The story of one of the city’s most vibrant and exciting neighborhoods includes the tale of the arches, the rise—and abrupt fall—of Union Station, an incredible reunion of Civil War soldiers, the transformation of a tough, gritty neighborhood to an arts district, and the emergence of local festivals and traditions that have become part of the Short North’s character.
From the 1890s to the 1920s, Olde Towne East was the place to live in Columbus, where the barons of industry and business built their dream houses. The area went through a period of decline when people moved to the suburbs, but today the neighborhood is experiencing a resurgence of residents motivated to fix up the houses and make it a thriving community again.
Once an industrial powerhouse, the neighborhood is trying to reclaim its “Steel and Glass” heritage. Learn more when the next segment in the Emmy award-winning documentary series.
Dating back to Adena earthen mounds, Clintonville has transitioned over the last 200 years from a farming community to a bustling suburb.
A library, a church and a school. Those three institutions were created in Worthington long before any of the founding fathers from New England stepped foot in Ohio. And through pioneer hardships, economic depressions and world wars, the citizens of Worthington have held fast to the principles of fellowship and lifelong learning. It’s a story of determination in the picture-postcard town.
In the countryside east of Columbus at the turn of the century, two communities joined to form a village that takes its name from a London borough. Learn about life in the largest Jewish neighborhood in central Ohio, a grassroots effort to save the Drexel Theatre, Bexley’s commitment to schools, and explore the natural beauty of the only municipality to be designated an arboretum.
Although connected through history, Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff and Upper Arlington have evolved into three unique communities; a tribute to the legacies of those leaders and dreamers who collectively made Tri-Village what it is today.
The immigrant experience not only defined the character of Columbus during its foundation and early growth, but find out how immigrants now are adding to our culture, supporting our economy and reshaping the American dream.
From the wrecking ball to new food centers, the premiere of WOSU’s weekly Columbus Neighborhoods series takes a look at how preservation has evolved from emergency activism to thoughtful collaboration. We look at the National Historic Preservation Act, the lasting legacy of Columbus' Union Station, Poindexter Village and the Reeb Center on Columbus' South Side.
Learn how the character of Columbus was greatly influenced by the Civil War – from how Union soldiers treated their captives at Camp Chase, to modern day re-enactors who work to preserve Civil War battle sites across the country.
Join us for a celebration of gathering places — from a famous golf course to the rise of a new craft brewery in Westerville's historic Temperance Row — plus a look at the beverage that brings us together: beer.
Sweet treats, ghost stories and Halloween traditions in Columbus. From trick or treating on Bryden Road to decorating shop windows on Grandview Avenue, Columbus residents share their community traditions. What would Halloween be without ghost stories? We'll unearth ghosts in Clintonville's Walhanna neighborhood, the North Market, and more.
Many know Ohio played a key role in aviation history—Dayton was the home of the Wright brothers, after all. But did you know Central Ohio specifically has its own robust aviation heritage? On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll introduce you to the man behind Port Columbus, local aviation landmarks, Columbus' role in World War II and more.
We honor local veterans through their stories and experiences. Learn about Camp Willis, a training camp for troops on the land where Upper Arlington was later established. See the story of Frank Higgs, the inspiration for a character in local comic strip "Terry and the Pirates." Hear about the student veteran experience, and watch as local veterans see the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
We explore Central Ohio's ancient history, starting with the Adena culture and the earthworks and artifacts they left behind. Local historian Ed Lentz explains how Mound Street got its name. Plus, Doreen Uhas Sauer, with the help of the Ohio History Connection and the current tenants, investigate the mystery of the Zenus Jackson House.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, discover how the food industry has helped shape Columbus. We'll explore the history of Big Bear grocery stores, as well as manufacturer Worthington Foods. Then we visit Bottoms Up Coffee Co-op in Franklinton to learn about the coffee shop's social initiative to decrease local infant mortality rates. Plus, we'll find out why Columbus is test market.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at the past and present development of downtown Columbus. We sat down with Amy Taylor of Columbus Downtown Development Corporation to discuss recent changes and what's next for the neighborhood. Then we visit the LeVeque Tower to learn about the renovation of Columbus' first skyscraper and more.
On this episode, we take a look at the great stories behind a few local, small businesses: the oldest Harley Davidson dealership in the country, King-Lincoln District businesses, a bakery and piano cafe, a farm started by a 7-year-old and a bike shop with a social mission.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, local historian Doreen Uhas Sauer investigates the Little Oklahoma neighborhood on Columbus' south side, the Columbus Metropolitan Library shows us how to do genealogy research and explores its African-American digital collection, and Ohio History Connections talks the do's and don'ts of archiving historic photos.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at education in Columbus, past and present. Local historian Jeff Darbee takes us on a tour of historic schools, and we visit a community event to learn about preventing infant mortality. Plus, learn about a mentoring program for African-American youth, the history of Ohio Dominican University and Ohio History Connection's Ohio Village.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll take a look at public institutions that have shaped Columbus, including the Ohio Penitentiary, the Ohio School for the Deaf and the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll explore the migration of different cultures to Columbus, from the late 19th century through the 1970s.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we’ll take a look at some of the truly unique Columbus neighborhoods, including Baby Farms and a small community struggling to find its identity. Plus, meet Bhim Bastola, a Nepalese-Bhutanese refugee who is a grocery-store owner and community activist.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll take a look at some of the early forms of entertainment in Columbus. Learn about the history of the Sells Brothers Circus, take a tour of the Circus House and find out about an amusement park that used to call Clintonville home.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we’ll take a look at different forms of activism in Columbus. Learn how your neighbors are providing clothing for children in need, preserving historic architecture, combating human trafficking and mentoring the next generation.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll take a look at the evolution of neighborhoods in Columbus over the years. Explore a new immigrant community on the west side, two very different sides of Parsons Avenue and a small, 60-home neighborhood on the South Side. Plus, a local historian explains gentrification.
Explore the evolution of rail and public transit in Central Ohio, from Columbus' railroad and streetcar history to the future of public transportation in the city.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at the migration of people moving East in Central Ohio. We'll tour the Franklin Park neighborhood and Franklin Park Conservatory, remember Ameriflora '92, meet the mayor of Whitehall and learn the history of Buckeye Lake.
On this episode, we'll take a look at different local hangouts in Central Ohio, past and present. Learn the history of a beloved soda fountain, a flower competition, high school fraternities and sororities and more. Plus, peek inside the newly renovated historic Griswold Building, which houses the YWCA, and a Lustron home at Ohio History Connection.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll take a look at how different cultures have influenced Central Ohio. Discover the history of Italian immigrants, meet the owner of an Indian restaurant, learn how to respectfully converse with and engage Muslim-Americans, meet a self-taught Latino Web reporter and explore ethnic cuisines in Columbus.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at the history and development of Dublin, Ohio. From a one-stoplight, drive-through town to the thriving, Irish-inspired community of today, learn how Dublin is shaped by the stories of its past and the development of its future.
On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at how Columbus keeps history alive and relevant. Go behind the scenes at Ohio Village, learn what it takes to be a historical re-enactor, see the city's architecture through historic photos and more.
On the season premiere of Columbus Neighborhoods, we explore Columbus' connections to the Vietnam War. Discover how unrest in the 1960s about many issues led to one of the most disruptive and transformative decades in Ohio State University’s history. Then a local army nurse and veterans share their Vietnam experiences and more.
We continue to explore Columbus' connections to the Vietnam War. Discover Lockbourne Air Force Base's (now known as Rickenbacker International Airport) role in the war, and learn about the effects of PTSD and local treatment resources. Then two African-American veterans share their Vietnam experiences, and we'll introduce you to a local couple who opened their home to Vietnamese refugee children.
We take a look at entertainment in Columbus. From swimming to live jazz and bluegrass music to ice cream, discover how local pastimes have evolved through the years.
Join us for a look at Halloween in Columbus. We'll tour an old local cemetery for pets, share spooky stories from the Worthington Inn, take a ghost walk in Delaware and recount some local lore.
Why is it so hard for so many people to get ahead in Columbus? WOSU Public Media takes an in-depth look at issues like jobs, wages, poverty and class. From 89.7 NPR News to Columbus Neighborhoods and Columbus on the Record on WOSU TV and wosu.org, find out what it means to get ahead in a city with one of nation’s widest income gaps.
We take a look at Columbus' World War I history. Discover the large WWI training camp in Chillicothe, local industry during the war, letters sent home and more.
Join us for stories from Columbus’ railroad history. Learn about local industry, explore the Canal Winchester Railroad depot, see a currently operating railroad and discover the history of Columbus native Granville T. Woods, who invented dozens of devices that improved railroad safety.
On this episode, we take a look at Columbus' food industry. Go behind the scenes at Anthony-Thomas Chocolates, and learn about Mid-Ohio Foodbank's urban farms program. Plus, discover vegetarian soul food, and see local ice cream artifacts. Erlenbusch Ice Cream Shop photos: Courtesy of Columbus Metropolitan Library
We take a look at the history of lending a helping hand in Central Ohio, from the founding of Nationwide Children's Hospital through documenting history in the making today. Plus, discover the local people and programs helping their neighbors with child care, making music at senior centers and more.
Explore Columbus' history through photographs with us. Learn how The Clinton League preserved Clintonville history, tips and tricks for preserving your own collections and what we can learn from photos. Plus, a historic photo album finds its way home from across the country. Photos: Courtesy of Ohio History Connection, Al Waddell, Allen Baker, Al Cincione, Bruce Warner and the Hollenback family
Explore a few Columbus spaces that inspire creativity with us. We'll take you to a large High Street building with a fascinating history, and then local architectural historian Jeff Darbee will take you behind the scenes at the iconic Ohio Theatre. Plus, discover the barbershop that served as both a studio and salon for celebrated Columbus folk artist Elijah Pierce.
Travel back in time and around the world with us — without leaving Columbus. Explore the Seven Wonders of the World via the incredible Walk O' Wonders, once a fixture at The Great Western Shopping Center on the West Side. Learn the story behind German Village bakery Pistacia Vera. Plus, we'll look back at Lazarus memories and see fashions by a 20th-century Columbus designer.
History is all around us, reminding us of our roots. We take a look at the ways local history lives on today — through iconic images around Columbus, legislative buildings, famous phrases, documenting history in the making and more.
We're taking a look at reclaiming old buildings, communities and ideas in Columbus. Discover the neighbors who revitalized one of Central Ohio's first African-American communities, local homes built from Sears kits, an Ohio group of young preservationists and a historic home that now serves families who are in Columbus for cancer treatments.
On this episode, we're taking a look at a few things that move and have moved Columbus: aviation, roads and running, motorized carriages and more.
On this episode, we're taking a look at Central Ohio gathering places. See some remarkable homes and spaces that have also served as meeting places through history, community gathering spots and more.
On this episode, we're taking a look at historic architecture in Columbus and Newark. Discover a 1973 photo collection documenting High Street, a historic jewel-box bank in Newark and an 1850s church that's now a fine-dining establishment on the North Side.
On this episode, we're taking a look at how a few different Columbus communities express their spirituality. Discover a Baptist church engaged in the civil rights movement, a musical celebration in the Bhutanese community, the architecture of a historic Catholic church, and LGBTQ church leaders.
Meet Columbus change-makers, past and present. Discover the story of a freed slave who became the fourth-largest landowner in the Upper Arlington area, a local drug-prevention and youth leadership program, and artifacts from a civil rights organization in Columbus.
We're heading down to Lancaster, Ohio, to learn more about the city's past, present and future. From the Civil War to stately historic homes, Lancaster boasts a rich history. Plus, we'll take a look at community activism today.
We'll introduce you to some of the people who've left their mark on Columbus and beyond. From the story of one of the first female architects in Ohio to programs bridging economic gaps today and more, see stories about making a difference.
We take a look at the changing face of education in Central Ohio. From the local Men of Courage young-adult program and The Wagnalls Memorial library and community center in Lithopolis, Ohio, to the changes at Hilliard City Schools, see how people of all ages are learning today.
Follow historians, students and activists as the history of a once forgotten neighborhood — Milo-Grogan — is literally uncovered by interviews with former residents and analysis of old photographs, maps and literature. We document the process of forming a cohesive narrative that can be used to better understand the neighborhood now, as well as help preserve the community's history.
We're taking a look at aging in Columbus. From stories of local seniors — and their challenges and successes — to a new initiative aimed at making the city "age-friendly," get a glimpse of growing older in Columbus.
We'll share stories of Columbus entrepreneurs, past and present. Meet the leading photographer of Jewish culture in Columbus during the post-World War II period, the entrepreneurs behind a popular paletas business and a family that's specialized in flowers since the mid-20th century.
On the season finale, see how history shaped the Westerville we know today — from the Underground Railroad to the Temperance Movement. Once known as the Dry Capital of the World, Westerville was home to The Anti-Saloon League, as well as stops on the Underground Railroad. See how the city honors this history today.
Celebrating reading and writing with Columbus' rich literary ties, including James Thurber's home and the thriving local writing scene.
We're exploring early baseball history in Columbus and tennis on the East Side in the 1960s. Plus, we'll take a look at the Ohio Roller Derby and the historic Berwick Golf Course.
We're celebrating the season with a look at some Central Ohio fall favorites: the Circleville Pumpkin Show, historic taverns and Halloween festivities in Westgate.
Archaeologists look for Irish Immigrants who died of cholera while building the Ohio Canal. Then, we'll take a look at the care and tending of the oldest cemeteries in Columbus, plus Green Lawn Abbey preservation.
We're sharing stories of how the Linden community is working toward change. St. Stephen's Community House has been supporting Columbus residents for more than a century. Longtime Linden community members explore how the area has changed and where it's headed. Plus, Curious C-bus answers a question about a couple of curious streets.
From a World War I flying ace to the 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield, we celebrate Ohioans in the military.
Discover a hidden park, ride along one of the city’s bike trails or visit a working farm straight out of the mid-1800s – all temptations to get outside and enjoy nature’s bounty in Central Ohio.
From silders to tiki torches, fun surroundings to on-the-go, find out how some Columbus restaurateurs employ the unusual to the delight of their customers.
Discover three unique stories of local activism that demonstrate the power of people coming together – building homes, building relationships and saving kangaroos.
We're taking a look back at Central Ohio retail, from a printing press to a market. Plus, join us for a visit to Ohio History Connection to see memorabilia from Big Bear grocery stores.
Discover a historic grist mill in Lancaster, neighborhood porch parties and University District memorabilia. Architectural historian Jeff Darbee takes us on a tour of the historic Rock Mill. The Old Oaks neighborhood invites us over for a Party on the Porch. And then we head to Ohio History Connection to learn about the beloved campus bar Larry's.
Find out how we preserve the past with compelling local stories about a daredevil, a wedding dress and a fire bucket. Follow efforts to save memorabilia and photographs of Diavolo, a cycling daredevil legend in Columbus. See how firefighting has changed through the centuries at the Central Ohio Fire Museum. Then we visit the Ohio History Connection to learn about DIY wedding dress preservation.
From a slice of life to a slice of pie – find out how country clubs, movie theaters and pie competitions are what Ohioans really like doing in our spare time. Join us for a visit to Gahanna to learn about the first African-American country club in Columbus. Then architectural historians Jeff Darbee and Nancy Recchie head to Shawnee, Ohio, to explore a historic theater and more.
Once a frontier town that would eventually nurture thoroughbreds, Grove City, Ohio, is now a thriving outdoors destination. Join us for a look at Beulah Park, the Grant-Sawyer House and Grove City today.
Explore past and present Columbus architecture with us, from a former inn to Columbus Landmarks' 10 Most Endangered Buildings list.
Join us for a look at local adoption records, genealogy and best practices for curating and preserving digital photography. Follow along as one family researches their history tied to Hare Orphans' Home. Author Don Rose takes us back in time to 1930 to learn more about the third deadliest building fire in U.S. history, the Ohio Penitentiary fire. And we stop by the Ohio History Connection for a crash course in preserving digital photo collections.
See how a turn-of-the-century national movement shaped Downtown Columbus. Discover the story of Union Station and see how the city remembers its railroad history. Find out how a historic home now serves families who are in Columbus for cancer treatments. And join us for a field trip to the Ohio Village at the Ohio History Connection.
Infamous gangsters and legendary villains – take a look at the dark side of Columbus' past. Plus, is Gahanna really named after hell? Curious Cbus investigates. Photos courtesy: The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Detroit Publishing Co., Library of Congress, Ohio History Connection, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Franklin County Engineers
Oklahoma Native American tribes come to Ohio to reconnect with the past. Discover the history of Clintonville's Adena Mounds. Plus, learn about a storytelling artifact and Circleville's connection with the Hopewell culture. Photos: Courtesy Ohio History Connection / Aerial video: Shawn Rames
Discover the stories of small neighborhoods, past and present. We'll take a look at the histories of Haydensville, Little Oklahoma and Minerva Park. Photos courtesy: Hocking County Historical Society, Nyla Vollmer, Bruce Warner, David Meyers, Ohio History Connection, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Library of Congress, Scarberry Family, Bob Grove, Alex Macke, Steve Markos
We take a look at housing issues facing aging members of the Columbus community. Discover innovative ideas for intergenerational living and more.
We're celebrating 100 years of women's suffrage with a look at remarkable Columbus women who made history. Five notable women of the present share the stories of five notable women of the past: Hannah Neil, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Evangeline Reams, Jerrie Mock and Aminah Robinson.
We visit a railway roundhouse and join the Ohio Valley Railroad Club. Plus, Curious Cbus answers the question, "Why is Columbus the largest city in the nation without scheduled railroad passenger service?"
On our season finale, we take a look at different institutions and programs in Columbus that take care of those in need, especially in terms of health and wellness.
Columbus Neighborhoods presents a Fourth of July special focused on local Americana. Celebrate some of our nation's pastimes with a look at early baseball history, a beloved soda fountain and pie judging at the Ohio State Fair.
Step into the rural side of life with stories about how the modern-day tomato originated in Central Ohio; a community gathers annually around its tractors and steam threshers; and a local craftsman transforms old barns into new structures.
Find out why and how people in Columbus preserve their history. We take a look at the history of the popular Antrim Park, a tour of downtown Columbus to look at the skyline and how it reflects Columbus’ past, as well as the city’s integration of modern architecture and talk with the Building Doctors, a local program that helps homeowners make informed decisions when renovating a historic home.
Take a look at some forgotten history stories in Columbus, including the history of Franklin Park and Ameriflora, the story of one of Columbus’ first Chinese restaurants and a remembrance of a neighborhood whose lots were first sold as “mini-farms.”
A visit to a few of Central Ohio’s cemeteries, including a tour of the Union Cemetery archives; a reflection on forgotten cemeteries; and a walk around a final resting place for pets
The stories of Columbus’ legendary ghosts and haunted places, including a spooky tale in the Walhalla ravine, an unlikely guest at the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and ghostly sitings around town.
A look back at some of Central Ohio’s military camps, including Camp Chase in the Hilltop which was a hotbed of activity during the Civil War; a military camp that staged in Upper Arlington before it was developed; Camp Sherman in Chillicothe and how it impacted the area; and the Defense Supply Center’s role in the military since WWI.
A visit to some interesting food places around Ohio, including a haven for cheese in Ashland; a tavern that serves an old-fashioned, fried bologna sandwich; and a walking tour with a local farmer who forages for food in the city.
A celebration of Columbus Neighborhoods’ 100th episode with a countdown to some of our most popular stories.
A visit to a few big estates, including a tour of the historic Bryn Du mansion near Granville; grand, historic homes on East Broad Street; and the Adena Mansion and Gardens in Chillicothe.
Somewhere There’s Music. Hear Ruby Elzy, a pioneering African American operatic singer with roots in Mississippi and Columbus; Jeff Darbee visits the Columbus Washboard Company; and TV meteorologist Ben Gelber preserves and presents Jewish and Yiddish music.
How the National Preservation Act of 1966 changed Columbus. Also, how the Ralston Steel Car Company affected an East Columbus neighborhood. And young preservationists explore an endangered building.
An update on a few past stories including a massive south High Street building that has found a second life, around the world with the Walk O’ Wonders and a Marble Cliff Mansion that has been rescued.
Getting around the Christopher Inn and how that space has changed over time. Also, how the Ohio History Connection documents the link between architect Frank Packard and President Warren G. Harding.
How Central Ohio has contributed to the advancement of aviation; including the history of John Glenn Columbus International Airport and the Ohio State University Airport. Also, a look back at the importance of Lockbourne Airforce Base during the Vietnam War.
Visit the American Whistle Factory in Worthington. Join the hunt for the legendary Bucyrus Bratwurst. And hit the bulls-eye with the Clintonville Yarn Bomber.
Visit the iconic former company town of Haydensville. Learn about the unique history of Rendville — and the artists who work there today. Also, one man’s Appalachia story, and Curious Cbus visits Circleville.
We’re highlighting some of our stories that “Celebrate Women in Central Ohio," including suffragist and abolitionist Frances Ellen Harper Watkins, architect Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector, the women behind LifeCare Alliance and a family of florists keeps a tradition alive.
Explore the history of Plain City, visit Marion Union Station with architectural historian Jeff Darbee, and owner Kamal Boulos tells about the unusual history of The Refectory restaurant.
The experts over at the Ohio History Connection share preservation techniques for collectibles including; Digital photos, Family heirlooms, and Wedding dresses.
See how locks at Groveport and Lockbourne have been preserved, and learn about the feeder canal that connected Columbus to distant markets. Also, architectural historian Jeff Darbee visits Roscoe Village, a restored 1800s canal town.
Explore the Columbus Jewish Historical Society’s collection of revealing images by commercial photographer Herb Topy. Plus, the discovery of glass negatives in a barn reveals the story of the Ambos Pleasure Farm near present-day Berwick. Also, the Champaign County Historical Museum.
See how a Tri-Village area festival evolved into the colorful Upper Arlington Fourth of July Parade. The Ohio History Connection explores music and more at the Ohio State Fair. And learn how Greg Daniel made his way onto the field as the first blind member of the Ohio State University Marching Band.
Food is a great way to connect with other cultures. WOSU reporter Adora Namigadde explores her own Ugandan roots, along with a visit to a couple of ethnic restaurants in Central Ohio to find out how they celebrate with food.
Thomas Bull sheltered escaped slaves in present-day Clintonville. And explore the Hanby House and Kelton House, stops on the Underground Railroad.
Learn about Columbus’s “Sellsville,” where a circus wintered. And meet “Diavolo”, a bicycle daredevil who thrilled thousands before accomplishing his greatest feat: becoming a noted artist.
What did it mean to be a “land-grant university” 150 years go — and what it means today? Ohio State’s known for traditions like dotting the “I.” Learn about traditions that didn’t survive. Also, fascinating University District items archived at the Ohio History Connection.
Explore Columbus' West Side and the people who have shaped the community.
Visit a few places around Ohio whose families have made a name for themselves.
Visit a few historic sites to learn how communities memorialize past generations.
Explore Ohio about ghost sightings, hauntings, and paranormal activity.
A look at people in Columbus dedicated to creating and maintaining green spaces.
Explore the ways people traveled before the convenience of current modes of travel.
Explore the ways people traveled before the convenience of current modes of travel.
Check in with a few collectors in Central Ohio.
Little glimpses of Americana exist all around Ohio.
Visit to a few historic Ohio establishments to learn about their history and more.
Visit with people who are using their life experiences to educate outside the classroom.
Visit to a few, historic places in Ohio that are connecting points for their communities.
Honor the legacy of historian and preservationist Cathy Nelson.
Take a look back at the history of a few fun, gathering places in Central Ohio.
Explore the history of the Columbus Metropolitan Library and Ohio State University.
Explore the history of the Columbus Metropolitan Library and Ohio State University.
Explore a few Columbus structures that existed before parking lots.
See how Southern Ohio communities are preserving their history.
Visit with unique individuals who have found ways to overcome their own challenges.
Look back at a few 19th century historical events that helped shape Central Ohio.
Look at the people and places that have helped create change in Downtown Columbus.
A visit with traditional craftsman in Central Ohio and some unconventional artisans.
An exploration of the Asian American experience in Columbus, Ohio, over the last century.
An exploration of artifacts in Central Ohio that have preserved history in unique ways.
We step outside of Columbus to explore our northern neighbors.
isit a few of these unique properties and see new designs for affordable housing.
Explore how Ohio crops go from farm to table with a stop at historic grain elevator.
Explore a few connections between the Ohio 3 C’s - Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Ohio is a great destination, with boundless places to visit. Explore a few must see sites including the Wescott House, a Frank Lloyd Wright design in Springfield; the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites, an ancient mound system throughout Central Ohio; and Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland’s entertainment district, where five of the existing theaters were built between 1921-1922.
Central Ohio is rich with tales of haunted places and legends of those who haunt them. In this special Halloween edition of Columbus Neighborhoods, follow along with a spooky trolley tour through Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio. Bucky Cutright of Columbus Ghost Tours and historians share the ghostly and ghastly tales of people who are buried there
Historic sites all over Ohio are celebrating milestones this year. Explore the history behind a few of these iconic places; including the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites in Marion, commemorating the president 100 years after his death; the Columbus Metropolitan Library which has been serving the community for 150 years; and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, celebrating 50 years.
The west side of Columbus, Ohio, has gone through growth, decline and redevelopment. Discover the stories behind the places and people that have called it home; including a stop at the York Steak House, the last restaurant in that chain; an exploration of Hilltop history, one of the largest neighborhoods in Columbus; and we head further west to Springfield, to visit the Hattie Moseley Mural.
People remember experiences in many ways, whether through the written word or capturing an image. Explore how people in Central Ohio’s history have captured moments; including a look at the photo archive of the Columbus Call and Post newspaper; the discovery of photo albums from the Sells Circus; and a look at a photo of the Ohio Statehouse in 1986 to see how the city’s landscape has changed.
Although no major battles took place in Ohio during the Civil War, many Ohioans served and fought alongside the rest of the country. Discover Ohio’s connections to the Civil War; including a visit to the Morgan House in Dublin with ties to the war; a look at a collection of battle flags at the Ohio History Connection; and an inquiry about Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train.
Communities around Ohio find ways to connect and bring people together. Discover some of those special connections, including an organization with a mission to welcome international students at the The Ohio State University, a visit to the Historic Clifton Mill’s holiday display drawing thousands of visitors every year and a retrospective of the Hot Times Arts and Music Festival on the east side.
Railroads may not be a main mode of transportation for many communities around Ohio, but there are plenty of train enthusiasts. Discover a few rail experiences; including a visit to the Dennison Railroad Depot, used as a canteen for passing soldiers during World War II; a gathering of friends to watch Ohio Valley trains; and a look at a 1932 film following the Columbus, Delaware and Marion Interur
Communities throughout Ohio have found ways to address environmental concerns in their area. Discover a few of these unique solutions; including a challenge to Capital University students to create an environmental map using colors other than “green;” a buy-local store in New Hampshire operating in an old, grain elevator; and a parking garage at The Ohio State University used as greenhouse.
The landscape in Columbus, Ohio, has changed considerably since it was officially chartered as a city back in 1834. Explore some of those changes; including a tour of projects created through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), an agency started out of the Great Depression; a visit to parking sites that once held important structures; and a look at highways around town that used to be trails.
The cost of living may have risen over the years, but the value of having money has remained the same. Discover what money could buy throughout Columbus’ history, including a tour of the old Citizen’s Savings and Trust Company downtown, converted into a modern living space, a Penny Scale collection spanning over 100 years and the history behind a photo of the Peruna factory.
The history of the black community as they journeyed and settled in Central Ohio is full of hardship, hope and resilience. Explore the history of the Great Migration, a mass exodus of African Americans from the South to the North in the late 1800s; and a visit to a building that once housed the Anti-Slavery Baptist Church in Yellow Springs, a town that welcomed the black community post Civil War.
The way schools educate shifts over time, as the culture and needs of a community change. Explore ways institutions in Central Ohio have rethought education; including a visit to a building that once was an Open-Air School, housing students at risk of catching tuberculosis; and the history behind the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the plaza recently dedicated at Ohio State University.
People commemorate loved ones in many ways. Discover ways Ohio communities have memorialized their ancestors; including research into African American burials at the Green Lawn Cemetery by Fort Hayes High School students; a tour of a World Heritage site newly inscribed in Chillicothe; and a family investigating adoption records at the Ohio History Connection to find out more about their history.
Communities around Ohio have sought to preserve and restore their historic theaters. Architectural historian Jeff Darbee tours a few of these iconic places, including the atmospheric Holland Theatre in Bellefontaine, Stuart’s Opera House on the historic Public Square in Nelsonville and Woodward Opera House in Mount Vernon, the oldest opera theater of its kind in the U.S.
Restaurants and unique eateries can be found in almost every community. Visit a couple food establishments in Central Ohio that are neighborhood hot spots; including the Hamburger Inn in Delaware, which claims to be the oldest diner in Ohio; and the Taco Shop on the west side of Columbus, which has been in business for over a decade.
