Kemper Log Cabin
The Kemper House Log House (1804)
A two-story double-pen log house built by Reverend James Kemper in Walnut Hills
It is one of the oldest houses built in Cincinnati that is still standing. It is significant, not only because of the architectural style, but because of James Kemper’s prominence as an early educator and clergyman. In 1951 the Ohio Society took responsibility for Reverend James Kemper’s home that had been moved to the Cincinnati Zoo in 1912 from its original site in Walnut Hills. When you shake the cobwebs off our history, in 1975 on the eve of the nation’s Bicentennial, the June meeting of the Ohio Society was held at the Cincinnati Zoo where the Zoo director, a Mr. Maruska, spoke about future plans for the zoo, after which he encouraged those who wished to go see the white tigers — the future of the Zoo was not destined to include the Kemper Log House. In 1981 the house built in 1804 was disassembled and relocated at Heritage Village in Sharon Woods by the Ohio Society under the auspices of the Miami Purchase Association in Sharon Woods Park. The little Kemper Log House has found a permanent home and it is today a slice of virtual history busy with the tours and children who participate in its original and vibrant programs.
Location
Heritage Village Museum/Sharon Woods Park
11450 Lebanon Road
Sharonville, OH 45241
Hours
Open: May – September, Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm,
Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; October – April, Wednesday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Contact
Phone: (513) 563-9484
Fax: (513) 563-0914
info@heritagevillagecincinnati.org
Heritage Village Cincinnati
About
The two-story, double pen log house, was built by the Rev. James Kemper in Walnut Hills. It is one of the oldest log houses built in Cincinnati that is still standing and Rev. Kemper was the first Presbyterian minister ordained north of the Ohio River. The house was moved in 1912 to the Cincinnati Zoo and again in 1981 by the Ohio Society to its present location at Heritage Village Museum in Sharon Woods Park.
Directions
From I-70, west on 275 to exit 46, Route 42, south on 42 approximately 1 mile to Sharon Woods Park. From I-75, east on 275, exit 46, south on 42. Motor vehicle permit may be required to enter park.
