The Butler County Historical Society will host an old-fashioned ice cream social in the front yard of the Benninghofen House Museum from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10. This fun and enjoyable event has been designed for children, their parents and grandparents, and Historical Society members. It is free, open to the public and will be held at the society’s headquarters at 327 North Second Street, Hamilton. In case of rain, the ice cream will be made in the Emma Ritchie Auditorium.

The historical society’s ice cream social is being held in conjunction with the Ohio History Connection’s Open Doors statewide celebration in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. More than 100 museum’s and landmark sites across the state will open their doors for free tours, talks and fun activities during the 10-day period from September 9 through 18.

The Butler County Historical Society plans to make chocolate and vanilla ice cream during the event, some the old fashioned way by hand cranking small makers and some through the power of an antique “hit and miss” engine attached to a five gallon ice cream maker. The society’s new Native American exhibit will also be open for the enjoyment of all visitors, their family and friends.

Kathy Creighton, executive director of the historical society, said she thought that everyone will have a good time on Saturday. “Having old-fashioned homemade ice cream and seeing a terrific collection of Indian artifacts, some of which are 10,000 years old, makes for a fun day. After people visit us I hope they will stop by the last Hamilton Flea of the year. It is only a block away and is a great way to spend time in German Village.”

The Butler County Historical Society, located at 327 North Second Street, Hamilton, and its Benninghofen House museum is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Group tours of the Benninghofen House Museum can be arranged by calling 896-9930.