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:
May Lecture Series “The Miami and Erie Canal in Butler County” – Thursday May 28, 2026 7:00pm-SOLD OUT
Second Date Added: Saturday May 30, 2026 10:00am–SOLD OUT
COMING SOON-Summer Exhibit–“A Century of Memories-Camp Campbell Gard”-Opening early June 2026
June Lecture Series “A Century of Memories: The Enduring Legacy of YMCA Camp Campbell Gard” Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00pm & Saturday June 27, 2026 10:00am
“Back to the Future of Rock and Roll: A 97X Retro Rock Reunion”-June 27, 2026 7:00PM-Tuned into History Tour Ticketed Event
Current Exhibit
A Century of Memories: The Enduring Legacy of YMCA Camp Campbell Gard
Opening Early June 2026
Tens of thousands of Butler County residents have experienced what the YMCA’s Camp Campbell Gard has to offer throughout its 100 years of operation. Take a walk down memory lane and learn about the roots of the camp in this exhibit.
Upcoming Event
“The Miami and Erie Canal in Butler County”
Thursday May 28, 2026: 7:00pm–SOLD OUT
Second Date Added:
Saturday May 30, 2026: 10:00am–SOLD OUT
Both presentations are sold out as of 4/30/26, if you would like to be placed on the waiting list please e-mail your name, how many reservations you would like, and which presentation date you prefer to: info@bchistoricalsociety.com
If we have cancelations and can accomodate you, we will contact you.
Thank you to everyone for your overwhelming response to this program. We strive to bring quality programming that appeals to a wide range of people.
“The Miami and Erie Canal in Butler County”
In 2026, the Miami and Erie Canal celebrates its 200th anniversary. Middletown Historical Society president Sam Ashworth explains the rise and fall of this area’s most amazing engineering marvel of its time. The “ditch” stretching from Toledo to Cincinnati began its construction right here in Butler County when New York governor Dewitt Clinton turned the first spade of dirt in Middletown. For decades the canal was the heart of local commerce, travel, and leisure until it was unceremoniously discarded upon the arrival of the ‘Iron Horse’.
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!