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.
Second Sundays
On the second Sunday of each month, 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.
“Ohio Rebels: The Oberlin Uprising of 1858”
A rare antebellum instance of interracial cooperation in which Oberlin residents – both black and white – rise up to thwart Federal Marshals and slave catchers who have come to town to carry off one of its citizens and force him back into slavery. But there is a price to pay for flaunting Federal authority. Albert Gallatin Riddle, played by Mark Welch, brings this story to life.
Sunday, January 12, 2020 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 14, 2020 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 9, 2020 2:00 p.m.
“Sophia Kelton, Mother and Abolitionist”
Sophia Kelton tells the story of how the Kelton family chose to shelter runaways on the Underground Railroad, risking fine and imprisonment to “do the right thing.” Sophia Kelton is played by Mary Oellermann.
Sunday, February 14 1:30 p.m
Sunday, April 11 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 13 1:30 p.m.
Special Events
“Showdown in Tennessee: The Ratification of the 19th Amendment”
Sunday, March 15, 2020 2:00 p.m.
Sherry Hall, Site Manager of the Harding Home & Memorial in Marion, will present “Showdown in Tennessee: The Ratification of the 19th Amendment. ”
Admission is $7/person. Reservations are recommended. Call 614-464-2022 or email keltonhouse@cs.com for reservations.
“How Women Suffrage Influenced Women’s Fashions”
Sunday, April 5, 2020 2:00 p.m.
Marlise Schoeny, Assistant Curator of the Ohio State University’s Costumes & Textiles Museum, will present “How Women Suffrage Influenced Women’s Fashions.”
Admission is $7/person. Reservations are recommended. Call 614-464-2022 or email keltonhouse@cs.com for reservations.
Kelton House Tours
Guided docent-led tours for the public are given every Sunday at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Audio tours are available on Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Self-guided audio tours are also available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 1–4 p.m (last start time 2:45 p.m.).
Tour costs:
$6.00 per adult
$5.00 per senior citizen
$4 per student (18+)
$3.00 per child 6 – 18 years old
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. Each Tea begins at 12:30 p.m. and concludes by 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person; $17 for Friends of the Kelton House. Reservations are required.
- Wednesday, February 12, 2020
- Wednesday, May 13, 2020
- Wednesday, August 12, 2020
- Sunday, December 6, 2020
- Wednesday, December 9, 2020
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.