State Rep. Bill Roemer | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Bill Roemer | The Ohio House of Representatives
COLUMBUS—State Representative Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) recently toured Oviatt House to discuss the $100,000 allotted to the historic home from Substitute House Bill 2. This funding is part of the state's two-year construction budget for capital projects across Ohio, developed in conjunction with State Senator Kristina Roegner.
The Oviatt House, built in 1836, is listed on the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The state funding will support ongoing restoration efforts at the house. Once restoration is completed, it will reopen in 2026 as a public museum.
"As one of the oldest structures in Richfield, the Oviatt House has played an important part in the area's history, including playing a part in the Underground Railroad," said Roemer. "Restoring the home to its original form will allow visitors to step back in time and learn something new about Ohio's rich history."
“We are grateful to Representative Roemer and Senator Roegner for their continued support of our restoration project,” said Judy Bowman, President of Oviatt Housing Inc.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the legislation on June 28, honoring the Oviatt House's ties to the Underground Railroad and its future role as an educational museum for future generations.
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