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:
January 1-23, 2026 The BCHS will be closed to the public for our annual building maintenance and changing of exhibits. We will re-open to the public on Saturday January 24, 2026 and resume our regular business hours.
January Lecture Series “Peck’s Addition: Rediscovering Hamilton’s Forgotten Appalachian Neighborhood”-Saturday January 24, 2026 10:00am & 1:00pm
Current Exhibit
Quilts: Stories in Needle & Thread
Opening February 2026
Upcoming Event
“Peck’s Addition: Rediscovering Hamilton’s Forgotten Appalachian Neighborhood”
Due to an overwhelming response to our 1:00 pm presentation we have added an additional presentation at 10:00am
Saturday January 24, 2026: 10:00AM & 1:00pm
“Peck’s Addition: Rediscovering Hamilton’s Forgotten Appalachian Neighborhood”
Miami University professor and BCHS board member Matthew Smith explores the colorful and controversial history of Peck’s Addition, the historically Appalachian neighborhood that once stood where Miami University’s Hamilton Campus now stands. Smith will review the fortunes of the area from its 19th century origins, its 20th century heyday, and the eventual disappearance of this once bustling neighborhood. In partnership with Miami University Hamilton and Lane Libraries
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!