Each year thousands of visitors drive through Geauga County, home of Ohio's second-largest Amish population, to witness firsthand the religious-based group's simple way of life.
People soon will have a chance to absorb more of their culture at the Amish Heritage Center set to open in June at Settlers' Village on Old State Road in Middlefield.
Samuel J. Weaver, the great-great grandson of Samuel W. Weaver, the first Geauga County Amish settler, said the community had been hoping for such a site for several years.
Berlin, Ohio, and Lancaster, Pa., both heavily Amish areas, have dedicated establishments.
Discussions concerning the project picked up steam about a year and a half ago when Ken Lawton, son of the late Florian Lawton, an artist known for his paintings of the Amish, met with representatives from the denomination.
"These men in their own way explained why it hadn't happened on their own," Lawton said. "They recognized they needed an English (non-Amish) partner ... we've been able ... to develop some momentum and develop a quality team — both Amish and English."
Florian's relationship with the Amish flourished over many decades since his works depicting the community were deemed respectful.
"He began documenting their lifestyle back in the 1960s," Lawton said. "He was enamored by their culture and subsequently was able to cultivate friends and it produced a huge body of work."
Father and son created a foundation prior to Florian's death in January 2011, which will be used to help fund the center.
The opportunity for an appropriate location arose when the closing of Vancura Gallery of Fine Art in Middlefield's Settlers' Village was announced. Discussions led to the decision of housing the center at the former gallery, which will afford about 4,000 square feet of space.
Weaver noted that committee members are pleased that the center is reaching fruition.
"We would very much like to have the truth instead of misconceptions about the Amish way of life," he said.
The following vision statement addresses that concern: "The Amish Heritage Center focuses on presenting the story of the Geauga and Northeast Ohio Amish settlement to a diverse audience including local residents and international visitors through education and exhibits. The story of this Amish settlement will be presented from their roots in Europe through their settlement and migration throughout the U.S., finally ending on the reason and motivations for settling in Geauga County. A macro to micro review on the Amish culture in America."
Artifacts including historical documents, clothing, pottery, textiles, quilts, bibles and songbooks will be displayed.
Also recognized will be the group's significant contributions Ohio's maple sugar prodution, making Ohio the third largest producer in the United States. David Patterson, a member of the Ohio Maple Producers Association, estimated that the Amish are responsible for about 50 percent of taps and sugarhouses in the area.
Lawton noted that the committee has "cast their nets" to gather Amish-related items on a donation or loan basis.
To keep offerings fresh, various programs and exhibits will be changed throughout the year.
Amish and English staff members will serve as the center's guides and docents. Cost of admission is estimated to be about $6.
Lynda Nemeth, Geauga County Tourism Director, said the center will be an asset to area tourism. She noted that about 90 percent of tourism office walk-in traffic is looking for Amish information. "Having the center in Middlefield will be a huge benefit to helping our visitors better understand the community, which will enhance their visit," she said.
Please See Our Facebook Page For News Articles and Other Media
