The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society is offering members and the public an opportunity to see the buildings acquired for the new BOHS museum. Come see the buildings and the museum plans. Occupied by Stratton Auto Sales for several years, the Service station was originally built in 1967 as a Sohio (Standard Oil (Ohio)) gas and service station, while the adjacent building was built in 1974 for a Lawson’s Dairy Store. This Open House is open to the public and light refreshments will be available. Come with questions and anticipation for conversion of the Gary and Becky Kirtland buildings into a local museum. Come see the original Allen County Jail Cell, which housed John Dillinger in 1933 after Bluffton’s bank robbery.

A 3-year capital campaign was recently initiated to support the purchase and conversion of these buildings into a museum, providing exhibits that showcase the Bluffton and surrounding community. This campaign focuses on preserving Bluffton’s history, exciting our youth, and inspiring our future. The BOHS educates, preserves, and serves as an opportunity to celebrate our past while looking to the future. Your input is greatly appreciated and will help finalize plans for this museum.