Butler County Historical Society

Butler County Historical Society Butler County Historical Society, Hamilton, Ohio The archives are available to the public, with the assistance of a BCHS staff member.

The Butler County Historical Society maintains the Benninghofen House as a museum, with the house and furnishings representing the lifestyle of a wealthy family during the Victorian Era. In addition to the house, the Society manages an archive that consists of many original and secondary materials relating to regional history. Many artifacts relating to local, regional and national history are als

o in the care of the BCHS. These items are periodically put on display in the Benninghoven House, adjacent auditorium and secure off-site locations. Programming is another feature of BCHS. Programs are offered several times a year that feature knowledgeable speakers who focus on a variety of topics.

We really appreciate the overwhelming interest in yesterday's post regarding the City of Hamilton, Ohio's historic North...
05/29/2026

We really appreciate the overwhelming interest in yesterday's post regarding the City of Hamilton, Ohio's historic North Water Treatment Plant which opened in 1935. You spoke and we listened... here is a second round of photos snapped a couple of weeks ago. Once again, thanks to the staff and crew that oversees, operates, and maintains this historic public works gem!

City of Hamilton, Ohio historic North Water Plant. Opened for business in 1935.
05/28/2026

City of Hamilton, Ohio historic North Water Plant. Opened for business in 1935.

05/28/2026

Historic Hamilton, Ohio North Water Plant

A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to photographically document the City of Hamilton, Ohio's North Water Treat...
05/28/2026

A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to photographically document the City of Hamilton, Ohio's North Water Treatment Plant located at 1206 N. 3rd Street between Hamilton and New Miami. This historic site is a location that most folks will never experience firsthand so we thought we'd try to capture it for you, and believe us, entering this still-operational facility is like walking back in time. Designated as Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works Project No. 1438, it was completed in August of 1935. The combination of Neo-Gothic and Art Deco design elements are seen throughout the two main buildings on site. Both the Main Pump Building and the 3-story Chemical Building include interior designs of ceramic wall tile and ceramic tile trim along with tile floors including a main lobby floor mosaic. Industrial purpose areas are finished out in ceramic floor tile or concrete, walls are ceramic tile and enameled brick.
The Main Pump Building began operation in October of 1935 and is capable of pumping up to 17 million gallons of water per day from six wells. All of the facility's originally installed 1930s era pumping machinery and motors are still used today to operate the facility. In addition, original gauges still dot the facility, and even an original and ornate clock is still mounted in the Main Filter Gallery. The Chemical Building, whose purpose is to soften the water before being sent out for distribution opened two months later in December of 1935 after chemists were able to develop the "perfect blend" of additives.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Water Production Superintendent Jay Mosley, Asst. Water Production Superintendent Derrick Ward, and the entire plant staff that was present during our visit. Everyone was super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We appreciate your hospitality!

Today marks 99 years since the opening of Potter's Park in Hamilton.Talks of the desire of a municipal golf course in Ha...
05/26/2026

Today marks 99 years since the opening of Potter's Park in Hamilton.

Talks of the desire of a municipal golf course in Hamilton first began in the fall of 1922. Funds were raised, and the land was donated to the City of Hamilton by Ellis M. Potter.

On the opening day, May 26, 1927 a golf match consisting of John Buchanan, Butler County Pro, Paul Stoppleman of Dayton, Bill Jackson of Cincinnati, and Page Schalk of Hamilton. The Buchanan-Stoppleman duo defeated the Jackson-Schalk duo. At that time Potter's Park was only 9 holes and was a par 35. The second nine holes was opened to the public officially on October 5, 1927.

A clubhouse and the lakes, shelter houses and bridges were done during the period of the Civil Works Administration and Works Progress Administration in 1932 and 1933.

Countless rounds of golf have been played over the years. And let's not forget one of the most iconic sledding hills around!

We'd love to hear your memories of Potter's Park!

A moving and fitting tribute today at Greenwood Cemetery for the Butler County Memorial Day Ceremony. A special thanks t...
05/25/2026

A moving and fitting tribute today at Greenwood Cemetery for the Butler County Memorial Day Ceremony. A special thanks to all who attended the program honoring Butler County Gold Star and TAPS families. Featured speakers, Gold Star Father and former Hamilton Mayor Adolfo Olivas and Hamilton native Lt. General Rick Lynch, reminded all of the solemn purpose of today’s gatherings. A hearty thank you to Hamilton Mayor Pat Moeller and to all the veterans, volunteers, and veterans service organizations who made this event possible.
We also wish to thank all the communities and civic and veterans groups around the county who organized events to honor our fallen heroes. We at the Butler County Historical Society hope you all have a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.

Preparing for the Butler County Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery. Keynote speaker Hamilton native...
05/25/2026

Preparing for the Butler County Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery. Keynote speaker Hamilton native Lt. General Rick Lynch (US Army Retired). Gold Star Family address by Adolfo Olivas. Ceremony begins at 11:15. Join us to remember those who have fallen in service to our nation.

"Decoration Day" began after the Civil War as a day to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and...
05/25/2026

"Decoration Day" began after the Civil War as a day to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and flags. Communities across the country gathered each spring to remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

After World War I, Decoration Day expanded from honoring only those who died in the Civil War to honoring American military personnel who died in all wars. The shift began around 1919 as communities recognized the sacrifices made during the Great War.

The name “Memorial Day” first began to be commonly used after World War II, but it did not become the official federal name until 1967.

Today, Memorial Day remains a time of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. As we enjoy the long weekend, we also pause to honor their legacy and the freedoms they helped preserve.

BCHS June Speakers Series:"A Century of Memories: The Enduring Legacy of YMCA Camp Campbell Gard-Creating Friendships, B...
05/23/2026

BCHS June Speakers Series:

"A Century of Memories: The Enduring Legacy of YMCA Camp Campbell Gard-Creating Friendships, Belonging and Changing Lives"
Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00pm &
Saturday June 27, 2026 10:00am

327 N Second Street Hamilton, OH 45011

Tens of thousands of Butler County residents have experienced what the YMCAs Camp Campbell Gard has to offer throughout its 100 years of operation. Great Miami Valley YMCA board member, Dr. Jeff Leipzig, will lead the audience on a tour through the history of the camp from its beginnings in 1926 when newspaper publisher Homer Gard dedicated the park in memory of his late son Charles Campbell Gard, to the era of famed author/illustrator Robert McCloskey as a camp counselor, to present day where the camp still stands upon the values of which it was founded a century ago. In partnership with the Great Miami Valley YMCA.

Reservations are required and limited to 100. Please be courteous when making reservations, if you need to cancel please let us know as soon as possible. Our reservations have been filling up quickly and numerous no-shows have kept others from being able to reserve seats.

***We anticipate this event to fill up quickly. If you are unable to make a reservation due to the event reaching capacity and you would like to be placed on a waiting list please email your name, the number of seats you would like and the program time you prefer to: [email protected]
If we have cancelations and can fit you in we will contact you.***

Admission is Free for BCHS members, or $5.00 for non-members payable at the door. On and off street parking is available. The auditorium and first floor of the museum are wheelchair accessible.

Use the links below to make reservations, please note which day you are registering for:
Thursday: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/r2896gm
Saturday: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/96nhn4y

Monday May 25, 202611:15amGreenwood Cemetery 1602 Greenwood Ave, Hamilton 45011The Butler County Memorial Day Remembranc...
05/22/2026

Monday May 25, 2026
11:15am
Greenwood Cemetery 1602 Greenwood Ave, Hamilton 45011

The Butler County Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, after the Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2026 at 11:15am.

The Butler County Memorial Day Committee's goal is to support and create awareness of Gold Star Families and TAPS Families, survivors of casualties of war.

Lieutenant General Rick Lynch, U.S. Army (Retired) from Hamilton is the Keynote Speaker and former Hamilton Mayor Aldolfo Olivas is scheduled to speak from his perspective as a Gold Star father.

Please join us at Greenwood Cemetery, 1602 Greenwood Ave, Hamilton 45011. The Remembrance Ceremony is open to the public and all citizens.

-City of Hamilton

Address

327 N 2nd Street
Hamilton, OH
45011

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+15138969930

Website

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