Welcome to the Butler County Historical Society and Museum
The Butler County Historical Society is a private non-profit organization that formed in 1934 to preserve and promote the history of Butler County. The society, incorporated in 1948, owns and operates the Benninghofen House Museum, a high-Italian style home built in 1863 that is filled with the furnishings of a wealthy family during the Victorian era. It also manages the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument on Front Street and the McCloskey Wonder Works(Temporarily located at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park).
What’s Happening at BCHS?
Upcoming events:
May Lecture Series “The Miami and Erie Canal in Butler County” – Thursday May 28, 2026 7:00pm-SOLD OUT
Second Date Added: Saturday May 30, 2026 10:00am–SOLD OUT
COMING SOON-Summer Exhibit–“A Century of Memories-Camp Campbell Gard”-Opening early June 2026
June Lecture Series “A Century of Memories: The Enduring Legacy of YMCA Camp Campbell Gard” Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00pm & Saturday June 27, 2026 10:00am
“Back to the Future of Rock and Roll: A 97X Retro Rock Reunion”-June 27, 2026 7:00PM-Tuned into History Tour Ticketed Event
Current Exhibit
A Century of Memories: The Enduring Legacy of YMCA Camp Campbell Gard
Opening Early June 2026
Tens of thousands of Butler County residents have experienced what the YMCA’s Camp Campbell Gard has to offer throughout its 100 years of operation. Take a walk down memory lane and learn about the roots of the camp in this exhibit.
Upcoming Event
“A Century of Memories: The Enduring Legacy of YMCA Camp Campbell Gard”
Thursday June 25th, 2026: 7:00pm
&
Saturday June 27, 2026: 10:00am
We anticipate this presentation to be popular, so we are offering 2 presentation dates and times, please pay close attention to the date and time while you are registering. If both events have reached capacity and are no longer accepting reservations we will start a waiting list. To be added to the waiting list please send your name, number of reservations you would like, and the presentation date you prefer to info@bchistoricalsociety.com. If we have cancellations and can accommodate you we will contact you.
“A Century of Memories: The Enduring Legacy of YMCA Camp Campbell Gard –Creating Friendships, Belonging and Changing Lives”
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.
Admission is free for BCHS members or $5.00 for non-members payable at the door. Reservations are required-and limited to 100-please use the link on the website to register. If you have any questions please call BCHS at 513-896-9930!