In 1971, John Lea, then president of the Wayne County Historical Society, created the landmark committee to identify historical sites in Wayne County, Ohio. In 1976, the committee, led by Board of Trustees member Russell Frey, developed the idea to gather information about historical structures in Wayne County. The Wayne County Historical Society issued a call for all citizens within the county to identify and catalog properties, buildings, or structures with historical significance. The committee decided upon three separate categories: County Historical Landmark, Pioneer House, and Century House.
The response was overwhelming. The landmark committee identified many homes over 100 years old and eligible for historic consideration.
How to Register Your Property and Apply for a Plaque
The Wayne County Historical Society established its Property Registry and Historic Plaque Program as a means for promoting Wayne County’s rich, diverse history along with its architectural character. The program is intended to educate and foster awareness about the county’s architectural heritage, to encourage a sense of pride in the community.
There are currently four categories the Society uses to define and recognize a historic house, building, structure, site, district, or object within Wayne County, Ohio.
- Pioneer House – A house or residence that is 100 years old or more and was built before 1900.
- 100-Year-Old House – A house or residence that was built in 1900 or later and is at least 100 years old.
- Century House – A house or residence that is 100 years old or more and has been continuously owned by the same family/bloodline.
- County Historical Landmark – A building or home that is 100 years old or more and has special architectural, cultural, or historic value; or site, district, or object of historic importance (100+ years old).
On this page you will find out how to register your house, building, site, district, or object with the Wayne County Historical Society.
The Wayne County Historical Society Landmark registry can be found here.
Qualifying Properties
To have your property listed on the Wayne County Historical Society registry and if you wish to receive a site marker plaque for your property, it must fall into one of the four above categories. If you think your structure meets the qualifications, your next step is to complete an application including all documentation for the appropriate category in which you wish to apply. To submit your application, follow the directions that accompany the appropriate application form.
Once the Wayne County Historical Society’s Landmark Committee reviews your application and all submitted documentation, they will inform you of their decision. Upon approval, your property will be listed in the registry and you may order, at cost, a site marker plaque.
Application Instructions and Procedures
You can download the appropriate application instructions and procedures as a multi-page PDF file below to get started today! We are in the process of updating the prices on the forms and the supplier has raised his prices. Please contact the Society of current pricing.
Pioneer House – click here to download Pioneer House Application.
100-Year-Old House – click here to download 100-Year-Old House Application.
Century House – click here to download Century House Application.
County Historical Landmark House – click here to download County Historical Landmark House Application.
County Historical Landmark Site, District, Object – click here to download County Historical Landmark Site, District, Object Instructions.
If you have any questions, you can contact executive director Rik Goodright at rgoodright@neola.com.
Some of the properties listed on the Wayne County Historical Society registry are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To view the National Register of Historic Places listings for Wayne County, Ohio see: Wayne County Ohio Historic Places Listings
