WELCOME
To the Clinton County History Center in Wilmington, Ohio
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.
Learn more about the Clinton County Historical Society.
Learn more about the Clinton County Genealogical Society.
Township Talks: Union Twp. & City of Wilmington | Saturday, September 24 from 10am-2pm
You may know that Clinton County was formed in 1810 and the community is two hundred and twelve years old this year. But, ask yourself, how much do you know about the township in which you live?
The Clinton County Genealogical and Historical Societies are placing a spotlight on the community’s townships during “Township Talks”, a special research event hosted once a month from 10am-2pm during June to September with select townships featured monthly. During these five Saturdays of the summer season, the Societies will be opening their doors and providing you with all the materials you need to learn about Clinton County as a whole! These “Township Talks” will be open to both members and non-members at no cost. The Societies ask for a donation if you find your visit well worth your while – which we are confident you will. Visitors of all ages are welcome, including children. Family tree forms, research charts, and Celebrating Clinton County pencils will be given by the Genealogical Society. For kiddos who visit, Clinton County coloring sheets and crayons will be given to children age 7 and under. A short museum scavenger hunt will be offered by the Historical Society throughout the day.
Meet & Greet: Jason Cannon and “Charlie Murphy: The Iconoclastic Showman Behind the Chicago Cubs” | Sept. 29 @ 7:00PM
*Event entry tickets are required and will be checked at the entry door*
Meet the author who’s in-depth research of Wilmington native, Charlie Murphy is sure to educate any Clinton Countian! Jason Cannon’s newest hardcover book “Charlie Murphy: The Iconoclastic Showman Behind the Chicago Cubs” is currently available for purchase at the History Center. He will be signing copies during the Meet & Greet event. Attendees and readers will get to know the real Charles Webb Murphy — builder and namesake of the Murphy Theatre in Wilmington.
Author Jason Cannon “recounts Murphy’s rise from the son of Irish immigrants to sports reporter to Cubs president, charting his legacy as one of the most important but overlooked figures in the National League’s long history. Cannon explores how Murphy’s difficult teenage years shaped his love for baseball; his relationship with the Tafts, one of America’s early twentieth‐century dynastic families; his successful and tumultuous years as a National League executive; his last years as an owner before the National League Board of Directors ousted him in 1914; and, finally, Murphy’s attempt to rewrite his legacy through the construction of the Murphy Theatre in his hometown of Wilmington, Ohio.” For information, call 937-382-4684 or visit ClintonCountyHistory.org. Cannon’s book is currently on sale at the Clinton County History Center and all active members enjoy 10% off.
Talking Tombstones: Second Annual Live Historic Sugar Grove Cemetery Walk | Oct. 8 from 10am-2pm
People are dying to get in for our second annual cemetery walk, just ask your friends! Experience the personal stories of some of Clinton County’s famous and historical citizens who now lie at rest among the landscape of this beautiful “outdoor museum” called Sugar Grove Cemetery. Join the History Center for a self-guided walking tours to meet many of the people who made Clinton County what it is today.
Costumed interpreters will represent residents from the past and await you at their gravestones. U.S. Congressional Representative, Matthew Rombach Denver, George M. Austin – Wilmington physician and world renowned geologist and archaeologist, Judge Charles Kirk & Mrs. Dorothy Kirk, Commodore William Fitzhugh, the Sabin Family— and many more will be there. Bring the entire family to enjoy this unique historical experience, open to all ages!
- Self-guided tours depart every 15 minutes during the event. Please arrive promptly 5-10 minutes prior to your ticketed time for check-in purposes. Comfortable walking shoes are encouraged. Limited golf cart transportation shuttle stops will be available for those with restricted mobility. Handicap parking will be inside the cemetery gates, all other parking will be located along Truesdell and Mulberry Streets as well as the parking lot near the bike path (parking map coming soon).
Pre-sale tickets are available online or for purchase at the History Center at 149 E. Locust St. starting Saturday, September 2nd until October 1st. Physical tickets can be purchased (beginning September 2) at the Center weekly, Wednesday-Friday 9-11 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We will also have tickets for sale at our booth at the Clinton Co. Corn Festival (September 9-11). Pre-Sale tickets can be purchased HERE: Eventbrite Ticket Link
If you desire to pay by cash or check, please call our office at 937-382-4684 to reserve your ticket(s) and secure payment.
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). This 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.
Memberships Matter!
Did you know, as a 501(c)3 non-profit, our organization relies on memberships, donations, and ticketed events to continue our Mission. The History Center does not receive supplemental or operational support through local tax payers, City, County, State, or National funding. We simply cannot continue to preserve local history and educating the community on the significance of Clinton County without YOUR help. To become a member today please click here.
