About the Museum at Rombach Place

The Clinton County History Center is housed in an 1850s, two-story historic home in Wilmington—also known as Rombach Place Museum. The home was purchased in 1855 by Matthew Rombach (father-in-law of General James W. Denver) and today serves as our headquarters and touring museum.

Visitors will find seasonal and permanent exhibits that highlight artifacts, textiles, and stories that reflect Clinton County’s rich and varied past. Highlights of the collection include:

  • Works by Eli Harvey, internationally known Quaker artist (paintings and sculpture)
  • Carl Moon photographs
  • Artifacts connected to General Denver’s military and political career
  • Children’s toys and domestic life materials
  • Prehistoric Native American objects and more

Research & Scholarly Access

Researchers may request access to select materials – including portions of our textile and photography collections – by appointment. Because many items are in collections storage, advanced notice is required so staff can prepare requested materials.

Historic Structures Reports for Rombach Place and the Carriage House

In 2024, the Clinton County History Center completed a Historic Structures Reports (HSRs) for Rombach Place and its adjacent Carriage House – two historically significant buildings in Wilmington. This milestone project is a major step forward in preserving, understanding, and interpreting the over 175-year-old house museum that serves as our headquarters.

A Historic Structures Report is a professional preservation document that combines historical research, architectural analysis, and condition assessment. HSRs guide appropriate care, maintenance, and restoration – helping ensure future work respects a building’s historic integrity while addressing current needs.

Developed by preservation professionals over a nine-month period, these reports document the physical fabric, evolution, and historical significance of both buildings.

Just as importantly, the HSRs strengthen interpretation. They shed new light on the lives of the domestic servants who worked for the Rombach, Denver, and Williams families – helping us tell a more inclusive and complete history of the site.

We are proud to make both reports available to the public. View the full reports using the links below.

This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Jeffris Family Foundation and the Clinton County Commissioners.