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Welcome to the Butler County Historical Society and Museum

The Butler County Historical Society is a private non-profit organization that formed in 1934 to preserve and promote the history of Butler County. The society, incorporated in 1948, owns and operates the Benninghofen House Museum, a high-Italian style home built in 1863 that is filled with the furnishings of a wealthy family during the Victorian era. It also manages the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument on Front Street and the McCloskey Wonder Works(Temporarily Closed).

About Us

Learn more about what Butler County Historical Society is all about.

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Upcoming Events

Learn all about the events we have coming up.

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Become a Member

Become a member of Butler County Historical Society today!

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What’s Happening at BCHS?

Upcoming speakers series events:

Thursday May 22, 2025 7:00pm-“The Miami Valley: Ohio’s Original Jersey Shore”

Thursday June 26, 2025 7:00pm-“Hot Fun in the Summertime: Butler County’s Summer Delights of the 1950s and ’60s”

Tuesday, July 15: 7:00pm-“Echoes of the Earth: Unraveling the Mysteries of Butler County’s Fortified Hill Earthworks”

Current Exhibit

Now Open!

 “Intriguing Objects & Curiosities” 

“What IS that?” is a question often asked by visitors, volunteers and even staff of the Butler County Historical Society.  A new exhibit in the Benninghofen Museum, “Intriguing Objects and Curiosities,” invites visitors to use their knowledge of history to identify artifacts from the Society’s basement, closets and back shelves. Categories in the exhibit include personal hygiene, clothing and accessories, medical devices, hobbies, toys, needlework, household items and more. Even easily identified objects provide a fascinating glimpse of life at an earlier time. The exhibit is available for viewing until April 30th.

The Butler County Historical Society is located at 327 N. Second Street, Hamilton, Ohio.  Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Tours of the Benninghofen Museum are free, however no tours will begin within an hour of closing.  On and off-street parking is available.  The first floor of the Benninghofen Museum is wheelchair accessible.

Upcoming Event

“The Miami Valley: Ohio’s Original Jersey Shore”

Thursday, May 22: 7:00pm

“The Miami Valley: Ohio’s Original Jersey Shore”

After the American Revolutionary War, many New Jersey veterans were awarded land in the Northwest Territory as a form of compensation. The southwestern part of Ohio, particularly around Cincinnati and the Miami Valley, attracted these New Jersey settlers. Some names are very familiar to residents of Butler County and Hamilton: Symmes, Ludlow, and Dayton, but what about Boudinot, Morris, Bonnel? Join Hamilton history educator Chris Maraschiello as he discusses “The Jersey Shore” of Southwest Ohio.

Admission is free for BCHS members or $5.00 for non-members payable at the door. Reservations are required-and limited to 100-please use the link on the website to register. If you have any questions please call BCHS at 513-896-9930!

Upcoming events
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