A trip to The Wayne County Historical Society and Museum is definitely a worthwhile side trip for visitors coming to the Amish Heartland. Area residents can also enjoy discovering new ways to explore their own local heritage. This is a popular experience for all ages.

More than a hundred years ago, the society began when a group of local businessmen and College of Wooster professors organized an "Archaeological and Ethnological Collection" in the local library.

Located just south of the college, the historical society campus now boasts six main buildings:

The Reasin Beall Homestead -- Known as "The Beall House" (pronounced "bell"), this 182-year-old structure is currently undergoing extensive restoration. Formerly the society's main museum building, the homestead will become an authentic recreation of how it looked when it was built by Reasin Beall, a noted War of 1812 general. The restoration is scheduled to be completed near the end of 2006.

The Kister Building -- Now the society's primary museum facility, the Kister Building houses featured exhibits, which change throughout the year. Currently, there is a wonderful collection of dolls on exhibit (until July). Area genealogical materials, atlases, census, burial and marriage records are also housed there. A variety of horse-drawn vehicles, agricultural implements, firearms, Indian artifacts, pioneer-era tools and century-old preserved animals are on display.

An 1873 Schoolhouse -- Complete with a McGuffy Reader, dunce cap and stool, potbelly stove and a bell that still rings, the school provides the setting of those school days of yesteryear. Originally on the south side of Wooster, the school now serves as a gathering place for the society's Voices From the Past series and other events.

The General Mercantile Store The Ladies Dress Shop -- You'll enjoy a visit to a turn-of-the-century general store (the last century, not this one!) where you can browse shelves of items from bygone days, see old scales, an old cash register and other such things. The Ladies Dress Shop sees seasonally changing exhibits of vintage clothing, as well as early textiles and notions.

The Log Cabin -- This early 19th-century log cabin hailed from Congress Township in northwestern Wayne County. It is furnished with period pieces that tell the story of the early settlers' home life. Children always enjoy the cabin, but can hardly imagine living in that setting.

The Firehouse -- Just opened in October 2005, the Firehouse is modeled after the Wooster Relief Company No. 4. It houses handpumpers from 1830 and 1855, as well as other early fire trucks. Many smaller pieces of fire memorabilia are constantly being added.

Wayne County Historical Society -- 546 E. Bowman St., Wooster, OH 44691, (330) 264-8856, http://www.waynehist...al.org; hours: Feb.-Dec., Wed.-Sun., 2-4:30 pm; group tours by appointment; $5/adults 14 above.