Ross County Historical Society

@rosscohistorical

Museum, photo archive, and research library in Chillicothe, Ohio. We're located at 45 W. 5th Street, Chillicothe OH 45601. Our phone # is 740-772-1936. Open from April to December, Tues-Sat 1-5pm.

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Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· 21d

RCHS invites families to join its Back-to-School Junior Member Program on Sat., Aug. 22, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The free public event will feature snacks and an afternoon screening of "Matilda." Call 740-772-1936 or email info@rosscountyhistorical.org.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Jul 23

Learn how to safely repair historic #gravestones. Training is in 2 months -- there are 9 open seats available. Call 74-772-1936 or email info @ rosscountyhistorical dot org.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Jul 22

The Music of the #CarterFamily performance and lecture by Steve and Lisa Ball on July 25 at 6:30pm to 8. Their impact still echoes in #countrymusic today.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Jul 6

Members are invited to a special VIP exhibit opening on July 10! #museum #chillicothe #chillicotheohio #victorian #travel

Get ready for our embers only VIP opening of our new exhibit!

Join us on Friday, July 10th from 6:30pm-8pm for an exclusive evening celebrating the opening of Local Roots, Global Routes, an all-new exhibition at the Ross County Heritage Center that explores the remarkable lives of Ross County's explorers, adventurers, and world travelers. Discover the extraordinary journeys of local men and women whose curiosity carried them across continents and around the globe during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Your VIP evening includes:
- A special curator's presentation introducing the fascinating stories behind the exhibition
- An exclusive first look at the exhibit before its public debut
- A guided gallery tour with behind-the-scenes insights and conversation with museum interpreters
- Light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle with fellow members

Dress the Part!

Guests are encouraged (but never required) to attend in Victorian or turn-of-the-century attire. Whether you arrive as an intrepid explorer, elegant traveler, pioneering naturalist, or fashionable tourist, period dress is a wonderful way to step into the world of Local Roots, Global Routes.

We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening celebrating the adventurous spirit of Ross County's past.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· May 19

Sorry, folks. The last flyer went out without the alt text. #program #museum #kniting #drawing #sketching #sketch-n-sip #chillicothe #chillicotheohio

A flyer listing programs available this summer

Archaeological Illustration
Learn the basics of creating beautifully detailed sketches that capture the true depth and character of artifacts with local artist Donna Walker. All materials are included. Workshops run from 10am-1pm, and cost $40/Members and $50/Non-Members.
5/30 | Drawing Stone Tools
6/27 | Drawing Historical Objects

Sketch-n-Sip
Enjoy an evening of drawing and fun at our Sketch-n-Sip program with local artist Donna Walker! Learn the basics of sketching, utilizing our local environment for inspiration. All materials, including an adult beverage and snacks, are included. Workshops run from 5:30pm-7:30pm, and cost $25/Members and $35/Non-Members.
6/11 | Wildflowers
7/16 | Summer Shells

Hands-on History: Historical Knitting
Explore this important heritage craft with local fiber artist Sara Dorsten. Learn how to read historic patterns and recieve invaluable hands-on instruction. All materials are included. Wokrshop runs from 1pm-4pm, and costs $20/Members and $30/Non-Members.
7/18

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· May 1

Back by popular demand: #ArchaeologyDay 2026! Join us May 9, 1-5pm for #exhibits of our area's fascinating #Indigenous #history, demonstrations, and more! #museum #Chillicothe Admission is #Free

Flyer for an event Archaeology Day

Explore the Ancient Past of Ohio! Join us for an afternoon of hands-on discovery, live demonstrations, and fascinating insights into the region’s Indigenous history and archaeology.
Activities will include:
- Artifact Displays from Local Collectors and Professionals
- Atlatl Throwing (weather permitting)
- Kids Archaeology Dig Activity (weather permitting)
- Museum Exhibits on Native American History & Culture
Special Preview Station: Get an inside look at an exciting new exhibit expansion featuring a massive collection of ancient Indigenous artifacts
Saturday, May 9th from 1pm-5pm
Ross County Heritage Center, 45 W. 5th St., Chillicothe, OH, 45601 See less

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· May 1

Step Back in Time This Saturday with RCHS! Ever wondered what school was like long ago? Join us on Saturday, May 2 from 10 AM to 12 PM for a hands-on #JuniorMemberProgram exploring the history of schools in #RossCounty! #FREE event – no registration or membership required! #chillicothe, #museum

Cartoon image of a gray mouse dressed up in a frock coat, red vest, cravat, and brown boots. His name is Myron.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Apr 7

Interested in learning how to safely clean historical headstones? Call and register at 740-772-1936.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Mar 23

Even if you haven't finished the book or just want to chat about its subject, you're welcome to join in our discussion!

An image of a flyer for an event in shades of brown and white with a background image of books seen from their edges.

MARCH 2026
NON FICTION BOOK CLUB
MARCH 25 ~ 5:30 PM
THE DEMON OF UNREST: A SAGA OF HUBRIS, HEARTBREAK, & HEROISM AT THE DAWN OF THE CIVIL WAR
AUTHOR: ERIK LARSON

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Oct 24

Discover the ancient skill of #flintknapping in this #workshop! Learn the basics of percussion and pressure flaking, and craft your own small axe head or knife blade to take home. RCHS Members: $25 Non-members: $30 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝! Call 740-772-1936 or Email info@rosscountyhistorical.org

Discover the ancient skill of flintknapping in this hands-on workshop! Learn the basics of percussion and pressure flaking, and craft your own small axe head or knife blade to take home.
Cost:
RCHS Members: $25
Non-members: $30
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝!
Call 740-772-1936 or Email info@rosscountyhistorical.org to reserve your spot.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with history — and take home a piece of it!

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Oct 15

Just in time for Halloween, join us for an exhibit of #macabre #history at the Franklin House! Tours are given 𝙏𝒉𝙪𝒓𝙨𝒅𝙖𝒚𝙨 𝙖𝒏𝙙 𝙁𝒓𝙞𝒅𝙖𝒚𝙨 𝙖𝒕 3:15𝒑𝙢. Regular admission fee applies. (Pic is of a c. 1900 Frigid Fluid Company cooling board, one of the items on display!)

A canvas cot with wood legs and supports. The head of the cot is slightly raised. The canvas is stained with old fluids.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Sep 17

The Ross County Historical Society Museum will be CLOSED for tours Sept. 20 so we can participate in the Chillicothe Ghost Walk!

Image of a museum with ghosts circling around it.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Sep 13

Our archivist and librarian, Alicia Gray, was a presenter at the Descendants of Enslaved Communities at the University of Virginia symposium "Lift Every Voice: Activism, Education, and the Frontlines of Change."

An image of Alicia Gray, a middle-aged Black woman with short hair, posed against a green background.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Aug 27

The #museum will not be able to offer the 3:15 tour tomorrow (8/27/25) because of a large group coming to visit our facility. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Aug 14

Last day to register for our Ice Cream Social. Pls call 740-772-1936 to have an ice cream with Chillicothe history! #museum #free #icecream #chillicothe #chillicotheohio

Image of an older man in black suit licking an ice cream cone.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Aug 12

RSVP now to have ice cream with Chillicothe history! Our ice cream social (featuring handmade ice cream!) is August 16, 11-2pm. Call 740-772-1936. Also collecting school supplies for local teachers that day! #Chillicothe #museum #DidIMentionIceCream #IceCreamSocial

A reimagined image of a painting from RCHS collections. A woman in a black dress with a lace collar is licking a pink ice cream cone.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Aug 10

Image is of an altered sepia-toned photo of an unknown WWI soldier licking an ice cream cone.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Aug 8

Reimagined image of a portrait of a Victorian woman in a bonnet, licking a pink ice cream cone.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Jul 12

Today's event about fairy tales was so much fun! Here are some characters celebrating the American fairy tale, #WizardOfOz. #museum, #history, #childrensbooks

Four people, dressed as Glinda, The Wizard, Dorothy, and the Wicked Witch of the West, stand on a yellow brick road drawn in chalk.

A woman dressed as the Wicked Witch of the West poses with two children in the museum's lobby.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Jul 5

We're off to see the wizard! Come along for the enchanted journey! July 12, 1-4pm. Meet the #WickedWitch, #Dorothy, and #Glinda! The event is #FREE #history #museum #fairytales #literature #wizardofoz

A flier for an event for children. It's green in the corners, and has a photo of a woman dressed as the Wicked Witch of the West and cartoon images of the tin man, cowardly lion and Dorothy.

Step into the World of Fairy Tales!
You are invited to explore the enchanting world of fairy tales through stories, crafts, and fun-filled activities designed to inspire a love of reading.
Make Crafts & Create a Yellow Brick (Chalk) Road
Browse Rare Children's Books — Including Early Oz Editions
2:00 PM Presentation: History & Fairy Tales w/ RCHS Director Andrew Hall
3:00 PM Presentation: Storytime with the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library
FREE for all attendees!
Existing Junior Members get access to special snacks and a commemorative pin during their visit. New Junior Memberships are only $10 — this includes free access to all other Junior Member programs for the next year, plus some great perks!

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Jun 6

Join us for a presentation on Ohio's #militia history on June 14, at 6:30 and see the new #exhibit. #museum #history #ohio, #chillicothe,

A man in a buckskin uniform with a rucksack and flintlock rifle against a red, white, and blue background. The poster gives details for a presentation:

The Ross County Historical Society invites the public to a fascinating evening presentation about the history of the Ohio Militia in the 19th century, featuring historian and collector Larry Strayer. This event will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ross County Heritage Center, located at 45 W Fifth St, Chillicothe, OH.

Strayer, currently serving as a guest curator for the museum’s Ohio Militia exhibit, will guide attendees through a century of state military history. His talk will explore the origins and evolution of Ohio's militia system, from statehood in 1803 through its pivotal roles in 19th-century conflicts, culminating at the close of the Spanish-American War.
Following the talk, Strayer will be available in the Ohio Militia exhibit to answer questions.

With an extensive personal collection and years of research, Strayer brings to life the personal stories, uniforms, and objects of the men who served—illuminating how citizen-soldiers shaped both local communities and national history.

This event is free and open to the public, and is a must for anyone interested in military history, Ohio heritage, or the personal narratives behind America’s past.

For more information about this presentation, please contact us at 740-772-1936 or info@rosscountyhistorical.org

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Jun 6

Hope to see you there! #Juneteenth, #Ohio, #Chillicothe, #museum, #NewExhibit, #free, #BlackHistory

Join us for our Juneteenth celebration featuring a reception and program for the grand opening of our newest exhibit, “Unheard Voices: A Selective History of African American Men and Women of Chillicothe and Ross County."
Saturday, June 21, 2025 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Ross County Heritage Center
45 West Fifth Street
Chillicothe, Ohio
This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Please call 740-772-1936 for more information

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· May 23

TONIGHT! Join us as we welcome back the General. Seats tend to go quickly for this event, so plan your campaigns accordingly.

Image of flyer for General Grant presentation.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· May 21

Join us for our Juneteenth celebration featuring a reception and program for the grand opening of our newest exhibit, “Unheard Voices: A Selective History of African American Men and Women of Chillicothe and Ross County." Saturday, June 21, 2025 2:00 to 4:00 PM #juneteenth #chillicothe

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· May 7

In honor of our new #IceAge exhibit, we're having an Ice Age movie night! Friday, May 30th @ 7:00 pm Enjoy a movie under the stars! Bring your favorite beach towel or blanket to sit on. Snacks/drinks provided. Ice Age-themed activities will be available before the film begins. Free! #Museum #history

A banner for the Family Movie Night event. Film reels and a movie clip board with the date/time.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· May 7

Come see #GeneralGrant on May 23 at 6pm at RCHS. Dr. Curt Fields gives an amazing presentation as the general - as close as you can get to going back in time and seeing the man himself! Admission is free #LivingHistory #Impersonator #History #USHistory #Museum #Chillicothe #ChillicotheOhio #USGrant

The General Returns to
Chillicothe!
Event Details:
Ross County Heritage Center
45 W. Fifth Street, Chillicothe,
Ohio
Friday, May 23
6:00 p.m.

The Ross County Heritage Center is thrilled to welcome back a nationally
renowned guest who brings history to life in an unforgettable way.
Dr. Curt Fields, the country's foremost portrayer of General and President
Ulysses S. Grant, returns to Chillicothe on Friday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. for a
powerful and engaging living history presentation you won’t want to miss.
Dr. Fields has performed as General Grant in 22 states and at major
national events, including the 150th anniversaries of Fort Donelson, Shiloh,
Vicksburg, and Appomattox. He has been featured on the Discovery
Channel, National Geographic, and in films shown at national historic sites
such as Appomattox Court House and Fort Donelson.
His authentic, first-person presentations—based on Grant’s own words and
contemporary accounts—deliver a vivid, deeply human portrait of one of
America’s most important leaders. With his striking resemblance to Grant
and dedication to historical accuracy, Dr. Fields offers an experience as
close to meeting the man himself as history allows.
Seating is limited, so we recommend arriving early!

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Apr 19

Today is #ArchaeologyDay! We're also having a special exhibit about the history of the paper factory here in Chillicothe. Stop by 1-5pm!

Photos of the exhibit on the history of the paper factory.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Apr 18

Join us tomorrow for our 8th annual #ArchaeologyDay! See dozens of tabletop exhibits from local collectors, our newest exhibit on life in Ice Age Ohio, and bring in your own finds to be identified by our experts!

A flier for Archaeology Day describing the event which happens April 19, 2025 from 1-5pm

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Apr 12

#namethatmammoth! RCHS is running a contest to name our newest friend - a stuffed mammoth displayed in our new exhibit on the Stone Age. Post your suggestions! Staff will pick our favorites and christen our mammoth on April 19 when we have our Archaeology Day event.

A stuffed mammoth (the front end) emerging from a wall. The mammoth only has one tusk.

Ross County Historical Society@rosscohistorical· Apr 2

We're planning a reunion of all of our past Junior Members 21 and over on July 12, 2025! Please call 740-772-1936 to let us know if you're interested in joining us for an afternoon of fun and memories!