Bexley Historical Society Cottage

Remarkable families.
Long-standing businesses.
Worldwide contributions.

​It’s no wonder that Bexley boasts families that have resided here for generations.  Nestled among its charming tree-lined streets have lived entrepreneurs, explorers, artists, and more.

Founded in 1974, the Bexley Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes interest and pride in the history of Bexley, Ohio, and the accomplishments of its citizens and institutions. It seeks to educate the community by assembling, researching, publishing, preserving, and interpreting a valuable collection of memorabilia, photographs, genealogical records, and other information associated with Bexley’s heritage.

Since 2006 the Bexley Historical Society has maintained a museum at the Jeffrey Mansion Caretaker’s Cottage. Please visit or contact us for more information.

Recent Bexley Historical Society News Posts:

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  • Bexley Historical Society Re-Opening

    Beginning Thursday, September 2nd 2021, the Bexley Historical Society is re-opening from 11-2PM. After this date, the Historical Society will be open from 11-2PM every first Thursday of the month.

  • Camp Bushnell Plaque Unveiling

    On November 11th, 2020, Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler met with members and trustees of the Bexley Historical Society at Broad and Drexel streets to unveil a commemorative plaque marking the history of Camp Bushnell in Bexley. President of the Bexley Historical Society Glenn Soden noted that there was an incredible…Read More

  • COVID-19 Impact on Historical Society Hours

    Due to COVID-19, the museum’s Open Hours have been temporally suspended.  Visits to the museum are currently through pre-arranged appointments by emailing bexleyhistory@gmail.com.

  • Bexley Responds – COVID-19

    Bexley Responds – COVID-19 is an effort to document Bexley, Ohio during this unprecedented time. Bexley Librarian David Distelhorst has been taking photos around town and the Library is inviting Bexley residents, employees, etc. to contribute their photos as well. More information about the Bexley Responds digital archive efforts are…Read More

  • New Donations to the Historical Society

    Edie Mae and Mike Herrel recently moved to a new home which necessitated downsizing. The Bexley Historical Society’s Museum has been enhanced by the Herrels many donations, including the collection of Edie’s Bexley themed art prints. George Spencer’s children donated memorabilia related to his 29 year career in major/minor league…Read More

  • Reflections of Bexley

    Link to a This Week News article on the “Reflections of Bexley” meeting at the Jeffery Mansion in April of 2017.

  • Illustrator Edie Mae Herrel Draws Bexley’s History

    Here is a link to a brief video interview with Edie Mae Herrel from the local PBS station WOSU. Bexley resident Edie Mae Herrel creates illustrations historic scenes from Bexley’s past. Her work has included the Adena Native Americans, the first settlers to Bexley, construction of mansions by the Jeffrey…Read More

  • Camp Bushnell Historical Plaque

    The plaque, through text and photos, honoring Camp Bushnell has been reviewed by Mayor Ben Kessler, City Council and the Tree Commission. The latter group gave approval to place the marker on the northwest quadrant of Drexel Circle. A formal dedication date has not been determined but is tentatively scheduled…Read More

  • New Bexley Historical Society Web Site Has Arrived

    The weekend of October 12th 2019, the non-profit credits from Microsoft were received and a new subscription created. This allowed a new home for the Bexley Historical Society to be created on Azure. But you know that, because you are here reading this post! As of November 2nd, 2019, the…Read More

Visit Us

Opening hours are impacted by COVID precautions – please call for details and accommodations

Come to our museum during regular monthly hours or contact us for an appointment. The museum is located next to the David H. Madison Community Pool in the former Jeffrey Mansion Caretaker’s Cottage.

Regular monthly hours
First Thursday    10 AM to 2 PM
First Sunday (March to October)    1 PM to 3 PM

Among our exhibits, you’ll learn about some of the earliest residents of the area, Bexley citizens at war, Bexley schools, and Bexley businesses. Our Victorian parlor features prominent Bexley residents, including renowned cancer researcher Dr. Judah Folkman and Robert Jeffrey, who was a former mayor of Columbus and donated the Jeffrey Mansion and surrounding property to the city in 1941.

We are also open by appointment.
To schedule, please email at bexleyhistory@gmail.com or call 614.559.4360
The museum is located at:
2080 Clifton Avenue
Bexley, Ohio 43209

Conveniently located steps from the CoGo bike share station:

Jeffery Park on Clifton Ave

You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook

Join Us

Your membership allows the Bexley Historical Society to carry out our mission to preserve Bexley’s heritage and to educate the community about Bexley’s history.

Your membership supports:
– Maintenance and Expansion of displays at the Cottage Museum
– Assembly of photo displays for Jeffrey Mansion
– Publish newsletters for members


VOLUNTEER
The Bexley Historical Society welcomes volunteers who are interested in helping to preserve Bexley’s heritage, including docents, researchers, interview technicians, museum hosts, and people who specialize in fundraising, preservation, maintenance, and renovations. Contact us for more information.


BECOME A MEMBER
Membership dues options are:

General – $25Senior Citizen – $15
Supporting – $50Patron – $100

To pay for membership by credit card, please click here: Online_Payment


To pay for membership by check, please click here: Membership Form
Print and send the completed form, with payment to:
Bexley Historical Society
P.O. Box 9285
​Bexley, OH 43209


Membership dues paid in September-December cover the following calendar year.
Bexley Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization – EIN 23-7390914
Membership payments are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. No goods or services are provided in consideration of Membership.

Support Us

Who We Are

Board of Trustees

Glenn Soden – President
​Stephen Brubaker – Vice President
Stacy Grossman – Secretary
Martina Campoamor – Treasurer

Nancy Beck
Michael Kilbourne
David Madison
Ron Robins
Ann Russell
Sheila Straub

Bryan Drewry
Mark Epstein
Scott King-Owen
Connie McCleary Ostrove
Gail Gilbert Storer

​Ex-Officio
Walter Buchsieb DDS, MS – Trustee Emeritus
Rich Campoamor – Technical Advisor
David Distelhorst – Bexley Public Library
Edie Mae Herrel – Founder/Advisor
Ed Hamblin – Consultant/Advisor
Richard Sharp / City Council Representative