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 located at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park).
What’s Happening at BCHS?
Upcoming events:
Stop by our booth at The Butler County Fair-July 26-August 1, 2026
Museum CLOSED-Saturday August 1, 2026
August Lecture Series “Cleaning up the Bomb Factory: Grassroots Activism and Nuclear Waste in the Midwest” Thursday August 27, 2026 7:00pm
Current Exhibit
100 Years of Camp Campbell Gard
Since 1926, Camp Campbell Gard has been a place where young people discover their potential, build lasting friendships, and connect with nature. What began as a vison of outdoor adventure and character development has frown into a century-long tradition of community, inclusion, and impact.
From humble beginnings along the Great Miami River to becoming a beloved home for campers of all abilities, our camp has remained rooted in the values of the YMCA-nurturing spirit, mind, and body for generations.
This exhibit is curated by the Great Miami Valley YMCA and housed at the Butler County Historical Society. Open June 23, 2026 thru August 22, 2026.
Upcoming Event
“Cleaning Up the Bomb Factory”
Thursday August 27, 2026: 7:00pm
“Cleaning Up the Bomb Factory: Grassroots Activism and Nuclear Waste in the Midwest”
In 1984, a uranium leak at the Fernald Feed Materials Production Center highlighted the decades of harm inflicted on Cold War communities by negligent radioactive waste disposal. University of Cincinnati professor Casey Huegel tells the story of the unlikely partnership of grassroot activists, regulators, union workers, and politicians that responded to the event with a new kind of environmental movement. Based on his book, Cleaning Up the Bomb Factory, Huegel weaves a compelling tale of environmental mobilization, diverse goals, and the mixed success of a groundbreaking activist movement.
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!