This early frame house is preserved as a Registered National Landmark that is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail. The city of Lancaster commemorates the two Sherman brothers, William Tecumseh and John, who were born in this house, along with nine brothers and sisters. The Sherman House is one of the few examples of New England-style architecture in Lancaster. Sherman built his home in the New England tradition. The wooden house was known as "The Little Brown House on the Hill." Although humble in comparison to the mansions that surround it, the Sherman home was the center of intellectual life and hospitality in 1800's Lancaster. The original section contains the restored dining room, the master bedroom, and the children's bedroom. The second floor features Civil War memorabilia, and a some personal belongings of the Sherman family, including the family album quilt, and two examples of Mary Sherman's silk on silk needlework. The front brick exterior was added later, when the Sherman family was no longer living there.

The majestic Georgian is the cornerstone of Lancaster's Historic Square. The original owner, entrepreneur Samuel MacCracken, traveled in Europe to raise funds for the expansion of the Ohio Canal system. Upon the return from one of his many trips, MacCracken engaged local builder Daniel Sifford to build a family home similar to the stately mansion of the Lord Mayor of London, complete with fluted Ionic columns that support the massive west portico. As you admire those columns, consider that at an entire tree, taken from the surrounding forest, forms the center of each. The Georgian is as spectacular inside as it is from without. The prosperous and influential MacCracken spared little expense to furnish his home, which was perhaps the most impressive in the city.

Also through the generosity of local donors, visitors can view a large collection of antique dollhouse furnishings, a display of Elijah Pierce wood carvings, and a collection of numerous jade and ivory pieces. Many items of national historic interest are also on display at the Georgian.

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful."

These are the words of William Morris, 19th century British craftsman, designer, writer and poet, and a founder of the Arts and Craft movement. The Arts and Crafts Movement refers to the efforts of a group of craftsmen, artists, designers and architects who first aimed to raise the status of the applied arts to that of the fine arts. In 1877 in England. Today in Lancaster, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio fosters knowledge, enjoyment, and appreciation of the American Decorative Arts, and supports the work of present day Ohio craftsmen and artisans.

Current Exhibit - September 26, 2003 - January 4, 2004
" Illumination 1803 - 2003"
Tracing the evolution of lighting devices that conquered
darkness in American homes, "Illumination 1803-2003" is the third in the Center's series of exhibitions celebrating Ohio's Bicentennial.

The Gift Shop, which is located in the original dining room of the Reese-Peters House, is one of the most beautiful museum shops in America. Visitors can purchase original work by Ohio artists, and choose from many kinds of American Decorative Arts gifts.