Where in Ohio is Janice?: Zane Grey / National Road Museum

Zane Grey / National Road Museum
Norwich, Ohio

The museum, located east of Zanesville, Ohio, is really three museums in one. The National Road Museum uses a diorama to show the history of building the historic road. The Zane Grey Museum contains personal items belonging to Zane Grey during his life. The Pottery Museum shows the types of pottery that made the area famous one hundred years ago. The varied topics contained in the one site provide an eclectic combination.

President Thomas

Jefferson approved construction of a National Road in 1806 to provide better access to what was the then the western United States. Construction began in 1811 in Cumberland, Maryland with construction ending in 1839 with the road terminating at Vandalia, Illinois. By 1840 the railroads were providing transportation to

points west so Congress voted against funding the effort to complete the project to go further west. Today the National Road is part of US Highway 40.

The National Road Museum contains various vehicles used to travel the road that should entertain antique auto enthusiasts. If taking children, ask them if the entire family’s belongings would fit in the

Conestoga wagon that is on display. Which items would they take with them on a trip to move across the country?

If there are school age children in the group, the trip can be made more fun by printing the puzzle at http://www.ohiohistoryteachers.org/03/05/se03tc.pdf. Can they find the answers to this puzzle in the National Road exhibit?

The exhibit with which I was most impressed is a diorama that details the construction of the road. It is quite detailed and very well done. Look carefully at what the figures are doing. Presented

in a timeline fashion, each step in the diorama shows how life on the road and the roadwork techniques changed in the construction from Maryland to Illinois.

The second major exhibit at this site is the Zane Grey Museum. In 1872 Zane Grey was born in Zanesville which was established by his ancestor Ebenezer Zane. Although his interests were in

baseball, fishing and writing, his father convinced him to get a degree in dentistry. The lure of the outdoors won out, and his life was spent taking

frequent excursions which provided the information for writing his more than 90 books on adventures in the west.

The Zane Grey portion of the museum contains mementos from his life in Ohio, Pennsylvania and California. This includes a re-creation of his study including his personal items. People who enjoy his novels will learn about his life and what inspired his many novels.

The third part of the museum displays pieces of pottery from the area. In the

late 1800’s and early 1900’s this area of Ohio was known for its pottery. The museum does not give a history of pottery-making, but it displays pieces with brief descriptions of the people involved.

Overall the museum is interesting, but the exhibits are a mish-mash of their various topics. Personally I enjoyed the National Road exhibits best. This is probably due to my father’s interest in transportation history providing me with a background of knowledge. From how the road was built to the various vehicles on display, anyone with an interest in transportation will enjoy this museum.

Upcoming Exhibits and Events –

October 18, 2008

Wandering along the National Road Road Rally -- Try your skills at this car rally along the National Road and surrounding area. The road rally will test your skill at finding both natural and man-made points of interests to match the clues. Teams are encouraged and the winner will be recognized. It will be a great way to discover the area's fall season and learn more about the National Road. For reservations, call 740.872.3143 or 800.752.2602.

Age Appropriateness –
Young Children –medium-low
School Age Children –medium-high
Teens –medium
Adults –medium-high
Senior Friendly –high

Physical vs. Mental –