Since its founding in 1955, the Richfield Historical Society (RHS) has served as a cornerstone of cultural preservation in the community. What started as a grassroots effort during the Richfield Reunion has grown into an organization dedicated to keeping the village’s history alive for generations to come.
Operating out of the historic Old Town Hall at 3907 Broadview Road, RHS maintains the Richfield Heritage Museum, a welcoming space filled with artifacts, photographs and documents that tell the story of the community’s development. From its early days as a farming village to its growth during the industrial age, the museum paints a vivid picture of Richfield’s evolution. Admission is always free, and guided tours can be arranged for groups and schools. The society’s president, Linda Fleming, has been a member since 1994 and is passionate about local history.
“The main goal, I would say, is preserving not only the actual artifacts, but we also have archival books with family genealogies, family stories. Century Homes is a really big thing. We have four books that are four inches wide [and] full of pictures,” She said.
Beyond its work with archives and artifacts, RHS is perhaps best at organizing events for the community. Guests can witness antique equipment demonstrations, enjoy traditional craft displays and take part in historical reenactments. These events include lectures that involve the annual Memorial Day parade, the D-day remembrance event, putting candles in community windows to remember Paul Revere’s ride and many more community events. The events that highlight specific historical occurrences are a part of the “Take Me Back” Program. Kitty Butler, a long time member of the society and the head of the program, discussed her involvement with the organization of these events.
“I’m on the Society’s board and primarily do marketing. [That includes] writing news articles and preparing the Society’s newsletter (which comes out three times a year) as well as recruiting speakers for the Take Me Backseries. . . . Through engaging exhibits, tours, special events, historic artifacts, archival and photographic collections, educational programs, presentations and outreach for children and adults, the Richfield Historical Society’s purpose is to create and promote appreciation for Richfield’s diverse cultural, social and economic history [through these events].” Butler said.
The heart of RHS’s work is its volunteers. These individuals catalog the growing collection, plan events and partner with schools to provide local history programming tailored to students. Their efforts help ensure that the society’s resources remain available to everyone—whether you are a longtime resident or new to the area. One of these volunteers is Dr. Gary Domanick, a local chiropractor and World War II fanatic. Domanick has spoken at the D-Day Remembrance event for the past three years.
“My dad was there as an eighteen year old. He was right next to Bloody Omaha, and then he went to the Battle of the Bulge. But [speaking] wasn’t just for my dad,” Domanick said.
Looking ahead, RHS plans to enhance its digital offerings, expand its archives and develop new exhibits that reflect the diversity and changing interests of the community. The society is committed to making history accessible and meaningful for all residents—young and old, past and future. One of the ways that the society is able to do this is connecting local families to major events, such as the Revolutionary War.
“One of the revolutionary war veterans is Elijah Welton. He was the baggage wagoner for George Washington for eight years, from 1776 to 1783. In 1990, we got a grant from Summit County, and we made a stone in his honor. It’s up by the flagpole [in the center of town]. It tells all the things that he did.” Fleming said.
In recent years, RHS has expanded its reach by supporting the preservation and interpretation of the Richfield Heritage Preserve, a 336-acre natural and historic site that reflects the village’s past and natural beauty. RHS works with many groups of people to help preserve the land. One of these groups Is Revere High School’s National Honor society. This collaboration highlights the society’s broader mission: preserving not just buildings and documents, but the landscapes and legacies that define Richfield.
As Richfield continues to grow and change, the Historical Society offers a connection to the roots that ground the community. Through education, preservation and celebration, RHS reminds many that history is not just a record of what came before—it is the story that provides a sense of certainty into the future.
