In the early 1960s a number of North Canton residents saw the need for an organization that would preserve the rich heritage of their city. At that time nothing was in place that would maintain the community ties to New Berlin, the original name of North Canton, or to the Village of North Canton. Designation of North Canton as a city in 1961 following the census of the year before spurred an interest in creating an organization to protect the history of North Canton.

At about the same time, the North Canton Public Library created a “Book Committee” in an effort to find someone to write a history of North Canton. None had been written or published to that point.

In 1972, Ruth Harpold Basner, a community resident, formed a “Heritage Committee” to respond to the Library request. By May 1972 the “Heritage Committee” had expanded to include Basner, John and Penny Baxter, Joy Cox, and Libby Williams.

In order to create a more permanent organization, the Committee decided to formalize. The law firm of Eberly, Lesh, Zielasko, and Casner was authorized to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Ohio Secretary of State. As a result, the North Canton Heritage Society, Inc. was chartered as a nonprofit corporation. John W. Baxter was the first duly elected President of the Society.

The North Canton Heritage Society opened its doors for business on October 1, 1972. The first location was at 815 North Main Street. The office was equipped, and a new home finally existed for pictures, memorabilia, and relics of our local community. Its first major accomplishment was the Society’s publication of The North Canton Heritage Volume 1, 1805 – 1940, written by Ruth Harpold Basner.

Some of the founders of the NCHS

Growth of the Heritage Society

Since its inception, the Heritage Society has amassed a significant collection of photos, apparel, printed materials, and other relics that reflect the development of the community. Yet, growing pains were inescapable. Board membership fluctuated, as did control over the operations of the organization. Additionally, the Society sought a permanent location with easy access and sufficient storage space.

Some important changes occurred within the first ten years of the Society’s existence. By formal resolution, the North Canton City Council donated the City Hall Archives (1913 – 1940) to the Heritage Society in 1977. The following year, the Society’s Board of Trustees, the governing body of the organization, formally revised the Code of Regulations. The policies and structure of the Society were updated, and the Executive Director position was established to perform the necessary administrative functions, and to serve as the curator of donations. The Board of Trustees approved a job description for the Executive Director in 1982.

Although inadequate financial support threatened the very existence of the Society in the early 1980s, several “angels” came to the rescue. These contributions along with the hard work of the Society enabled it to resolve financial and administrative issues. Meanwhile, in 1989 the Code of Regulations was revised, the Board was reorganized, and the Society continued its course toward its own perpetuation. Under the leadership of Board President, David McDaniel, and Executive Director, Dale Kitzmiller, the Society was stabilized. Local residents affirmed their belief in the importance of the organization through a large increase in membership.

In the early 1990s, the Society approved a revised mission statement, and refocused on its purpose and goals. The Board acknowledged the importance of maintaining the store of materials donated over the years in an accessible, museum-like environment. An educational and outreach program emphasized cooperation with the North Canton City schools.

Although financial circumstances have stabilized over the years, money concerns continue to exist. Currently, the Society also seeks ways to increase membership, prolong its existence, and enhance its availability and service to the North Canton community. The Society has overseen the production of a documentary video, North Canton, Ohio: A Proud Past – A Promising Future, and the publication of North Canton: A Place in Time, a pictorial history book of our community by Paul Kieffer and Rebecca Link Hall. Our current location at 200 Charlotte Street NW provides adequate storage space for our growing number of items and artifacts. We look forward to continuing our service to the North Canton community.