WELCOME
To the Clinton County History Center in Wilmington, Ohio
Located at 149 E. Locust St. Wilmington OH 45177 | Mailing Address: PO Box 529
Our Mission is to encourage community involvement in the preservation, education, and promotion of Clinton County history and genealogy for the benefit of all people.
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HAVE SOMETHING TO DONATE?
Click here to learn more about the types of donations and historical items the Clinton County History Center accepts. Your support helps us preserve and share our community’s story for generations to come.
NEED AN APPRASIAL?
The Clinton County History Center does not provide appraisals or assign monetary value to historical items. However, we are happy to recommend local qualified, professional appraisers to assist you. Please contact us for more information.
LOOKING FOR A HISTORIC PHOTO?
The Center offers reproductions of vintage images from our archives for personal, educational, or creative use. If you don’t know the exact image you’re seeking, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to browse the collection with staff assistance. Click here to learn more.
Learn about the Clinton County Historical Society.
Learn about the Clinton County Genealogical Society.
New! Admission Assistance & Accessibility
We’re proudly launching two new initiatives in 2025 to make your visit to the History Center more accessible during public hours:
- “We’ve Got You Covered” – Open Door Admission Program
Thanks to a generous partnership with the Clinton County Foundation, we are offering free admission to any guest who cannot afford the cost from July 2025 to July 2026. While our standard admission rates of $5 (self-guided) and $10 (docent-led) still apply to those who are able to pay, we welcome all visitors regardless of financial circumstances. - Now Participating in Museums for All
We’ve also recently joined the Museums for All national program, offering free or reduced admission to SNAP benefit recipients. Just present your EBT card at the front desk during your visit. Click here to learn more.
Together, these programs reflect our mission to make history open and available to everyone in our community. Whether you’re here to explore our exhibits or research your genealogy, you’re welcome here!
2025 SEASONAL EXHIBIT NOW OPEN:
Lincoln’s Legacy: The Civil War & Clinton County’s Connection 160 Years Later
Step into a powerful new exhibit that explores the Civil War and President Lincoln’s assassination through the lens of Clinton County’s unique history.
Discover the local impact of a national conflict—featuring stories of local African American soldiers, brave Quaker families, and Underground Railroad heroes. Learn how the war shaped our community and how Lincoln’s legacy still echoes today.
Exhibit highlights include:
- Civil War Artifacts: Letters, photos, uniforms, and personal items from relating to the war.
- Lincoln’s Assassination: How his death affected Clinton County and our connection to the 16th President.
- Underground Railroad Stories: Local efforts to aid freedom seekers.
- Smells of the Civil War: Take a whiff and see what life smelled like.
Experience how our community’s courage and resilience helped define one of America’s most pivotal moments—160 years later.
Now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library
History Center’s Blog:
The Clinton County History Center
Chartered in 1948, the Clinton County Historical Society purchased its museum home in 1955. This site is on the National Register of Historic Places as the home of Brigadier General James W. Denver (for whom Denver, Colorado was named). The History Center is a multi-function facility operated by the Clinton County Historical and Genealogical Societies. The Center includes a touring museum with exhibits and special displays; research library; manuscript, photographic and reference archives; textile and artifact repository; conference center for meetings and educational programs; and serves as the business office for the History Center.
The Clinton County History Center is proud to be an active member of several leading professional organizations dedicated to museum and historical site excellence. These include the American Alliance of Museums, American Association for State and Local History, Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS), Ohio Local History Alliance, and the Ohio Museums Association. Our participation in these networks helps ensure we uphold best practices in collections care, interpretation, and public engagement while staying connected to the broader historical and museum communities at the state and national levels.
2025 Public Hours of the History Center:
Historical Society’s Museum & Gift Shop – $5 for non-member self touring / $10 for docent led
- Thursdays, 1:00PM – 4:30PM
- Fridays, 1:00PM – 4:30PM
- Saturdays, 10:00AM – 2:00PM
- Last tour beings 45 minutes before closing
- Additional visits by appointment
Genealogical Society’s Research Library – $5 per non-member
- Thursdays, 1:00PM -4:00PM
- Fridays, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
- Saturdays, 10:00AM – 2:00PM
- Additional visits by appointment
The Center is closed on the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, July 4th , Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Please call (937) 382-4684 or visit our social media during other holidays to confirm our schedule.
The Clinton County History Center and Rombach Place Museum are handicapped accessible. The History Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the generous support of individuals, businesses, and community partners to fulfill our mission of preserving and sharing local history. All contributions are 100% tax deductible as allowed by law. Tax ID: 31-0586407
