The NSCDA in Ohio owns two houses of historical interest in Cincinnati, the Kemper Log House and the Betts House Research Center, and maintains the furnishings in the Charleston Room at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Address:  11450 Lebanon Pike, Cincinnati, OH  45241

Telephone:  (513) 563-9484

Open:  May through October, Wednesday  through Saturday:  Noon to 4:00 p.m.  Sunday:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  April and November:  weekends (Saturday & Sunday).  December:  Special hours.

Closed:  Monday and Tuesday.

Directions:  From I-70. go west on 275 to Exit 46, south on 42 approximately 1 mile to Sharon Woods Park.   From I-75, go east on 275, Exit 46, south on 42.  Motor vehicle permit may be required to enter the park.

Website:  http://www.HeritageVillageCincinnati.org

Photograph by Erik Kvalsvik

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Ohio assumed responsibility for it in 1951.  The Ohio Society oversaw a second move in 1981, as the house was disassembled and relocated at Heritage Village in Sharon Woods.  Its operation is coordinated with Historic Southwest Ohio, which maintains the village.

The log house is significant, not only because it represents one of the earliest architectural styles for this region, but also because of James Kemper's prominence as an early educator and clergyman.

The adjacent Stone kitchen provides educational opportunities with open hearth cooking demonstrations which delight visitors of all ages. A fenced period garden just off the kitchen will provide fruits and vegetables for the kitchen.

The Kemper House Museum received NSCDA Museum Properties accreditation in 2002.

Address: Betts-Longworth Historic District,  416 Clark Street
Cincinnati, OH 45207

Telephone:  (513) 651-0734

Open:  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday:  11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. One weekend a month and by appointment.  The Museum is closed on Federal Holidays
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Directions:  From I-75, take Ezzard Charles Drive Exit, continue east on Ezzard Charles, turn right on John Street for two blocks, then left on Clark Street.

Website:  www.BettsHouse.org

In 1994, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Ohio accepted the house as a gift.  They agreed to oversee a Research Center whose mission is "the interpretation of the history of Cincinnati from 1800 to the present through the study of the evolution of building in materials and traditions in this area."  Under the direction of a Curator and a House Director, the Research Center creates and presents annual temporary exhibits which have included early bricks and brick making, decorative iron fencing, fireplaces and stoves in 19th century homes, and an extensive 1864 remodeling.

Interpretation of the permanent exhibit, the Betts House as an artifact, is complimented by a Time Line placing the house in its historic context, and an informative pamphlet of historic architectural details.  "Bond at the Betts-House," an annual summer program for youth, ages 10 and up, provides hands-on experience in such trades as bricklaying, carpentry, and metalworking while learning about career opportunities.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Open:  Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday:  10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday:  10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Sunday:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Directions:  From I-71, take Exit 2.  Follow directional signs to Eden Park.
 

This has been a major project of the Ohio Society.  It has provided an appropriate and authentic setting for the treasures and furniture, porcelain, paintings, silver, and brass collection that is from a period room that was in a home on Beaufain Street in Charleston, SC.  When the structure was being razed, a room was purchased by the Duchess of Talleyrand and subsequently donated to the Museum

ACCREDITED:  AAM AND NSCDA MUSEUM PROPERTIES