By Paula Scott

At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, individuals interested in Bluffton history will meet on the 3rd floor of the Bluffton Town Hall to discuss the formation of a Bluffton historical society.

The event was announced by Dan Groman, who is one of several Blufftonites who have renewed the idea of forming a local historical society and, ultimately, creating a Bluffton museum within the village.

Groman told the Icon that interest in a Bluffton Historical society has been simmering for decades. Visits to other Ohio communities and discussions with historical societies have led to this January meeting.

The project is on the ground floor, according to Groman. “No location, no finances… We’re starting from scratch,” he said.

Groman mentioned being inspired by visits to Massillon and Convoy, and that he expected a committee would be formed to take additional research trips.

The area is served by the Swiss Community Historical Society and Schumacher Homestead at 8350 Bixel Rd., which is focused on the Swiss Settlement of farms between Bluffton and Pandora. The Bluffton historical society would explore and preserve broader areas of historical interest.

Individuals interested in local history should consider attending the January 11 meeting. “If you put a museum together, it takes people to do it,” says Groman.

“I think Bluffton is a community that can make it happen,” he commented. A small group meeting took place in December and Groman has started a rough draft of bylaws in preparation for becoming a non-profit organization.

Photo: Allen County Museum and Historical Society on Facebook