Canal Tavern of Zoar. Dating back to 1829, the original Canawler Inn served travelers of the Ohio and Erie Canal. For antique finds, visit The Keeping Room. The shop is housed in the original Zoar communal laundry house. The Zoar Store and Visitor Center sells quality arts and crafts, rugs, pottery, tinware and other reproduction wares reflecting 19th-century life.
