History of the Defiance County Historical Society

Founding and Early Years

The Defiance County Historical Society (DCHS) was founded in 1936 with the mission of preserving and promoting the history of Defiance County and Northwest Ohio. Like many community organizations of its time, the Society paused its work during World War II, but it quickly reorganized in 1946. Its first headquarters was a donated home near the Defiance Public Library, where members began building collections and planning programs.

During its early years, the Society undertook a number of community projects. Among these were driving tours of historic routes, the placement of large stone markers at Native American and frontier sites, and commemorations of ghost towns that once dotted the county.

Creation of AuGlaize Village

In 1966, the Historical Society embarked on one of its most ambitious projects: the creation of AuGlaize Village, an open-air history museum designed to bring the county’s past to life. The effort began with a gift of 40 acres of land and a large red barn from the Mansfield family. This donation became the foundation of the Village.

Over the following years, the site expanded to include an additional 80 acres, allowing the Village to grow into a full historic complex. Recognizing the need for sustained support, the Society transferred ownership of the property to the Defiance County Commissioners in 1975. This agreement allowed the county to assist with maintenance, mowing, snow removal, and repairs, while the Society continued to manage programming and operations through a formal Maintenance & Use Agreement.

AuGlaize Village Today

More than five decades later, AuGlaize Village remains a thriving destination for visitors across the region. The museum now includes over 40 historic buildings, a combination of original structures, restorations, and carefully reconstructed pieces that capture life in 19th- and early 20th-century rural Ohio.

Key highlights include:

  • The Sherry School, a restored one-room schoolhouse from the mid-1800s

  • Chapel of the Crosses, built in 1875

  • Jewell Railroad Station

  • A fully stocked General Store

  • Blacksmith Shop, Cane Mill, Cider Mill, Telephone Company exhibit, and more

At the center of the Village is the Mansfield Museum, housed in the original “Big Red Barn.” This building now features shops, exhibits, and concessions for guests.

Society’s Continued Mission

Today, DCHS remains deeply committed to education, heritage programming, and community engagement, ensuring that the county’s past is preserved and shared for generations to come.