It’s no wonder that Bexley boasts families that have resided here for generations. Nestled among its charming tree-lined streets have lived entrepreneurs, explorers, artists, and more.
Founded in 1974, The Bexley Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes interest and pride in the history of Bexley, Ohio, and the accomplishments of its citizens and institutions. It seeks to educate the community by assembling, researching, publishing, preserving, and interpreting a valuable collection of memorabilia, photographs, genealogical records, and other information associated with Bexley’s heritage.
Since 2006 the Bexley Historical Society has maintained a museum at the Jeffrey Mansion Caretaker’s Cottage. Please visit or contact us for more information.
The Adena was a pre-Columbian Native American culture that primarily inhabited the area of present-day Ohio from around 500 BCE to 100 CE. Archeological evidence of the Adena culture has been found in what is now Bexley.
Artist, author and historian, Edie Mae Herrel gifted to The Bexley Historical Society her original artwork depicting scenes from Bexley's past. Much of this artwork is featured in the articles on this website. We will use this space to showcase her work along a timeline of Bexley's development.
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(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
The Wyandotte and other indigenous groups hunted deer and wild turkey in the woods along Alum Creek and traded with the early European settlers.
Artist, author and historian, Edie Mae Herrel gifted to The Bexley Historical Society her original artwork depicting scenes from Bexley's past. Much of this artwork is featured in the articles on this website. We will use this space to showcase her work along a timeline of Bexley's development.
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(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
Land, designated as the "Refugee Tract" in what would become Central Ohio, had been set aside by the Federal Government for those Canadians who sided with the Colonists in the American Revolutionary War. By sympathizing with the Colonists, they lost all their possessions - land, homes, etc. While some eventually migrated to Central Ohio, most did not and chose to sell their allotted acreage.
In 1799, David Nelson purchased such a tract of land that abutted Alum Creek. Here he, his wife Margaret, and their six children built a log cabin.
Artist, author and historian, Edie Mae Herrel gifted to The Bexley Historical Society her original artwork depicting scenes from Bexley's past. Much of this artwork is featured in the articles on this website. We will use this space to showcase her work along a timeline of Bexley's development.
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
The section of the National Road (Main Street) connecting Zanesville with Columbus opened in 1833, facilitating further westward movement of settlers. The crossing at Alum Creek was a common stop for water and rest.
One of the original stone mile markers can still be seen in the side yard of the Christ Lutheran Church at 2314 E Main Street.
Artist, author and historian, Edie Mae Herrel gifted to The Bexley Historical Society her original artwork depicting scenes from Bexley's past. Much of this artwork is featured in the articles on this website. We will use this space to showcase her work along a timeline of Bexley's development.
Click for more...
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
The Octagon House was the first house in what would become Bexley. Built in 1863 by the Sessions Family, it is still standing (2130 E Broad). See what happened to the property in The Sessions Village Neighborhood article:
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Artist, author and historian, Edie Mae Herrel gifted to The Bexley Historical Society her original artwork depicting scenes from Bexley's past. Much of this artwork is featured in the articles on this website. We will use this space to showcase her work along a timeline of Bexley's development.
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
Land transfer records show that on June 9, 1864, one acre of land was purchased by the Montgomery Township Board of Education from Edward Livingston for the purpose of building a one-room schoolhouse at what is currently the intersection of College Avenue and Livingston Avenue. The schoolhouse was in use from 1864 through 1875.
This depiction shows the schoolhouse at the rear of a residence. It is unconfirmed whether the residence was built at the same time as the schoolhouse or after; however, it is recorded that the first teacher, Martha Livingston Brown, and her family lived in this residence. In 1876, the property was sold and redeveloped into a two-story brick home and, for many years, known as the "Herr Farm".
Artist, author and historian, Edie Mae Herrel gifted to The Bexley Historical Society her original artwork depicting scenes from Bexley's past. Much of this artwork is featured in the articles on this website. We will use this space to showcase her work along a timeline of Bexley's development.
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
(c) Bexley Historical Society 2024
Each time you visit, this space will feature one of the articles from the website! Click the link to jump to the full article.
Main Street in the 1930’s and 1940’s-Do any of these businesses sound familiar to you? Willard Restaurant White Castle Ma-Lo Farm Products Capital Barber Shop Wentz Pharmacy Dingledine Realtors Mykrantz Sportsman Seckels Five Cents to Dollar Store Glass Bowl Far East Restaurant These are some of the Bexley Main Street businesses in the 1930's and 1940's. Originally published in Historical Herald, May 1999 If you would like to see an article, or have information, on any of these businesses, please let us know. All comments are reviewed before posting.
Select the “Articles” link at the top of the page to explore all of our content!
We would be unable to pursue the mission of The Bexley Historical Society without support from our members. Thank you for your continuing support! Click here to view our 2024 Members and Supporters: THANK YOU! To join this list of wonderful people, organizations and companies, click here: JOIN!
We are pleased to welcome our first business sponsor – The Durable Slate Company. Our membership has traditionally been made up of individuals and organizations, however with the interest expressed by The Durable Slate Company, we are pleased to announce the introduction of three new sponsorship levels designed specifically for… Read More
Join our own Larry Helman to learn about the development and evolution of Bexley’s neighborhoods! This is a presentation from the 2023 Bexley Day celebration. The History and Evolution of Bexley Neighborhoods In this video presentation, Larry, takes the viewer through stunning visuals and fantastic stories, tracing the development of… Read More
Do you remember the Van Ramsey and/or Joyce Photo Studios, the Feed Bag Restaurant, Don’s Drive-In, the Steelman’s Bicycle Shop or Seckel’s Variety Store? What about some of the area’s swimming pools, such as the Bath Club, Nu Sanitary, Tavernel, and the Excelsior Club? Preserving the story of your family,… Read More
All of us at the Bexley Historical Society mourn the loss of our devoted friend and trustee, David Madison. David was committed to service and community throughout his life, serving as a member of Bexley City Council, as a trustee with the Bexley Historical Society, and as Bexley’s Mayor for 32 years.… Read More
We heartily thank the 25 individuals who joined at the $300 Lifetime Member level. All of the Bexley Historical Portraits of Memories have been distributed. While the Lifetime Member level remains available, we no longer have the book available. If you have an interest in the book, please let us… Read More
Bexley Public Library and the Bexley Historical Society are honoring Bexley’s homes of 100 years or more with special markers. These markers have been generously funded by the Paige and Mike Crane Fund of the Bexley Community Foundation. If your home was built by 1923 or older, and you would… Read More
On August 27, 2023, we had the honor of spending time with members of the McGuire family. They are descendants of the McGuire’s who lived in the Caretaker’s Cottage (now known as the Bexley Historical Society Cottage Museum) from 1933 until 1959. After leaving Jeffrey Mansion, the remaining McGuire’s then… Read More
The Bexley Historical Society Board of Trustees would like to send a big Thank You to Sheila Straub, BHS Trustee and of the Bexley Bloomers Club for her efforts in beautifying the landscaping surrounding the Bexley Historical Society Cottage Museum (2080 Clifton Ave). Below are some images of the end… Read More
Come to our museum during regular monthly hours or contact us for an appointment. The museum is located next to the David H. Madison Community Pool in the former Jeffrey Mansion Caretaker’s Cottage.
Regular monthly hours: First Sunday of the Month 1 PM to 3 PM
Among our exhibits, you’ll learn about some of the earliest residents of the area, Bexley citizens at war, Bexley schools, and Bexley businesses. Our Victorian parlor features prominent Bexley residents, including renowned cancer researcher Dr. Judah Folkman and Robert Jeffrey, who was a former mayor of Columbus and donated the Jeffrey Mansion and surrounding property to the city in 1941.
Your donations and membership allows the Bexley Historical Society to carry out our mission to preserve Bexley’s heritage and to educate the community about Bexley’s history.
You will be supporting: – Maintenance and Expansion of displays at the Cottage Museum – Assembly of photo displays for Jeffrey Mansion – Publish newsletters for members – Other special projects
— VOLUNTEER — The Bexley Historical Society welcomes volunteers who are interested in helping to preserve Bexley’s heritage, including docents, researchers, interview technicians, museum hosts, and people who specialize in fundraising, preservation, maintenance, and renovations. Contact us for more information.
— BECOME A MEMBER or GIVE A DONATION — Donations in any amount will be used to support current programs and the museum. For more information on current programs, please contact.
Just click your membership level or Donate (below) and you will be redirected to our secure payment page on Square.com.
Members: You will be asked to provide your physical address so that we can send you our newsletter.
We would like to recognize our members and donors on our website. If you would prefer not to be recognized, please reach out to us at bexleyhistory@gmail.com.Look for our recognition page in the new year.
To pay for membership by check, please click here:Membership Form Print and send the completed form, with payment to: Bexley Historical Society P.O. Box 9285 Bexley, OH 43209
Membership dues paid in September-December cover the following calendar year. Bexley Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization – EIN 23-7390914 Membership payments are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. No goods or services are provided in consideration of Membership.
Stacy Grossman – President Larry Helman – Vice President Betsy Farrar – Secretary Martina Campoamor – Treasurer
Nancy Beck Bryan Drewry Linda Hodge Michael Kilbourne Connie McCleary Ostrove
Ron Robins Ann Russell Glenn Soden Gail Gilbert Storer Sheila Straub
Ex-Officio Rich Campoamor – Technical Advisor Whitney Carr – Bexley Public Library Troy Markham – City Council Representative Dr. Andy Carlson – Capital University
Edie Mae Herrel – Founder/Advisor Ed Hamblin – Consultant/Advisor Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS – Trustee Emeritus
