Regional origins:

Shawnee, Miami, Mingo and Chickasaw Indians originally hunted in the area of Gorman Heritage Farm. Their trails led from the Ohio River north to settlements near Yellow Springs. These trails eventually became military roads as the European settlers pushed further to the west and north. In 1789, James Cunningham moved from Kentucky to 640 acres of land which included the low hills, the limestone slope and the lowland fields which are now Gorman Heritage Farm. By 1835, the land was owned by Edward Brown, a Scottish immigrant.

It is believed, through family history, that Edward built the original house, bank barn and springhouse. Eventually, Edward Brown sold his land to a cousin, George Brown, and moved with his immediate family to Illinois. One of George Brown’s daughters, Isabella, married Amos Gorman and together they had six children, one of whom was “Pete” Gorman, the father of Jim and Dorothy Gorman. Jim and Dorothy Gorman took over operation of the farm in 1943.

In 1996, after years of careful planning, Dorothy and Jim turned their beloved farm over to the Cincinnati Nature Canter.  Under the stewardship of the CNC, the farm was transformed from a family farm to the Heritage Farm and outdoor education center as we know it today.  New elements, such as the hiking trails, children’s garden and educational programs were added to ensure visitors the opportunity to enjoy the property while learning about farming and healthy use of the land.  Also in 1996, the Village of Evendale donated a 22-acre land parcel along Reading, built the interpretive building and parking lot.

 In 2003, the Cincinnati Nature Center turned the farm over to the Village of Evendale, who established the Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation to operate the farm.  The Foundation, its board of directors and the farm staff remain committed to preserving the legacy entrusted to them by Dorothy and Jim Gorman.

Historic buildings and other features:
 

The Bank Barn: This barn, built in 1835 from white oak and tulipwood with a shake roof, includes an addition constructed using materials recovered from a dismantled covered bridge. The upper level is used for storage of crops and machinery, The lower level is used as shelter, lambing area and display of animals. The barn was renovated in 1998. Features of barn include summer beam, pegged construction, ax marks, hay track.

Alfalfa Barn: Built by Pete Gorman in 1911 to store alfalfa, the Alfalfa Barn has hay and machine storage areas with a rear lean-to for animal shelter with an observation platform and feeding area. The structure was renovated in 1998 to improve structural stability and to keep the barn functional for generations to come.

Spring House: An 1835 stone and shake roof structure was built to contain water from spring and for food storage.

Pond: A shallow teaching pond within a naturalized habitat near the Interpretive Building. The pond is of high quality and contains diverse selection of wildlife.

Demonstration Plots: Ongoing installations of raised beds on hillside behind the Interpretive Building contain a variety of vegetables and flowers grown in a bio-intensive manner. It also features grapes, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.

Orchard: Installed in 2000 with 20 apple trees, including some antique and pest-resistant varieties, the orchard is located approximately where an earlier orchard was established by Isabella Gorman. Cherry trees wee added in 2002.

Trails: One trail begins at the Interpretive Building and passes along the Upper Meadow and comes down at the east end of the property, then connects with the All Persons Trail at the farmyard. Another trail bisects the longer loop through the center of the hillside.

Old Growth Forest: At the northeastern corner of the property, about 15 acres of the farm remain untilled. This area has several mature specimens of ash, black locust, walnut, hickory and other trees.