By 1808Delaware
This year we’re continuing our look at unique events and attractions that are within an easy driving distance of Delaware County. We call these “Summer Road Trips.” Of course, we regularly feature the many extraordinary places to visit right here in Delaware County and encourage our readers to get out and experience what is on offer in our own backyard.
Ohio Open Doors is back, the very successful statewide event that opens the doors to dozens of sites that connect Ohioans to their past.
The event takes place between September 9 to September 18, during which time building and landmark owners and operators open to the public for special tours and programs – all at no charge. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Ohio’s architecture and history.
There are no participating sites in Delaware County. Nearby Franklin County, however, has 25 historic venues opening their doors, more than any other Ohio county. Here is just a sampling of those:
Bexley Jeffrey Cottage Museum Open Door Tour – Founded in 1974, the Bexley Historical Society promotes interest and pride in the history of Bexley, Ohio, and the accomplishments of its citizens and institutions. It seeks to educate the community by assembling, researching, publishing, preserving, and interpreting a valuable collection of memorabilia, photographs, genealogical records, and other information associated with Bexley’s heritage.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Westerville – Founded in 1804 by a band of settlers led by James Kilbourne, St. John’s Episcopal Church is the first Episcopal church west of the Alleghenies. You will be awed by the building’s construction including materials resourced and crafted locally and four central pillars made from milled solid black walnut trees. The cemetery rests 317 documented burials dating back to 1804. Come and see why St. John’s Church, Township Hall, and Cemetery were installed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Enjoy performances by St. John’s choir and two pipe organs.
Century Village/Train Depot Open House – Enjoy a special open house at Century Village with members of the Southwest Franklin County Historical Society, along with a tour of the restored train depot.
An Evening With Blendon Lodge: An Ancient Tradition In Westerville – A member of Blendon Lodge will provide a guided tour of the Westerville Lodge Building. Visitors will then be invited to observe and participate in a short ritualized opening and closing of a Lodge “meeting” in the main lodge room that will include a question & answer session with the officers of the lodge. We will conclude the evening with refreshments and additional time to look around the building and chat.
Dates and times vary, but for these and all other sites across Ohio visit this online location.
1808Delaware’s sister site in Mansfield, 1812Blockhouse, recently carried this story about the nine sites which will be open in Ashland, Crawford, and Richland Counties.
