The Betts House — 1804
In 1804 the Betts family moved to Cincinnati and built a brick house mixing clay from the ground on the family’s new farm. In the early 1980s, Martha Tuttle, a Betts descendent and Ohio Dame, rescued her family home and in 1988 formed, the William Betts House Restoration Group that included Betts descendants and supporters and the Ohio Society. In 1994 the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in The state of Ohio became the owner of this unique and restored historic property.

Dames sit on the board as well as community leaders and architectural and building professionals.  The house was saved through the efforts of Dame Martha Tuttle (see "Martha Tuttle Tribute") who worked tirelessly to save this special little home of Cincinnati history and "Ohio's Oldest Brick House."

The “little brick house in the West End” has become a symbol of survival, revitalization, and the pioneer spirit that launched a city.

·     July 8 — Style & Whimsy, featuring works by students in Ceramics, Photography and Cincinnati History classes at Saint Ursula Academy will be on view at the Betts House July 8 – August 4, 2011. The pieces, created by junior and senior students, explore and interpret American architecture. An opening reception will be held July 8, 2011 from 5 – 8 pm.

·     August 13 — Cincinnati Modern Architecture – A Retrospective, explores the impact of mid-century design on Cincinnati’s built environment. The exhibit will be on view August 13 – September 15, 2011. An opening reception will be held August 12, 2011 from 5 – 8 pm.


 
Betts House 2011 Calendar

This year, the theme of Family Fun Saturdays is American Architecture.
 
Each Family Fun Saturday, there will be a hands-on craft activity about a specific architectural style from American history. Activities are suitable for children ages 5 – 10; coloring activities related to theme will be available for younger children.

∫• September 24 — Our major 2011 exhibit opens: The Big Shake: How the 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquakes Rocked the Ohio River Valley will explore the types earthquakes, the historic 1811-1812 event, and how buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes.

·    September 24 – Patterned
Mosaics (Art Deco)

·     October 22* – Tissue Paper
Windows (Frank Lloyd Wright)

·      November 26 – Mid-
Century Paper House (Modernism)

·    December 24 – No Program;
Holiday Weekend