Just a short drive from Columbus, downtown Lancaster is home to a historic mansion with a connection to one of the most famous military figures in American history. The Reese-Peters House was built in 1835 for William Reese and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Sherman, the older sister of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman and U.S. Senator John Sherman.
Today, the gorgeous home is the site of the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, where visitors can explore historic architecture and rotating art exhibitions without paying an admission fee.
William Reese was originally from Philadelphia, but Lancaster was home to his wife. At the time, her younger brothers were still building their careers. Both would eventually become influential figures in American history.
John Sherman served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate before becoming secretary of the Treasury under President Rutherford B. Hayes. He later returned to the Senate, where he became known for his role in the Sherman Antitrust Act.
Mary’s younger brother, General William Tecumseh Sherman, became one of the most recognizable Union commanders of the Civil War.
Sherman was a close associate of General Ulysses S. Grant during the war and became known for his March to the Sea campaign through Georgia. In April 1865, he accepted the surrender of Confederate forces in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.
Long before their names appeared in history books, though, the Shermans were simply a family with roots in Lancaster. The Reese-Peters House offers a glimpse into the world their sister inhabited before her brothers became nationally recognized figures.
Want to dig deeper into the Sherman family story? Head next door to the Sherman House Museum, located in the family’s former home. The museum features family memorabilia, Civil War artifacts, and rooms restored to reflect the house as it appeared during the Shermans’ time there.
The Reese-Peters House changed hands several times before finding its second life as an arts center.
The Reeses left Lancaster in 1842 following financial difficulties in the aftermath of the Panic of 1837. The property passed through several owners over the next few decades, including Darius Tallmadge, who owned the Ohio Stage Coach Company.
In 1872, Philip and Caroline Rising purchased the home. It remained in the Rising family for generations, eventually passing to their grandson, Philip Rising Peters. When Peters died in 1954, he left the property in a trust with the intention that it would eventually serve a civic purpose involving the arts.
Today, that vision lives on through the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio.
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio opened in 2001, giving the historic mansion a new purpose as a place to experience art, design, and craftsmanship. The center presents rotating exhibitions featuring everything from furniture and ceramics to textiles, painting, and contemporary craft.
The Reese-Peters House itself is worth a closer look. Its architecture blends Federal and Greek Revival styles, with details that reflect changing tastes during the 19th century. The design is attributed to architect Daniel Sifford, whose work can also be seen elsewhere along Lancaster’s Main Street.
Federal-style window lintels sit alongside Greek Revival elements, including Corinthian columns at the entrance. Inside, visitors can also see period details such as the Rising Room, decorated in the Eastlake style that became popular during the Victorian era.
The art on display changes, so there’s always something new to see.
The center’s current exhibition, Color Improvisations 3, runs through Jan. 3, 2027. Curated by internationally recognized artist Nancy Crow, the show features 38 large contemporary quilts from artists in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
The exhibition explores the possibilities of color, scale, and improvisation through bold abstract shapes and intricate fabric work. The quilts demonstrate just how far the art form can stretch beyond traditional patterns, using texture and color to create pieces that feel expressive and unexpected.
It’s one more reason to visit the historic house: the building offers a look into Lancaster’s past, while the rotating exhibitions bring new perspectives into its galleries.
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is a great option for a low-key day trip from Columbus, especially if you enjoy history, architecture, or art. Admission is free, although donations are welcome.
The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It’s closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thanksgiving. Group tours with a dedicated docent are available for $5 per person and can be scheduled by calling 740-681-1423.
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is located at 145 E. Main St. in Lancaster. For more information about current exhibitions and events, visit decartsohio.org.
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