The Greenfield Historical Society offers exhibits in four of its historic properties and is actively preparing an additional historic structure for future use. Below summarizes the current exhibits being offered to the public.
Travellers Rest
Travellers Rest was built by Noble Crawford in 1812. It was the first stone house in Greenfield. and also served as Greenfield's first post office, established on June 25, 1813. Noble Crawford was the first postmaster. For well over a century it was used as a private home. When acquired by the Historical Society, it was moved to its current location on McArthur Way and is used as the museum and headquarters for the Greenfield Historical Society. Many Greenfield artifacts are on display here and it is used for meetings and other events. Adjoining it is the Old Burial Ground where many of Greenfield's early citizens are buried.
B & O Railroad Depot
Once an active transportation hub, the depot was relocated by the Historical Society and has been painted and repaired. It now houses military and railroad exhibits.
The Samuel Smith Tannery
The Samuel Smith Tannery, established in 1821, is the oldest existing tannery building in Ohio and was also a stop on the Underground Railroad. It is currently used to display . . .
The Greenfield Grain and Hay Complex
This main building and surrounding outbuildings once played a major role in providing farm and hardware products to area residents. It is currently used to display . . . Some of the outbuildings showcase vehicles from the Patterson Buggy enterprise and early agricultural tools and machinery. The adjoining "barnyard" is the site of summer events as well.
The Old Seceders Presbyterian Church - Early 2-Room School
This building was the Old Seceders Presbyterian Church on South Street, lot #89; it was part of the Union Schools, 1867-1884. A Miss Anne Holmes, granddaughter of old Father White, taught a room in the back of the Old Seceders church on the corner of Washington and South streets. The Old Seceders built a small stone church on South street . . . This building, later used for school purposes . . . In 1867 the Board purchased the one-story stone building east of the Christian church, often referred to as the Old Seceders church and remodeled it for school purposes.
Damaged by fire prior to acquisition by the Society, it has undergone extensive repair and will soon be home to exhibits highlighting education in Greenfield.
