Ross County Heritage Center | Chillicothe

The Ross County Heritage Center is a prominent historical institution located in Chillicothe, Ohio, serving as the main facility of the Ross County Historical Society (RCHS). Established to preserve, protect, and promote the rich history of Ross County and the surrounding region, the Heritage Center is a vital cultural resource offering extensive exhibits, educational programs, and research opportunities.

Historical Context and Mission

Founded in 1896 to mark the centennial anniversary of Chillicothe’s founding, the Ross County Historical Society committed itself to documenting and safeguarding the local heritage. The Heritage Center functions as a comprehensive museum complex and educational hub, dedicated to illuminating the area’s significant role in Ohio’s development, including its Native American history, pioneer settlement, and participation in national events such as the Civil War.

Museum Complex and Exhibits

The Heritage Center’s museum offers a broad spectrum of permanent and rotating exhibits covering multiple facets of the region’s history. The collection is both diverse and deeply informative, designed to engage visitors of all ages through tangible artifacts and interpretive displays.

Prehistoric Cultures: The center showcases artifacts from the ancient Native American civilizations that inhabited the Scioto River Valley long before European settlement. These include tools, pottery, and other relics that reflect the advanced culture and practices of indigenous peoples.

Ohio Statehood and Pioneer History: Exhibits detail Ohio’s journey from territory to statehood, highlighting Chillicothe’s importance as Ohio’s first and third capital city. Early settler life, government formation, and community development are central themes.

Military History: The center holds extensive materials related to Ross County’s participation in key American conflicts such as the Civil War and World War I. These displays include uniforms, weapons, letters, and personal stories of soldiers from the area.

Decorative Arts and Folk Art: An impressive collection of textiles, quilts, paintings, furniture, and household items illustrates the domestic and artistic traditions of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This section highlights the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the region’s inhabitants.

Transportation Evolution: Exhibits trace the development of transportation in the county, from early horse-drawn carriages to railroads and automobiles, showcasing how mobility shaped local economy and society.

Historic Toys and Dolls: A specialized collection offers insight into childhood and leisure activities in past eras, featuring toys and dolls that span several generations.

Historic Structures on Site

The Heritage Center is more than a museum-it is also home to two significant historic buildings relocated or preserved on the property to enhance interpretive experiences:

Knoles Log House: Originally constructed in the early 1820s, this authentic log cabin was carefully disassembled and moved to the Heritage Center grounds in 1992. It offers visitors a vivid, immersive look at pioneer life with period-appropriate furnishings, household items, and interpretive signage that portray early settler conditions and daily routines.

Franklin House: Designed by well-known Ohio architect Frank Packard in 1907, the Franklin House is a fine example of the Arts & Crafts architectural style. The home is preserved with original architectural details and furnished with family belongings, textiles, clothing, and decorative arts that provide an intimate portrait of middle-class life in the early 20th century.

McKell Library and Research Resources

Adjacent to the Heritage Center is the McKell Library, a key resource for genealogists, historians, and researchers. Housing over 37,000 volumes, manuscripts, photographs, sheet music, maps, and rare documents, the library supports scholarly work related to Ross County and Ohio history. The collection includes newspapers, census records, family histories, and specialized archives valuable for tracing ancestry or conducting academic research.

The library is accessible to the public during scheduled hours and provides a quiet, well-equipped environment for in-depth study.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The Ross County Heritage Center emphasizes education and community involvement through a variety of programs:

Junior Member Program: Targeted at children ages 6 to 12, this initiative encourages early interest in history through interactive activities, crafts, and age-appropriate lessons focused on local heritage.

School Field Trips: The center offers tailored educational visits for school groups, integrating hands-on learning with guided tours that align with curriculum standards and promote local history awareness.

Lectures and Workshops: Throughout the year, the Heritage Center hosts events featuring historians, authors, and experts who present on diverse topics related to the region’s past. Workshops may include historical crafts, preservation techniques, and archival research skills.

Special Exhibitions and Events: The center regularly organizes thematic exhibitions and community events to celebrate milestones, anniversaries, and significant historical figures or themes, enriching public knowledge and fostering community pride.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Location: The Ross County Heritage Center is situated at 45 West Fifth Street, Chillicothe, Ohio, within walking distance of downtown Chillicothe and close to other historic sites.

Hours of Operation: The museum is generally open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, operating seasonally from March through December. During the winter months of January and February, it is open by appointment for groups and members.

Admission Fees: Admission is modestly priced to ensure accessibility, with general admission at $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and students between ages 13 and 21, and free for children under 12. Access to the McKell Library requires a nominal $2 fee.

Accessibility: The Heritage Center strives to accommodate all visitors, with accessible entrances and facilities to ensure everyone can experience the exhibits and programs comfortably.

Cultural and Regional Significance

The Ross County Heritage Center plays a crucial role in preserving the narrative of Chillicothe and Ross County, linking the past to the present through well-curated exhibits, historic buildings, and community outreach. It provides residents and visitors alike with a comprehensive understanding of the area's evolution-from prehistoric times and Native American culture through pioneer settlement and into modern history.

By combining museum collections, historic architecture, research resources, and educational programming, the Heritage Center stands as a guardian of local identity and a hub for historical inquiry. Its presence contributes significantly to the cultural vitality of Chillicothe, fostering appreciation for heritage and encouraging ongoing preservation efforts.

The Ross County Heritage Center is a must-visit destination for those interested in the deep historical roots of southern Ohio, offering a thorough, immersive experience that honors the people, events, and traditions that have shaped the region.