Last updated: 1/26/2023
Mansfield, Ohio
Address
100 Reformatory Rd,Mansfield, OH 44905
phone: 419-522-2644
e-mail: info@mrps.org
web: www.mrps.org

Hours

Please check hours of operation since they do change by season.
Sunday, Thursday - Saturday
11 AM - 4 PM

Admissions

Audio can be added to any self-guided tour for $5 per person. Reservations are not required for the self-guided tour. Tickets are always available at our front desk and they never sell out!

Adults (18-55): $25
Seniors (over 55+): $23
Military (with ID): $23
Students (7-17): $23
Children 6 and under: Free

Staff

Description
Reformation and Rehabilitation

The goal of the institution was truly to “reform” and rehabilitate its inmates, who received three things during their time at OSR: religion, education, and a trade. Inmates were admitted for 18 months, and if they showed progress, they could be released after that time. If not, they received another 18 months. The model was successful and OSR had a high success rate and a low recidivism rate.

Decline and Resurrection

By the early 1960s, however, the state pulled its financial support from the Reform model and began converting OSR into a maximum security facility, a purpose for which it was never intended. By the 1980s, the conditions had deteriorated to the point where the inmates sued the state of Ohio. The lawsuit was successful, and construction began on a new modern facility nearby. The Reformatory was finally closed in 1990. It sat empty for several years until local activists rallied to purchase the building from the state (for $1) and committed to repairing and restoring this historic structure.

The Reformatory houses the official Ohio State Corrections History Museum, is a popular site for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts, hosts numerous special events, and as of 2018 welcomes more than 120,000 visitors per year.

The building’s striking architecture is a favorite choice for filmmakers. A number of films and music videos have been made at OSR over the years, with The Shawshank Redemption as the best known and most widely loved. Other films include: Harry and Walter Go to New York, Tango and Cash, Air Force One and Escape Plan: The Extractors.

History
Design and Construction

The Ohio State Reformatory was designed by Cleveland architect Levi Scofield. Scofield designed the striking limestone building to be an uplifting, inspiring, and intimidating structure. The facility admitted its first inmates in 1896 after ten years of construction.

Facilities
Rentals

With its impressive history, Gothic columns and elegant construction, the Ohio State Reformatory offers a unique location for fundraisers, conferences, or corporate events. Whether hosting a large event for 200 with dinner and a speaker, or a team-building meeting for 20, we offer rates and facilities to meet your needs.

Store

The museum store at the historic Ohio State Reformatory has something for everyone! Whether you're a film buff, ghost hunter, or history lover, we've got you covered. Our museum store features hundreds of unique items that celebrate this iconic structure's long and varied history. Stop by the store on your next visit or browse our selection online. All proceeds go towards the preservation and continued restoration of The Ohio State Reformatory.

Governance

The Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society is a non-profit overseen by a volunteer Board and every donation goes directly to the maintenance and restoration of the building.

Services
Guided Tours

Choose from one (or more!) of the guided tours to learn about the rich history of the reformatory from a knowledgeable tour guide. All guided tours include a self-guided tour of the building as well! Tour Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours

Hollywood Meets History Tour

Explore the reformatory’s historical prison timeline alongside the equally iconic, fictional story of Andy Dufresne from the 1994 film, The Shawshank Redemption. Tour also includes information on the architecture, warden’s living quarters, and other films and music videos filmed onsite.

Beyond the Bars Tour

Access the areas of the Reformatory not open to the general public. The tour includes the West Attic, stories of inmate punishment, the sub-basement, the "Jesus Room", the guard tower if weather permits, and the inner workings of The Ohio State Reformatory.

Old Sparky: Electric Chair History and Ohio Executions Available on Select Dates

Learn more about the electric chair's development, history, and use, along with personal stories of some of the folks sentenced to death. This is not a political discussion focused on capital punishment's morality, but simply an educational, fact-based presentation. The tour is approximately 1.5 hours long, beginning with a sit-down PowerPoint presentation and Q&A session, followed by a brief, guided, walking tour. Guests will get to visit the actual Ohio electric chair.

Shawshank Bus Tour

The Shawshank Bus Tour is taking a break for the winter. We'll see you in Spring 2023!

Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

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