In 1995, a group of civic leaders with an eye to the future came together with the mission to preserve the Davis-Shai House as a Licking County Cultural Center. Through private donations and grants, the historic 1861 home was moved from State Route 79 to its current location at 301 Central Parkway, restored to its Victorian beauty, and opened for public use in 2001. (History Picture Link)

The Davis-Shai House held its Premier Party for sponsors of the renovation on Friday, September 21, 2001. The evening paid tribute to over 100 donors with a champagne toast, Hors D'oeuvres buffet, entertainment, and debut of the home's elegant interior. On Saturday, September 22, 2001, over 500 citizens as far away as West Virginia attended the home's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Grand Opening. (Grand Opening Picture Link)

In 2001, the Davis-Shai House was awarded the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Outstanding Facility Award. This soon followed with a second award in 2002 when Downtown Ohio Inc. honored the Davis-Shai House with the Heritage OHIO Preservation and Revitalization Award.

On August 26, 2006, the Davis-Shai House held a Five Star Celebration to commemorate its Five Year Anniversary. (Five Star Celebration Picture Link) It was an elegant evening where 55 volunteers served 160 people a delicious six course dinner. In celebration of this milestone, the evening also featured entertainment, silent and live auctions, champagne toasts, and the sharing of a vision for future expansion of the facility as one of Licking County's brightest crown jewels.

View the full gallery of photos from both celebrations.