The Kelton House Museum stands as a snapshot of 19th century life and a station on the Underground Railroad. It is a treasure trove of Victoriana, containing everything from lavishly embellished Victorian silverware to unusual items such as a woven-hair brooch worn by Kelton family members.
When Grace Kelton died in 1975, her will entrusted the Kelton property to the Columbus Foundation with the stipulation that her family home be preserved and used for educational purposes. Today the Kelton House offers an ongoing program of house tours, special events, and educational opportunities.
In-person programming is currently suspended but tours are available! You can pick from self-guided audio tour, or docent-led tours. There are also themed group tours that are perfect for groups of 15-50. Private tours are available as well.
Kelton House Museum Hours
Wednesday and Thursday (by appointment only)
Friday – Sunday | 1pm-4pm.
Seasonally (May-October) Thursday nights | 6-8pm
Kelton House Tours
Docent-Led Tours
A costumed docent will give you a tour of the beautifully restored Museum and tell you about life in early Columbus through the eyes of the Kelton family.
Guided docent-led tours for the public are given every Sunday at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Tours costs:
$7.00 per adult
$5.00 per seniors, age 55+
$4.00 per student (18+)
$3.00 per student K-12
Self-Led Audio Tours
Listen to the story of the Kelton family and tour their beautiful home with an entertaining and educational audio production.
Tours costs:
$7.00 per adult
$5.00 per seniors, age 55+
$4.00 per student (18+)
$3.00 per student K-12
Kelton House Museum Programming
In-person special programming is currently suspended, but we are including the regular offerings so that you can see what may be available in the (hopefully) near future! In the meantime, check out the resources, videos, and more on the website.
Second Sundays
On the second Sunday of each month (CURRENTLY SUSPENDED), join The Kelton House Museum for Trails of Hope, a series of historical re-enactments depicting the struggles for freedom on the Underground Railroad. Tickets are $5 per adult; $2 per child age 6 and over, and reservations are not required.
Victorian Tea at Kelton House
The Kelton House also hosts Victorian Teas throughout the year with a tasteful sampling of savories and sweets reminiscent of 19th century ladies’ get-togethers. The menu for each Tea is different, but is always accompanied by traditional Earl Grey tea. Reservations are required.
Dates: tba (private tour & tea option is available to book for groups of 15+)
The Kelton House Museum & Garden
586 East Town Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 464-2022
keltonhouse@cs.com
Want to explore more? We have a whole list of discounted and free museum days for great museums around Columbus.
Awesome! I’m not affiliated with the event (I just share the fun around the city), and I haven’t made it to a tea myself, but I’d love to some day! Please feel free to stop back and let me know what you thought of it after you go!
Just made phone reservations for the tea on 3-8-2017. So looking forward to it and going on a guided tour of the museum:)
Thanks Sarah. I will make the change – it used to say that on the Kelton House website, but it appears they changed it at some point. I will check out what events Thurber House has to offer.
Hello! the Kelton House isn’t the only house museum in Columbus. The Thurber House (for James Thurber at 77 W Jefferson) is also a house museum.