Johnston Farm & Indian Agency

Saturday, November 2, 2013

So the site is closed for the winter - what happens when we're not there?

Ever wonder what happens at the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency when the gates are closed for the wild wintry months? This winter Gedney and DeFrees, our intrepid, roving and squeaking reporters - will keep you up to date with their periodic reports from a mouse-eye view.

For those of you who have been to the site in the last several years, you will recognize this pair as two of our mouse hunt mice. They have forsaken their cozy lodgings in the book in the boy's room and on the dressing table in the Johnston girls' room to bring you updates on what's going on in the Johnston farmhouse, outbuildings, and the Indian Museum.

Be sure to check back periodically to share in their adventures - and to see if they ever find any cheese!

See what you missed in 2013?

Images from our August, September and October events! Lots happening. Be sure to check out our 2014 Happenings for the new season's events so you are sure to join in the fun!

Images showcase some of our wonderful and dedicated volunteers. Thanks so much!

Bekah Akins and Kelsey Shepherd

Leah Frazier with Bekah

Chris Carrol and Chandler

John Heater

Leslise and Harmony Arendt

Tim Mann and Maven

Jennifer McConkey

Carol and Jim Hess

Johnston descendant, Julia Patterson Chesire

Thanks to all of our other volunteers not shown as well! Jean Wilhelm, Nancy Weatherhed, Mary Beth Aust-Keefer, the Arendt sisters, Rachel McConkey and everyone else I forgot!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Life on an Indian Agency

This year our Indian Agency event focused on the spring and summer of 1812. In March of 1812, John Johnston's impressive brick home officially became an Indian Agency - a place of haven and help for the Native Americans in his care during the war. This transformed the Johnston's life, changing forever the destiny of their family.

Here are some of the sights of the weekend -

Be sure to join us next year!

Driving Directions

Driving directions from I-75/US 36 to Johnston Farm & Indian Agency 2013

From the east: At I-75 proceed north to exit # 82, exit freeway and turn left on US 36. Follow highway and stay in right hand lane. Turn right onto Main St. and then left at SR 66 intersection (if you go over the bridge you have gone too far). Follow SR 66 2.5 miles to Hardin Road. At Hardin Road, turn right and follow to main entrance of Johnston farm & Indian Agency.

From the north on I-75: Exit
I-75 at exit #82, turn right and follow above directions.

From the south on I-75: Follow I-75 to exit #82 and follow directions above.

If all else fails call 937-773-2522

2013 Events Calendar

Saturday, April 13, 2013, 1:00 p.m.

A Springtime Hike at the Johnston Farm

Spring is a time of new beginnings, and what better way to enjoy spring and mark Earth Day than with a hike at the Johnston Farm? History will be the focus of the afternoon as we make stops at the Adena earthwork and mound to look back at our prehistoric past, the Johnston Cemetery to learn about the symbolism of early tombstones and learn more about some of the individuals. We will conclude the hike with a visit to John Johnston’s massive double-pen log barn. Hikers will depart the Historic Indian and Canal Museum for an interpreted, moderate hike. Visitors should come prepared for the fields that are a part of the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency.

COST: $4.00/adults, $2.00/students 6-12, free to Johnston Farm Friends Council and Ohio Historical Society members.

Thursday, April 18, 2013, 6:00 PM

The West Comes to Piqua

This event is being sponsored by the Johnston Farm Friends Council and will feature many things western for an evening of food and fun. This is a RESERVATION ONLY event. Details of this event are to be determined. Please refer to www.johnstonfarmohio.com for complete details, including reservation information as they become available.

Saturday, June 15, 2012, Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Family Day at the Johnston Farm

John Johnston’s family home will come alive with games and activities enjoyed in days past. Make this an early Father’s Day. Each dad or grandfather will be admitted free when accompanied by his family. Allow enough time to visit the Johnston’s home to learn how the family lived, take in the Historic Indian and Canal Museum to gain insight to the lives of the first people who called Ohio home, and don’t forget to include time in your day for a relaxing ride on the General Harrison of Piqua and relive the time when mules pulled boats and the world moved at four miles per hour.

COST: Regular site admission.

Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14, 2013, Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Native Life in Early Ohio at the Johnston Farm

Have you ever wondered what life was like for the Native American who called this valley home? Experience the time before the Johnston family established their home in the upper Miami Valley. Visit the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency and learn more about the lives of the first residents of the Miami valley.

COST: regular site admission.

Saturday, August 17, 2013, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

An Evening of Feasting & Canawling at the Johnston Farm

Join us for an evening that will take you back to the time when the world moved at four miles an hour at the end of a towrope. The evening begins with a hearty meal served in the comfort of the Woodland Indian & Canal Museum. From there visitors will board the General Harrison of Piqua for a twilight ride over the entire stretch of our restored section of the Miami and Erie Canal that always is full of surprises for each passenger. This is a RESERVATION ONLY event, so call to book your passage for this very popular once-a-year activity.

COST: $35.00/adults, $30.00/children 6-12; $30.00 & $25.00 for Johnston Farm Friends Council and Ohio Historical Society members.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of Labor Day Weekend 2013

Piqua Heritage Festival

Saturday, October 12, 2013, Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate Fall at the Johnston Farm

Have you ever wondered what the Miami and Erie Canal looked like in the fall? There will be two canal boat rides aboard the General Harrison of Piqua; one at 1:00 p.m. that will travel north to Lock 8 and return to the landing. The second ride at 2:30 p.m. will travel the entire length of our section of the canal to give passengers an idea of what canawlers saw in 1845 as they moved across western Ohio by canal boat. For those visitors who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, a hayride at 4:00 p.m. will take visitors along the towpath. A new feature of this afternoon will be a re-enactment camp that will focus on the activities in the Pickawillany Village when it was a busy British Trading Post deep in the heart of what was then French territory. Join the staff and volunteers of the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency for this special fall afternoon and take part in a variety of activities and demonstrations at the home of John Johnston as well as a tour of the home. Be sure to include a visit to the Historic Indian and Canal Museum.

COST: Regular site admission

Saturday, December 7, 2013, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.,

4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Christmas at the Johnston Farm

This year our annual Christmas event features a Victorian-themed murder mystery as visitors are charged with determining who did in Ebenezer Scrooge. Our guests will first be treated to a traditional dinner in John Johnston’s dining room. From there they will be invited to tour the home which has been transformed into a Victorian era hotel. Guests will be introduced to individuals who may have had a hand in the demise of good old Ebenezer. Things will conclude by the fireplace in the winter kitchen where guests will enjoy dessert and be asked to determine “who killed Scrooge”. This is a RESERVATION ONLY event so call early to confirm your spot for dinner and a mystery.

COST: $35.00/adults, $30.00/children 6-12; $30.00 & $25.00 for Johnston Farm Friends Council and Ohio Historical Society members.

Available now!

In the Midst of Danger is inspired by the true story of John and Rachel Johnston. In 1802 John Johnston and his young bride, Rachel, left Philadelphia, headed for Fort Wayne deep in the heart of the Indian Territory. They knew the journey would be perilous, but they did not expect that, once they had reached the safety of the fort, they would find themselves... IN THE MIDST OF DANGERIn the Midst of Danger is a publication ofThe Piqua Historical Area Friends Council.All profits go to support the Piqua Historical Area and Johnston. For more information call (937) 773-2522 or visit http://www.marlafair.com/

Thanks to the Johnston Farm Friends Council

The Johnston Farm Friends Council has made a committment to do its best to help maintain the level of service the Piqua site provides each and every day. The site hosts over 80,000 visitors from many of the fifty states and overseas & app. 4000 school children each year. Maintaining the site and continuing to offer a variety of events all come at at a cost and each year, unfortunately, costs increase. By becoming a member of the Friends Council you can become a part of this important cultural and heritage landmark. All funds remain at the JFFC and will be utilized locally. For more information contact Andy Hite at 937-773-2522 or ahite@ohiohistory.org