EveryMuseum.com - Betts House Research Center

The Betts House, a Federal style structure built of bricks made on site, has a well-made stone foundation and is a showcase of a variety of historic building techniques. It was built in 1804 by William and Phebe Stevens Betts as their home on their 111-acre brick manufactory and farm.
In 1994, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Ohio accepted the house as a gift. They agreed to oversee a Research Center whose mission is "the interpretation of the history of Cincinnati from 1800 to the present through the study of the evolution of building in materials and traditions in this area." Under the direction of a Curator and a House Director, the Research Center creates and presents annual temporary exhibits which have included early bricks and brick making, decorative iron fencing, fireplaces and stoves in 19th century homes, and an extensive 1864 remodeling.

Interpretation of the permanent exhibit, the Betts House as an artifact, is complimented by a Time Line placing the house in its historic context, and an informative pamphlet of historic architectural details. "Bond at the Betts-House," an annual summer program for youth, ages 10 and up, provides hands-on experience in such trades as bricklaying, carpentry, and metalworking while learning about career opportunities.