AuGlaize Village
An Historic Pioneer Village in the Heart of the Great Black Swamp
Defiance County Historical Society
AuGlaize Village was started in 1966 by the Defiance County Historical Society. The society’s collection had outgrown the home they were using downtown by the library. The Mansfield’s donated $10,000 for DCHS to purchase the Wellman Pony Farm on Krouse Road. In 1975, DCHS trusted the property to Defiance County in hopes of receiving grants and improvements. DCHS was officially made the managing party for the Village and it’s collection. The county planned to develop The Defiance Heritage Memorial Park complete with camping, fishing, hiking, even a reconstructed Fort Defiance, a farm zoo and planitarium but never followed through with the park.
History Education
AuGlaize Village’s number one mission is keeping the pioneer skills alive that allowed our ancestors to carve a community out of the Great Black Swamp. Food production, transportation, communication and education are all documented and preserved at the Village. To schedule a School Field Trip or other group tour, please contact us here.
Demonstrations
AuGlaize Village has a variety of talented demonstrators. We regularly show visitors broom making, fabric dying, woodworking, hawk throwing, Civil War Army life, weaving, spinning, tinsmithing, blacksmithing and more. Let us know what you are interested in seeing! We also reimburse class fees when you learn a Vintage Skill and demonstrate it at six village events. Pre-approval required.
