How it All Began

This project was the brainchild of local businessman and artist Bob Ley, who envisioned the concept, created sketches of each scene, and organized the beginnings of the Dickens Victorian Village committee.

In 2006, the project began. Local volunteers built and clothed the mannequins, each dressed in period clothing. Each head and face has been uniquely and artfully sculpted and painted by members of the Eastern Ohio Art Guild.

This project is also supported by many local organizations, including Cambridge Main Street, the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau, Guernsey County Historical Society, Mid-East Ohio Career and Technology Center, the Eastern Ohio Art Guild, and many individuals donating time and materials.

Our community is proud of the fact that the Dickens Victorian Village project received the prestigious President's Award (one of only two awarded in 17 years) from the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance, a consortium of 16 counties, for its first year efforts.

A variety of project sponsorship opportunities with excellent promotional values are available to businesses, individuals, families and organizations.