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
Current Exhibit
Quilts: Stories in Needle & Thread
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of quilts, the iconic American textile, through our newest exhibit Quilts: Stories in Needle and Thread. The exhibit showcases close to 40 quilts made in or brought to Butler County and spans 125 years of history. Quilts were primary made as warm bed coverings and decorative objects, but they also relay information. Through the exhibit learn how quilts function as textile documents and tell the story of industrialization; social progress; politics and patriotism; family ties; and women’s roles, resourcefulness and accomplishments.
Open February 6-May 16, 2026
Tours are available during our regular business hours.
Visits led by the exhibit curator are available on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
If you plan to bring a group of 8 or more, please call to schedule.
Upcoming Event
“The Miami and Erie Canal in Butler County”
Thursday May 28, 2026: 7:00pm
“The Miami and Erie Canal in Butler County”
In 2026, the Miami and Erie Canal celebrates its 200th anniversary. Middletown Historical Society president Sam Ashworth explains the rise and fall of this area’s most amazing engineering marvel of its time. The “ditch” stretching from Toledo to Cincinnati began its construction right here in Butler County when New York governor Dewitt Clinton turned the first spade of dirt in Middletown. For decades the canal was the heart of local commerce, travel, and leisure until it was unceremoniously discarded upon the arrival of the ‘Iron Horse’.
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!