Category: Ohio Open Doors

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June 1, 2026

The Municipal Courtroom; a Dedication to the Civil War Soldiers

Located in the historic Monumental Building is the beautiful Municipal Courtroom. The Monumental Building was created after the Civil War as a dedication to the Shelby County soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict. The present day Municipal Courtroom was originally used as an opera house in the 1870s. When you come in, you […]
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June 1, 2026

The Old Shelby County Jail Experience

Step into the corridors of the Old Shelby County Jail. Built in 1875, the red brick, Victorian Italianate style house was the residence of the sheriff and his family while the limestone building held the cellblocks and inmates. The jail would officially close its doors in 1994. Though it has some controversial history of escapes, […]
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June 1, 2026

A Time to Remember Those Who Served

Step inside Sidney’s historic Monumental Building, a striking downtown landmark located within the Sidney Courthouse Square Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the 1870s as a memorial to Shelby County’s Civil War dead, the building reflects the community’s long tradition of public service, remembrance, and civic pride. Visitors can […]
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June 1, 2026

Jonathan Hale Family House Tour

Explore the Hale House, a brick federal style built in 1825, which the Hale family lovingly nicknamed “Old Brick.” The large three-story home was built into a slope with no rear windows on the first floor. Today, the first floor would be described as the “great room” with an open-floor concept including a kitchen, dining, […]
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June 1, 2026

Shandy Hall

Tour the Shandy Hall Property Shandy Hall, built in the early 19th century was home to several generations of the Harper Family. The residence is modest in appearance from the exterior and boasts 17 rooms including the original cellar kitchen with a cooking fireplace and bake oven, a splendid banquet dining room adorned with early […]
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June 1, 2026

Holsey Gates Handyside House Tour

In the heart of historic downtown Bedford, Ohio, this large, two and a half story Queen Anne style house was built in 1892-1893 for Holsey Gates, the grandson of Holsey Gates who founded Gates Mills. Come explore this extraordinary piece of architectural history. The house was gifted to Western Reserve Historical Society by the Gates-Handyside […]
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May 29, 2026

Days of Service: Ohio Habitat Heroes

Become a “habitat technician” for the day on September 15 and 16, 2026, and experience MFH’s natural, “living” class of Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek Valley. The morning begins with a complimentary museum tour from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., providing equitable access to the site’s historic resources. At 11:00 a.m., the Day of Service officially commences, […]
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May 29, 2026

West Chester-Union Township Historical Society – History Center

Visitors are invited to walk through the Historical Interpretive Garden and explore local history in an outdoor setting. The garden features interpretive signage, pollinator flowers, benches, a five-foot-tall bison, an older wagon, a 20-foot-tall windmill, and a butterfly bench for photos. The registered Pollinator Garden includes flowers that support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Guests […]
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May 28, 2026

Orange Johnson House Open House

Visit the Orange Johnson House Museum and step back into nineteenth‑century Worthington. Built in 1811 by Arora Buttles, the home’s pioneer roots appear in its low‑ceilinged keeping room, walnut wainscoting, steep dogleg staircase, and kitchen fireplace with iron crane and bread oven. In 1816, hornsmith Orange Johnson purchased the property and added a refined Federal‑style […]
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May 28, 2026

Behind the Scenes Society Archives Open House

Visit the Worthington Historical Society’s second floor of the c. 1845 Old Rectory where collections are housed. See behind the scenes where photographs, documents, maps, books, artwork, clothing and newspapers are housed. Check out our digital records through our collections management system’s researcher access. Get a peek at a selection of rarely displayed items brought […]