OUR HISTORY
The Massillon Heritage Foundation was formed in 1975 and is governed by a board of trustees. Its mission is to receive and administer funds for the purpose of acquiring, restoring, preserving and maintaining properties of historical significance to Massillon and the surrounding area for use in scientific, educational and charitable purposes. Its main focus is the preservation of Five Oaks. Five Oaks was deeded to the Foundation from the Massillon Woman's Club when preservation projects and expenses became too burdensome for them. The Massillon Heritage Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that has been responsible for the restoration and preservation of Five Oaks for over forty-five years.
During that period, completed projects include restoration of the ballroom, repair and restoration of all fireplaces, renovation of the heating system, rewiring the entire house, restoration of the parlor floor, installation of a lift to provide handicapped access to all floors, and ongoing repairs to the roof and gutters. In 2016, the state awarded an OFCC grant for $350,000, this grant was used for the restoration of significant portions of the slate roof, mortar restoration on the stone walls, and also the stabilization of a cracked stone column. Through donations and memberships, the exterior lighting was upgraded to provide more secure access to the building. In 2020, the twenty-year-old lift was replaced with a new fully automatic elevator.
In accordance with our mission, the Foundation designed and installed a monument at the Kendal Burying Ground on Andrew Street to honor the early settlers buried there. This is the first public cemetery in Massillon and a historically significant site.
There are many vital preservation projects planned for the future and we need your support to continue the high level of expertise that historic preservation requires. |
Foundation Trustees
President - David Darnell
1st Vice President - Eric Myers
2nd Vice President - Larry Slagle
Secretary - Elizabeth Fink
Treasurer - Raygan Weiford
Kathleen Bachtel
Christine Bowman
Bill Dewald
Jeff Doll
Linda Tarle
1st Vice President - Eric Myers
2nd Vice President - Larry Slagle
Secretary - Elizabeth Fink
Treasurer - Raygan Weiford
Kathleen Bachtel
Christine Bowman
Bill Dewald
Jeff Doll
Linda Tarle