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Ohio Pioneers Cultural Heritage Institute of Connecticut's Western Reserve
Committed to the preservation and remembrance of Northeast Ohio's historical connection to New England.
About OPCHI-CWR
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
OPCHI-CWR, in the spirit of the ongoing “America 250-Ohio” campaign, is formed as of May 19, 2025 in Barberton, Ohio, as an unincorporated nonprofit association (UNA), with a registered fictitious business name and agent on file with the Secretary of State of Ohio. The UNA is seeking nonprofit-organization status pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3).
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
OPCHI-CWR serves the American citizenry & native-American tribes, through (1) historical, geographical, & genealogical research, (2) civic-education outreach efforts that ethically leverage nascent digital and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, (3) publication of books, monographs, articles, maps & infographics, (4) p
OPCHI-CWR serves the American citizenry & native-American tribes, through (1) historical, geographical, & genealogical research, (2) civic-education outreach efforts that ethically leverage nascent digital and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, (3) publication of books, monographs, articles, maps & infographics, (4) public-librarianship digital reference and archival stewardship services, (5) digitization of documents, manuscripts, records, and photographs of enduring societal value, cost-free informational support to U.S. military veterans and their families with surname roots in New England, New York, Maryland, the Commonwealths of Kentucky, Pennsylvania & Virginia, and all 200 townships of New Connecticut, and (6) provides volunteers for the clean-up [no-cost for local governments], maintenance, horticultural improvement, and cultural interpretation of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century pioneer-settler cemeteries & family gravesites, and the tribal grounds of the Lenne Lenape people, which are inextricably linked to the historically significant village of New Portage (incorporated in 1816, Portage County), the Connecticut Western Reserve (CWR) township of Norton (incorporated in 1818 as Wolf Creek Township, Town 1, Range 12), the township of Coventry (1806 - present, CWR, Town 1, Range 11), and the incorporated industrial town of Barberton (1891-present).
Our Educational Programs
Our Educational Programs
Our Educational Programs
OPCHI-CWR aims to educate the American public, regional citizenry, and local residents about the history, culture, and societal legacy of pioneer-settlers in Ohio. Through engaging educational initiatives, we aim to foster a more profound comprehension and appreciation for this significant era of our shared American heritage.
The Connectic
OPCHI-CWR aims to educate the American public, regional citizenry, and local residents about the history, culture, and societal legacy of pioneer-settlers in Ohio. Through engaging educational initiatives, we aim to foster a more profound comprehension and appreciation for this significant era of our shared American heritage.
The Connecticut Western Reserve (CWR), established in the late 18th century, played a pivotal role in shaping the early American northwestern frontier. This geographically complex region not only served as a settlement area for pioneers but also became a cultural nexus connecting New England to the Midwest, influencing migration patterns of pioneer-settlers of European ethnicity and Native American (First Peoples), territorial and early-state community development with roots deep in the British (England, Wales, and Scotland) and Irish governmental and villatic traditions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our Educational Programs
Our Educational Programs
OPCHI-CWR is dedicated to preserving historic sites with intrinsic culural heritage value within former boundaries of New Connecticut, especially within Portage, Medina, and Summit counties, for the public’s benefit and to enrich local communities through civic-educational programs focused on the history of Northeast Ohio, various histori
OPCHI-CWR is dedicated to preserving historic sites with intrinsic culural heritage value within former boundaries of New Connecticut, especially within Portage, Medina, and Summit counties, for the public’s benefit and to enrich local communities through civic-educational programs focused on the history of Northeast Ohio, various historical and preservation activities that establish a nexus to the pioneers & settlers of Connecticut's Western Reserve and the Northwest Territory of the United States.
New Portage Village (original site) Walking Tour
Walking Tour (30-minutes)
$0.00
A unique walking tour of the "Old" New Portage as it was originally laid out (i.e., surveyed) on the incorporation map with time to enjoy lunch and shopping, too! Maximize your sightseeing with this exceptional tour by a subject-matter expert (SME) guide who grew up in the local area.
New Portage Village (south site) Walking Tour
Walking Tour (30-minutes)
$0.00
A unique walking tour of the "Old" New Portage as it was originally laid out (i.e., surveyed) on the incorporation map with time to enjoy lunch and shopping, too! Maximize your sightseeing with this exceptional tour by a subject-matter expert (SME) guide who grew up in the local area.
Contribute to OPCHI-CWR's public outreach efforts
Help us make a difference in the lives of others by making a donation to OPCHI-CWR. Every contribution counts! At OPCHI-CWR, our vision is to create a world where everyone has access to essential resources. We believe in empowering communities through sustainable initiatives and education.
Supports America 250-Ohio & Connecticut's Semiquincentennial
Cultural Heritage in Action
Supporting the residents of Ohio, Native American Tribes, and the citizenry of the U.S.A. for the purpose of improving our society through the dissemination of historical & geographical knowledge.
OPCHI-CWR
P.O. Box 383, Barberton, Ohio 44203
Mr. J.R. Ahern, MA, MLIS, CAS, Ed.D. candidate Certified Public Librarian (Ohio Library Council) U.S. Naval War College alumnus, U.S. Army (Ret.) Certificated Paralegal (ABA, OSBA) Administrator of OPCHI-CWR/Director of Educational Programs
Are you a local history buff, enthusiast? Want to volunteer?
OPCHI-CWR's Filing Notification from the Ohio Secretary of State, Bus. Serv. Div. (19 May 25)
- Fictitious Name (UNA) registration approved on 21 May 2025 by the Ohio Secretary of State.
- UNA Agent appointment registration approved on 21 May 2025 by the Ohio Secretary of State.
- Trademark registration: pending
- IRS Code 501(c)(3) status: pending