Friends of RHP 2026
Friends' "Red, White and Blueprint" Architecture Hike gets a great turnout
The Friends’ popular architectural hike Sunday, July 19, celebrated America's 250th anniversary. That’s over 250 years of an evolving country where architecture has developed alongside the nation -- responding to social changes, industrialization, and car culture.
“Red, White and Blueprint” Architecture Hike’s 55 attendees enjoyed a picture-perfect day to discover little-known details about the history of RHP’s architecture - dating back almost 200 years of our nation’s 250. Garfield Hall - although not yet open for rentals - was open for groups of 25 or fewer to enjoy the bouncing floor and beautiful structural restoration - both inside and out - completed by the Friends in July 2025. Although the Amity House inside restoration completed by the Friends 2023 to 2024 was not on view because of a wedding, tour participants did enjoy catching a view of the outside restoration. Views and stories of the original Neal home - built with bricks salvaged from buildings torn down to make way for Cleveland's Terminal Tower - and its Coach house completed the day’s tour.
“Red, White and Blueprint” Architecture Hike’s 55 attendees enjoyed a picture-perfect day to discover little-known details about the history of RHP’s architecture - dating back almost 200 years of our nation’s 250. Garfield Hall - although not yet open for rentals - was open for groups of 25 or fewer to enjoy the bouncing floor and beautiful structural restoration - both inside and out - completed by the Friends in July 2025. Although the Amity House inside restoration completed by the Friends 2023 to 2024 was not on view because of a wedding, tour participants did enjoy catching a view of the outside restoration. Views and stories of the original Neal home - built with bricks salvaged from buildings torn down to make way for Cleveland's Terminal Tower - and its Coach house completed the day’s tour.
The Friends’ popular architectural hike returns on Sunday, July 19, 2026, 2:00 p.m., at Richfield Heritage Preserve. This year’s theme -- “Red, White & Blueprint” -- echoes the U.S. celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026. That’s over 250 years of an evolving country where architecture has developed alongside the nation -- responding to social changes, industrialization, and car culture. Take a walk with the Friends to learn how these moments impacted the architecture at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Attendees will meet by the Kirby House (3771 Oviatt Road park entrance). Corey Ringle, registered architect as well as the Friends’ president and head of its Historic Home Stabilization Task Force (HHSTF), will lead the hike and share information about some of the historic homes and structures located within Richfield Heritage Preserve. Ringle's special knowledge includes the challenges of restoring early 20th century buildings. She has led the Friends' HHSTF crew through restoration of the classic brick beauty known as Amity House and the rustic timber frame Garfield Hall -- both located at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
The hike will be held rain or shine so dress for the weather. Suitable hiking footwear, insect repellant, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. While the event is free and open to the public, attendees are asked to RSVP via EVENTBRITE. Walk-ins, however, are always welcome. Visit friendsofrhp.org for event updates.
Attendees will meet by the Kirby House (3771 Oviatt Road park entrance). Corey Ringle, registered architect as well as the Friends’ president and head of its Historic Home Stabilization Task Force (HHSTF), will lead the hike and share information about some of the historic homes and structures located within Richfield Heritage Preserve. Ringle's special knowledge includes the challenges of restoring early 20th century buildings. She has led the Friends' HHSTF crew through restoration of the classic brick beauty known as Amity House and the rustic timber frame Garfield Hall -- both located at Richfield Heritage Preserve.
The hike will be held rain or shine so dress for the weather. Suitable hiking footwear, insect repellant, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. While the event is free and open to the public, attendees are asked to RSVP via EVENTBRITE. Walk-ins, however, are always welcome. Visit friendsofrhp.org for event updates.
Two migratory bird hikes on Saturday, May 9, 2026, 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Richfield Heritage Preserve. Attendees will meet by the Summer Barn (4225 Oviatt Road park entrance). Professional birder Fred Dinkelbach will review some basic birding skills and then lead attendees on a 1-1/2 mile hike through the different park habitats. The hikes will be held rain or shine so dress for the weather. Suitable hiking footwear, insect repellant, binoculars, and a reusable water bottle are recommended.
While the event is free and open to the public, attendees are asked to RSVP via Eventbrite at: https://2026MigratoryBirdHike.eventbrite.com. Walk-ins, however, are always welcome.
While the event is free and open to the public, attendees are asked to RSVP via Eventbrite at: https://2026MigratoryBirdHike.eventbrite.com. Walk-ins, however, are always welcome.
Mill Docent Training - FREE for the Mill-Curious of all ages
Mill Docents are volunteers stationed near Kirby's Mill on Sundays, May through October from 2pm to 5 pm. They may work alone or with a buddy. Most people have never seen a mill with a turning water wheel. Docents give interested visitors a welcome and a short introduction. You do not have to be an expert! Although the session material is geared to adults and potential volunteers, interested kids and teens may attend with a responsible adult.
Training will take place on two different dates. It's your choice which one you would like to attend: either Saturday, May 9th at 4pm OR Sunday, May 17th at 5pm. Led by Friends of RHP Historian, Lynn Richardson. The first part of the training is an introduction to the story of inventor Jim Kirby and his mill. The second part covers the logistics of being a docent. There is no obligation to volunteer afterwards! Meet at KIrby's Mill. Dress for the weather and BRING A CAMP CHAIR.
IF you are already a trained docent you do not need to attend- but you are welcome if you want a "refresher". Let Calista know which days you would like to be at the mill.
Further questions? contact [email protected] / 440-667-3367
Mill Docents are volunteers stationed near Kirby's Mill on Sundays, May through October from 2pm to 5 pm. They may work alone or with a buddy. Most people have never seen a mill with a turning water wheel. Docents give interested visitors a welcome and a short introduction. You do not have to be an expert! Although the session material is geared to adults and potential volunteers, interested kids and teens may attend with a responsible adult.
Training will take place on two different dates. It's your choice which one you would like to attend: either Saturday, May 9th at 4pm OR Sunday, May 17th at 5pm. Led by Friends of RHP Historian, Lynn Richardson. The first part of the training is an introduction to the story of inventor Jim Kirby and his mill. The second part covers the logistics of being a docent. There is no obligation to volunteer afterwards! Meet at KIrby's Mill. Dress for the weather and BRING A CAMP CHAIR.
IF you are already a trained docent you do not need to attend- but you are welcome if you want a "refresher". Let Calista know which days you would like to be at the mill.
Further questions? contact [email protected] / 440-667-3367
Our guided wild flower walk led by Jennifer Windus was followed by a self-guided wildflower hike with online interpretation produced by Beth Sanderson and Terry Duncan.
Friends of RHP Advisory Panel member Chris Naizer promoted in h RHP's connection with wider local history in the following article published in the march issue of Hinckley, Sharon, and Granger Living magazine (published by Best Version Media)
As we begin 2026, we have a few projects proposals that have been submitted to RJRD:
- Repair of the suspension bridge at Kirby's Mill - part of the overall restoration. RJRD placed this part of the restoration on hold pending an in-depth review of construction drawings during the summer of 2025 and insurance review in April 2026.
- Repairs to, and painting of, Mill siding. On hold per the park director.
- Repair of the of the RHP perimeter fence - RJRD placed on hold until additional insurance obtained. Insurance issues were clarified in April; followed by as-yet-unspecified park requirements for worker certification for the project.
- Reconstruction of North House porch - waiting until RJRD decides what they wish to do with the structure.
- Hosting the 2026 regional conference of SPOOM* - Dependent on RJRD obtaining occupancy permits. * Society for Preservation of Old Mills.