Ohio State Reformatory and Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society, Mansfield, Ohio at MuseumsUSA.org

Updated: 1/26/2023

Ohio State Reformatory and Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society

Mansfield, Ohio

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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Please check hours of operation since they do change by season.

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

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