BEAVERCREEK — The Beavercreek Historical Society recently hosted a celebration at Wartinger Historical Park to rededicate the Tobias-Zimmer Barn to the Beavercreek community.

The original 1858 barn was destroyed in the 2019 tornadoes and a historically accurate rebuild was completed in 2022. Festivities included free ice cream and historical cabin tours, and an interesting presentation highlighting Beavercreek’s colorful history.

The event kicked off a fundraising campaign to add restrooms and a warming kitchen to the barn with the announcement of a $40,000 matching gift commitment from barn donor Bob Zimmer. Zimmer will match donations dollar-for dollar up to $40,000.

The addition of restrooms and a warming kitchen will increase the usability of the barn, making it a more attractive rental venue, with proceeds directly supporting the maintenance and operations of Wartinger Park. The restrooms will also be accessible to park visitors during park hours. The project will begin in August with the installation of the water/sewer line.

Donated to the park in 1996 by Bob and his wife, Agnes, the barn joined four early Beavercreek family historic cabins representing first settlers in the area: Philip Harshman, Samuel Ankeney, John Nicodemus, and George Jarusiewic.

The barn and cabins are open for touring during special park events, including the city’s annual Winter Welcome set for Dec. 15.

The Tobias-Zimmer Barn also serves as an educational interpretive center for the society’s annual Living History Program which fulfills a state curriculum requirement by teaching local third-graders about Ohio life in the early 1800s. Launched in 1993, the program has served more than 15,500 Beavercreek schoolchildren.

Contributions to the Tobias-Zimmer Barn Fund can be made by check to Beavercreek Historical Society, 1368 Research Park Dr., Beavercreek, Ohio 45432, or by donating online at greenegiving.org. Specify “Beavercreek Historical Society Tobias-Zimmer Barn.”

Visit beavercreekhistoricalsociety.org to learn more, join, or volunteer. The Society is always looking for descendants of early Beavercreek settlers. For more information, email [email protected]. Visit beavercreekohio.gov for barn rental information.