250 Years of History at Schoenbrunn Village

Ohio’s first Christian settlement. The state’s first church and schoolhouse — even its first code of laws. From 1772 to 1777, Schoenbrunn Village was the site of each of these historic milestones. But more than that, the thriving village was a utopia, an inspiring place where Moravian missionaries from Europe and American Indians from the Delaware tribe lived together harmoniously.

Now, as Schoenbrunn Village celebrates its 250th anniversary, there has never been a better time to experience it for yourself.

Most cabins also came with extended property, where residents could erect other structures or plant gardens. Schoenbrunn Village also boasted a church, schoolhouse and community gardens. Here, the Moravians and Delaware converts lived peacefully together according to a set of laws, which forbade alcohol and dancing, and mandated that villagers observe the Lord’s Day, among other rules.

“In the Village, the Moravians were educating both males and females in school, which was progressive in the 18th century and most especially, on the Ohio Frontier,” Zucal says. “The Village was thriving, until the Revolutionary War tensions began to reach the frontier.”

Seeking to avoid violence, the villagers remained neutral in the conflict, causing both the British and American colonists to distrust them. Rumors swirled that Zeisberger may even have been a spy for the Patriots, though that’s never been proven. In the end, though, the villagers at Schoenbrunn were caught in the middle and decided to abandon the Village, mostly to Canada, dismantling their homes and church on the way out.

Step back in time

Efforts to restore Schoenbrunn Village began in the 1920s, as members of the Tuscarawas County Historical Society used Moravian diaries and other historical records to locate the site.

One of the first things you’ll see at the visitor center is a new metal sculpture on a large stone, depicting the three Delaware clans: the wolf, the turkey and the turtle. The sculpture, gifted by the Northern Province of the Moravian Churches to the Delaware Nation for the site’s 250th anniversary, welcomes visitors in English, German and Delaware.

“When you enter Schoenbrunn, you are immersed into a different world,” Zucal says. “We want visitors to understand this is an American Indian site and the Germans were guests of the Delaware. It still is their land. We are honored and privileged to take care of it for them.”

Next, enter the visitor center and museum, where you can see a new interpretive timeline and maps created for the 250th anniversary, watch an introductory video and read about the village’s incredible history from both the Moravian and Delaware perspective.

From there, step outside and into the past. As you walk through the village, you’ll see 18 cabins, including a small American Indian home that was restored in 2020 and Schebosh Cabin, a larger home with a porch that was unveiled for the 250th anniversary. In addition, you can visit the church and school, other cabins and God’s Acre, the original mission cemetery.

Throughout the site, signs and markers guide your way and tell the stories of the families who lived in each home. Costumed interpreters bring the settlement to life, sharing the customs of 18th century Moravians and Delawares with modern visitors. As you wander around, look for “villagers” gardening, making candles, writing with quills or churning butter.

“You really can immerse yourself in the 18th century,” Zucal says. “Even though the site is located in the city of New Philadelphia, it’s barricaded by a wall of trees, and you really do feel like you’re walking back into 1770s.”

Don’t forget to pack a lunch, too. The site includes beautiful outdoor spaces and picnic facilities, as well as trails to enjoy some time in nature.