Johnston Farm & Indian Agency Opens for Season on June 1 - Here's this Year's Event Schedule
PIQUA - June 1 marks the 51st opening of the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency to the public. The site highlights early Native American History, stories of the Ohio Frontier and John Johnston's role in many of those early events, and shares the story of the construction, use, and end of Ohio's Canal Era that includes a ride aboard the General Harrison replica canal boat.
This is the second year for visitors to tour the restored Federal style Johnston Home and also the improvements to the Historic Indian and Canal Museum.
See a list and descriptions of this year's events below these pictures...
Johnston Farm is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 9845 N. Hardin Rd. Canal boat rides (which comes with the price of admission) are at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and house tours are 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children 6-12 and free for 5 and under. Plan your visit HERE.
2023 PROGRAM CALENDAR
Family Days at the Johnston Farm
Saturday & Sunday, June 10 & 11, 2023, Noon – 5:00 PM
John Johnston’s family home will come alive with games and activities enjoyed in days past by families like yours. You can make this an early Father’s Day gift since each dad or grandfather will be admitted free when accompanied by his family. Allow enough time to visit the Johnston’s home to learn how the family lived, take in the Historic Indian and Canal Museum to gain insight to the lives of the first people who called Ohio home, and don’t forget to include time in your day for a relaxing ride on the General Harrison of Piqua and relive the time when mules pulled boats and the world moved at four miles per hour at the end of a tow rope. Regular site admission applies
History Alive at Fort Piqua
Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Come experience Living History at its finest! The very best, carefully selected, reenactors will gather at the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency to present an historical timeline of the years 1748 (Pickawillany) – 1862 (Camp Piqua). These years mark the period of the greatest historical significance for this land. The events that took place and the people involved all had great impacts on the course of both America and Ohio’s history. A wide variety of camps, civilian and military demonstrations, and numerous activities will take visitors back to some of the most exciting times this place has ever seen. The Johnston Home, the Indian and Canal Museum, and the canal boat General Harrison of Piqua all will help visitors visualize a time long past. This is truly a don’t miss event. Regular site admission applies
Evening on the Canal
Saturday, August 5, 2023 – Reservation Event, 6:30 PM
Join us for an evening that takes you back to the time the world moved at four miles an hour at the end of a towrope. Our evening begins in the museum with a tasty picnic style meal. After dinner guests will board the General Harrison of Piqua for a twilight journey on the canal that is always full of surprises for each passenger. This is a RESERVATION ONLY event, so call early to book your passage for this popular once-a-year opportunity. $35.00/adults, $30.00/children 6-12, $30 & $25.00 for Johnston Farm Friends Council and Ohio History Connection members.
Fall Celebration at the Johnston Farm
Saturday, October 14, 2023, Noon – 5:00 PM
Have you ever wondered what the Miami and Erie Canal looked like in the fall? Join us for this special day of activities at the Johnston Farm. There will be three canal boat rides aboard the General Harrison of Piqua; at 12:30, 2:30, & 4:00 to give passengers an idea of what canawlers saw in 1845 as they moved across western Ohio by canal boat. Join the staff and volunteers of the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency for this special fall afternoon and take part in a variety of activities and demonstrations at the home of John Johnston as well as a time to share the stories of the Johnston family and the events that have taken place here. Be sure to include a visit to the Historic Indian and Canal Museum. Regular site admission applies
Christmas at the Johnston Farm
Saturday, December 2, 2023, - Reservation Event, 5:00 PM – 8:20 PM
Event activities TBD