The historic Barnhisel House, U.S. 422 in Girard, is maintained by the Girard Historical Society and filled with local history, will open from 1 to 4 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
The home is loaded with history of the area with photos, toys, furniture and more in the home. The current features are antique tools on the lower level and antique toys on the second floor.
The house, once the home of Henry and Susan Barnhisel, is one of the oldest remaining structures in the city. The house displays link the people of Girard to an early settler and to some of the most important families of Trumbull County.
According to the historical society, the house passed from the Barnhisel family to Joseph W. Smith around the turn of the 20th century. Smith patented the process of preparation of leather, which was the start of the Ohio Leather Company. Smith's family and heirs owned the house for the next 60 years. Ohio Leather, which had stood opposite the house, was the main employer in Girard for many years, according to historical accounts.
Admission to the Barnhisel open house is a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children. Donations are accepted at the door. Visitors also can purchase calendars or post cards from $1 to $4.
Membership in the historical society is $10 for individual or $200 for lifetime membership. Family membership is $15 or $350 lifetime. Organization membership is $25. Included in the membership is a subscription to the quarterly newsletter.
Membership meetings are held at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of each month.
For more information or to become a member, call 330-545-6559 or 330-545-6162 or visit the website, www.girardhistoricalsociety.org.