A. B. Graham Memorial Museum 8025 East State Route 36 Conover, Ohio 45317 (937) 368-2330 Hours: Sunday 2 - 5

Museum and memorial center honoring A. B. Graham, native son and founder of 4-H. Contains displays relating to Ohio's farming legacy and the local rural lifestyle, and a military display highlighting World War II. * * * * *

Elizabeth Township Museum Elizabeth Township Community Center 5760 Walnut Grove Rd. Troy, Ohio 45373 (937) 339-5209 Hours: Wednesday 11:30 - 2, and by appointment

Home of the Elizabeth Township Historical Society, located in the Township Community Center. Elizabeth Township is one of five rural historic districts in the U.S. The museum is in the process of collecting items showing how the residents of the Township lived in the past. They are searching for pictures to copy, including family groups, farming and community life, school, churches, old cars, etc. Military pictures and information about time in the service are being collected for a military scrapbook. Genealogy and family trees are also needed. Photo by Louise Vore * * * * *

Fort Rowdy Museum 101 Spring St. Covington, Ohio 45318 (937) 473-2270, 473-3488, 676-2561 Hours: By appointment

The name was bestowed as a result of the behavior of "Mad Anthony" Wayne's troops after completing a breastwork of brush and logs in the area leading up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. Home of the Covington-Newberry Historical Society. Contains Civil War displays and clothing and dioramas relating to life in the Covington and Newberry Township area. The museum is housed in an 1840 schoolhouse, which also served as facilities for the village council, a militia unit, and the village fire department. * * * * *

Garst Museum 205 N. Broadway Greenville OH 45331 (937) 548-5250 information@garstmuseum.org www.GarstMuseum.org Hours: February through December, Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 4, Sunday 1 - 4. Closed Mondays, major holidays, and month of January. Admission: $8 adults; $7 seniors [60+]; $5 for youth [6-17] and Darke County Genealogical Society members; children 5 and under free. Darke County Historical Society members have free admission.

The Garst Museum is named after the Garst family who donated the property to the Darke County Historical Society in 1946. The museum has extensive displays of items related to Greenville and Darke County and its history, including sections devoted to Annie Oakley and Lowell Thomas, natives of the area, in the original Garst house and an adjoining museum. The entry and parlor of the Garst house have been restored to their original condition. The Treaty of Greene Ville and Native American artifact exhibits are on the ground floor of the house. The second floor of the house is occupied by a wide ranging military exhibit, including uniforms from the War of 1812 through the current war in Iraq. Lowell Thomas, born in Woodington, Ohio, near Greenville, is best remembered as a radio news commentator on the CBS Radio Network; however, he was also an adventurer, explorer, world traveler, and author. The Lowell Thomas Exhibit was donated by Thomas in his later years. The museum contains one of the largest known collection of memorabilia celebrating Annie Oakley, the marvel with a gun in the ending years of the western frontier. There are guns, clothing, posters, pictures and much more from Annie's life, shows, and Broadway performances. There is an exhibit of rare original Currier & Ives lithograph prints in the Americana Room. Shop Through Time is a recreated series of period shops and stores lining three boulevards within the museum complex. Each shop displays artifacts portraying both the period and the theme. Crossroads of Destiny is a new exhibit telling the history of the Treaty of Greene Ville. Greene Ville was the largest stockade fort ever built in North America and it was the scene of the most significant American Indian treaty ever negotiated. The Treaty of Greene Ville in 1795 opened the door to the settlement of the Midwest resulting in Ohio statehood eight years later. The Treaty also ended forty years of conflict over the upper Ohio Valley. There are artifacts from Forts St. Clair, Jefferson, Greene Ville and Recovery, along with Native American Indian artifacts. * * * * *

Johnston Farm and Indian Agency 9845 North Hardin Rd. Piqua, Ohio 45356 (937) 773-2522 (800) 752-2619 http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/nw13 April, May, Sept, Oct 2013: 9 am - 2 pm Mon - Fri for groups by appointment June, July, August 2013: 10 am - 5 pm Thurs, Fri noon - 5 pm Sat, Sun Admission charged

Johnston Farm (formerly The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial) celebrates two thousand years of Ohio's history, from its habitation by prehistoric Indians, to its settlement by early American settlers, through the early years of the canal era. It contains ancient Indian earthworks, a restored section of the Miami and Erie canal, and the homestead of John Johnston--settler, farmer, and public official. Johnston served as the United States Indian Agent for western Ohio from 1812 to 1829, and is credited with keeping the Indians neutral in the War of 1812. In his role as a state canal Commissioner, he was instrumental in getting the Miami and Erie canal routed through Miami County. The Piqua Historical Area State Memorial was established as Ohio's 47th state historic site in 1965. Following acquisition of the area, the two-story mixed Dutch Colonial/Georgian style farmhouse where Johnston and his family lived from 1811 through 1842 was restored and furnished as it would have appeared 1829, along with its unique two-story spring house and a cider house. A mammoth double-penned log barn, constructed in 1808, is reputed to be the oldest and largest of its type in Ohio, and is still in use on the grounds. Costumed interpreters and craft demonstrators provide farm tours and display activities in the summer kitchen and fruit kiln areas. A mile-long section of the canal has been restored, on which Visitors can ride a replica of a 70-foot-long mixed cargo canal boat of the 1840-1850 era used for freight and passenger transport. It is pulled by two resident mules and piloted by costumed interpreters. Canal boat rides are 12:30, 2:30, and 4:00 p.m. Adjacent to the boat landing is a modern museum, that houses the Ohio's Woodland Indians exhibit. It presents an overview of Indian cultures of the Woodlands area (Ohio, Great Lakes, and the Northeast) beginning in the 1600s, a description of archaeological work on the site of Pickawillany village, and a discussion of both historic and contemporary American Indian stereotypes. The experiences of the American Indians who have resided in Ohio from about 1740 through the early 1800s and up to today are also interpreted. The museum also includes an exhibit explaining the construction, operation, and eventual decline of the canal system in Ohio. The site is administered by the Ohio Historical Society. * * * * *

Logan County Museum 521 East Columbus Ave. Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 (937) 593-7557 lchsmuse@logan.net Hours: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 1 - 4 Logan County had a significant role in the early history of the Northwest Territory and the State of Ohio, including its being the site of a number of Indian villages in the area's early days; its location on the demarcation line established by the Treaty of Greenville in 1794 dividing the remaining Indian territory from that to be settled by the new settlers from the East; the arrival of the Miami and Erie Canal and the development of Indian Lake as a water source in the 1820s; the arrival of the railroads, with Bellefontaine being a major railroad center until the 1950s. The Logan County Historical Society was formed in 1945 to preserve items related to these events and the personages involved in the history of the area. The Society is housed in the home built by lumber baron William J. Orr in 1906. The mansion has been extensively restored and now includes a number of rooms with specific themes, such as an Indian room, one-room school, railroad display, doctors's office, toy room general store, and military room. There are also temporary displays highlighting local collectors and local history. The museum archives contain a large store of information and photos relating to local history. The museum is also home to the Logan County Genealogical Society which has a library with an extensive collection of official and family records. The Society also has a satellite exhibit at the Logan County Fairgrounds where a restored railroad caboose is on permanent display. * * * * *

Museum of Troy History 124 East Water St. Troy, Ohio 45373 937-216-6925 museumoftroyhistory@gmail.com. Hours: Saturday - Sunday 1-5

The Museum is the former home of the Civic League of Troy, donated to the community in 1985 and developed by the Troy Museum Corporation to represent Troy history from 1850 to the present. The brick house, originally two stories in the front and one in the back, was built by John Kitchen, a tailor by trade, in 1847; additions were made to the back and second floor later in the 1800s, and the present kitchen was added after 1900. The parlor is furnished circa 1860, and the kitchen 1930. Another first-floor room contains exhibits which change periodically, representing various themes from Troy's history. A second room showcases Troy industries and businesses, past and present. The upper floor contains the Geisinger bedroom (circa 1800), the nursery (circa 1900), and a schoolroom (circa 1900). For more information contact Terry Purke, Museum Director, at museumoftroyhistory@gmail.com, or 216-6925 * * * * *

Overfield Tavern Museum and Annex 201 & 121 East Water St. Troy, Ohio 45373 (937) 335-4019 www.overfieldtavernmuseum.com Hours: Saturday - Sunday 1 - 5

The Overfield Tavern, a hand-hewed, steeple notched two story log structure, was built in 1808 by Benjamin Overfield. In its lifetime it has been a tavern, a courthouse, a jail, and a school. Restoration was begun on the building in 1996; during extensive archaeological and architectural research, the original hearth stones, bricks, and the exact location of the corner fireplaces and bake oven were discovered. Also found were fragments of baseboard, wood lath, and pieces of a cage bar. Scrapings of existing woodwork confirmed architectural details and colors. The fireplaces, as well as the interior walls, plaster work, staircases, and woodwork have all been restored. A sample of the original exterior siding was found wedged between two walls, having been encased during one of the building's previous renovations. The west, north, and east exteriors have been resided with the same style of boards and nails used on the original structure. The front of the building is unsided and was whitewashed for protection. It serves as an example of how many buildings appeared during this period. The museum is predominately furnished in early nineteenth century Ohio antiques illustrating early Miami County pioneer life. The contents are gifts from the Troy Historical Society, local individuals and families, and purchases made possible by donations. There are frequent living history programs and craft demonstrations. The Annex across the street houses the new gallery, which serves as the learning center, library, and museum office. The gallery serves as a space for artists, exhibits, social functions, and learning activities relating to early Ohio history, preservation, and regional interests. * * * * *

Ross Historical Museum North and Main Streets Sidney, Ohio 45365-0376 (937) 498-1653 shelbyhistory@embarqmail.com Hours: Monday - Friday 1 - 5, Saturday 9 - 12

The Shelby County Historical Society Museum is located in the Ross Historical Center in downtown Sidney. One section of the museum contains a rotating exhibit, and there are three rooms containing collections of, among others, pocket watches, miniature tea sets, and Elvis and NASCAR memorabilia. A room is set aside for permanent display of historical items of interest from Shelby County, and there is a collection of historical and history publications. * * * * *

Rossville Museum and Cultural Center 8280 McFarland Rd. Piqua, Ohio (937) 778-1846 Hours by appointment.   (Ask for directions.)

The museum tells the story of the 383 freed slaves of John Randolph of the Roanoke Plantation in Charlotte County, Virginia, and their journey to the North and settlement in Piqua. The museum is housed in the 1869 home of former slave York Ryal. Miami County and American black history is documented from the 1700s to the 1900s. Exhibits showcase the Piqua-born Mills Brothers, contain African artifacts, and document the underground railroad in the area. Up the street from the museum is the Jackson Afro-American cemetery, where many of the Rossville settlers were buried. The cemetery has been preserved but there are few gravestones remaining. * * * * *

Sayler-Swartsel House Preble County Historical Society 7693 Swartsel Rd. Eaton, Ohio 45320 (937) 698-3820 http://pchs.preblecounty.com Hours: Tuesday 2 - 4:30; last Sunday of month 2 - 4, and by appointment. The S-S House is the headquarters of the Preble County Historical Society, and contains the Society's historical materials, artifacts, and archives. The 1860s house reflects both Greek and Gothic Revival architectural styles although additions have been made through the years. The Society's facilities also include the 1830s Phillips Swartsel House of brick Federalist style; an 1813 log house relocated from Lewis in 1975 housing pre-1840 artifacts; an 1850s white oak smokehouse and herb garden; a turn-of-the-century bank barn housing agricultural artifacts; and the Society's natures are located in the area. * * * * *

Tippecanoe Historical Society Museum 20 North Third Street    (P.O. Box 42) Tipp City, Ohio 45371 (937) 667-4092 Hours: Wednesday 2 – 4 and Saturday 10 – 12 April through October, and by appointment.

The Tippecanoe Historical Society Museum is located in a building that once housed Tipp’s post office from 1929-1939. This was the first post office to receive mail addressed to the newly named “Tipp City” (having originally been “Tippecanoe” and then “Tippecanoe City”). The museum opened its doors in 1991 and showcases the history, companies, and artifacts that are relevant to Tipp City. Two of the larger displays center on the Miami and Erie Canal (since it played such a major role in the town’s development) and the Chaffee Opera House. One room is devoted entirely to school memorabilia. Another room focuses on the Society's Oral History project, where reminiscences and information about various topics have been compiled on tapes and DVDs from panels of numerous individuals, most being long-time resident senior citizens. Patrons are welcome to view any of the available media. The Grace Kinney room is filled with research materials concerning the history of Tipp City, covering a broad spectrum of subjects. There is also a well-organized obituary section. The Society is currently interested in collecting family genealogies and histories of homes in the area. Photos by Sandra Spangler * * * * *

Union Township Heritage Association 47 N. Main St. West Milton, Ohio 45383 (937) 698-3820 Hours: Tuesday 2 - 4:30; last Sunday of month 2 - 4, and by appointment.

The museum, located in an adition to the West Milton Friends church, Contains displays and artifacts relating to township and village history, and archives and research collection of local Quaker history. The Friends meeting was organized in 1876, and the meeting house was built in 1881. It became a worldwide curiosity, having a steeple containing a bell, unheard of for a Quaker meeting house. The concern was so great that two Friends from London, England, visited West Milton to view this deviation from Quaker teachings about simplicity. * * * * *

WACO Museum 1865 S. County Rd. 25A Troy, OHIO 45373 937-335-9226 www.wacoairmuseum.org Hours: Wednesday 5:30 - 9:30; Saturday - Sunday 1 - 5

The WACO Aircraft Company of Troy, Ohio was the leading aircraft manufacturer of civilian aircraft in the U. S. from 1928 - 1935. Beginning in 1921 as the Weaver Aircraft Company in Lorain, Ohio, they moved to Troy in 1924 and became the Advance Aircraft Company but kept the WACO logo. In 1929, the name was changed to simply the WACO Aircraft Company. WACO produced over 80 models during the years 1919 - 1946, including the large troop-carrying gliders used in all the major invasions during WWII;the best selling Model 10, with over 1100 being produced from 1927 - 1930; over 600 Model UPF-7's for the CAA and the Civilian Pilot Training program during 1939 - 1942. WACOs were also popular around the world and sold airplanes to 37 different countries. Over the past 20 years, the WACO Historical Society's mission has been to preserve the history of the company and its airplanes. The WACO Museum moved recently from its site in downtown Troy and is now located at WACO Field in a 7500-square-foot reproduction of a barn hangar. Museum exhibits include a WACO primary glider; 1902 Wright Brothers Glider replica; WACO 4 replica; the Mackey Taperwing, owned by Goodrich Corp.; and a WACO UPF-7. These last two are fully functional flying aircraft. Many spectacular photo murals grace the walls of the facility. Additional exhibits feature some of the thousands of rare WACO photographs held by the WACO Historical Society and numerous WACO Factory and WWII WACO combat glider artifacts and photos. The museum also features 10 WACO RC models, some interactive scale models, radial aircraft engines, vintage propellers, a museum archive library and a museum. Interior Photo by Louise Vore * * * * *

Wilderness Trail Museum Fort Loramie Historical Association 37 North Main St. Box 276 Fort Loramie, Ohio 45845 cncjim@nktelco.net http://www.fortloramiehistory.com Hours: Sunday 1 - 4, and by appointment. Museum displays include Indian artifacts, mementos of the Miami and Erie Canal era, a military room, a doll room, and several rooms of period furniture, along with a typical turn of the century bar room, a music room, and the country store. The museum area also has a barn with historic farm equipment and a log cabin. * * * * * Return to Index 4-15-11 "