Kelton House Museum: 19th Century Life and Underground Railroad Stop

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.

Kelton House Museum Hours

Wednesday (by appointment only)

Thursday – Saturday | 12pm-4pm

Sunday | CLOSED

Month of January | CLOSED

New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas | CLOSED

Kelton House Tours

Docent-Led Tours

Tours will highlight the beautifully restored Museum and tell you about life in early Columbus through the eyes of the Kelton family. 

Tours begin on the hour at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Arrive 5 min before tour begins. Details.
$7/adults, $5/seniors (55+), $3/student
Group rates available over 18 people. Maximum # of guests per tour: 30. No registration required

Kelton House Museum Programming

Fernando’s Funeral: Victorian Mourning and the Ghosts That Linger on Town Street

October 28 and 29, 2021 from 6:30-9 pm.

The Kelton House Museum & Garden and the Junior League of Columbus present Fernando’s Funeral: Victorian Mourning and the Ghosts that Linger on Town Street. 

Take in this after dark tour of the Kelton House focusing on the ghost stories of the Kelton’s and other spooky experiences in the Mansion, an experience you don’t want to miss. Purchase tickets before they sell out! Tours begin on the half hour with 15 people maximum per tour. $18/person.

Social distancing and masks required. No Groupons accepted for this event. Friends of the Kelton House can email director@keltonhouse.com for your discount code. Tour is recommended for ages 10 and up. No strollers allowed for this event. Free parking available at 616 Franklin Ave. in the Kelton House/Junior  League parking lot. 

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.

Discounted and Free Museum Days in Columbus

photo source