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.
- September 8 at 2:00 p.m. – “Ohio Rebels: The Oberlin Uprising of 1858”
- November 10 at 2:00 p.m. – “Ohio Rebels: The Oberlin Uprising of 1858”
- August 11 at 1:30 p.m. – “Sophia Kelton, Mother and Abolitionist”
- October 13 at 1:30 p.m. – “Sophia Kelton, Mother and Abolitionist”
- December 8 at 1:30 p.m. – “Sophia Kelton, Mother and Abolitionist”
Special Events
Tuskegee Love Letters, a true story by Kim Russell on Tuesday, September 3 and 10 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $13-$15. Purchase here from JB3Entertainment.
An Introductory Celebration and Panel Discussion of THE TURKEY MEN, by Douglas Whaley on Thursday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are free, but very limited. Reserve yours here.
The Henry “Box” Brown Life and Legacy Event presented by Rory Rennick on Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $15 per person. Reservations recommended at 614-464-2022 or keltonhouse@cs.com. Student presentation will be held on October 22 at 1 pm.
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, September 11, 2019
- Wednesday, October 9, 2019
- Wednesday, December 4, 2019
- Sunday, December 8, 2019
- Wednesday, December 11, 2019
- Wednesday, February 12, 2020
- Wednesday, March 11, 2020
- Wednesday, April 8, 2020
- Wednesday, May 13, 2020
- Wednesday, June 10, 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.