You know that old saying, "You can't know where you're going, if you don't know where you've been?" That saying should resonate with all of us. You need to know your know your history to prepare for the future.
In 1985, the Hancock Park District was blessed with a very generous gift of land from the late Otta Litzenberg referred to now as Litzenberg Memorial Woods. With the property came the gift of history and a lot of it. Countless labor hours to renovate the site and provide year-round programs have been provided by numerous volunteers and Hancock Park District staff diligently working side by side to bring much of that history alive today.
The historical homestead area has been renovated to recreate the time period of the 1840's. During this time, the property was inhabited by early pioneers Charles and Mary McKinnis and their six children. The McKinnis family was among some of the earliest settlers in Hancock County, arriving from Chillicothe in 1822. The Greek revival home was a popular architectural style during this time period and is furnished today in a style common to rural farmhouses. Through years of renovation, a wagon shed and woodshop, historical garden and privy have all been added to recreate the look of a rural farm homestead.
Living history interpreters, portrayed by HPD staff and dedicated volunteers of all ages, interact with visitors during programs to bring the history of the area to life. Programs range in topics and are normally dependent on the season. Typically, visitors will be greeted by modern day volunteers providing background information about what they will encounter during their visit. As visitors enter the period garden, historic home or wagon shed/woodshop they will meet historical interpreters who will communicate in first-person while dressed in period attire to effectively demonstrate and illustrate their subject matter.
For folks not familiar with first-person interpretation, historical interpreters at the McKinnis Homestead have thoroughly research the lives of members of the McKinnis Family, local friends and neighbors of the surrounding area. Each interpreter has taken on the persona of a person from the past to assume the character's attributes. This form of communication provides an interactive mode while encouraging the audience to converse and participate with their historical character during their encounter. These special encounters with our period interpreters will help provide visitors with a connection to the past and lasting memories for the future.
Start making your own memories today and make a connection to Hancock County's history with a visit to the McKinnis Historical Homestead at Litzenberg Memorial Woods. If history is not your interest the park area has one of the best trail systems around with several miles of trails to hike and view local wildlife, a playground area for young children, and an outdoor shelter and Activity Barn are available for rent. Contact the HPD office for rental information. You'll be glad you did.
