By Scott Little
Bluffton Ohio Historical Society Secretary

The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society (BOHS) held it’s very first–and very informal–meeting on December 7, 2022. Now approaching the society’s third anniversary, there have been many accomplishments. A name was selected, bylaws were drafted, edited and accepted.  Officers have been elected and the society has received nonprofit status.  

In August of 2024, the second Bluffton History Day was held and a scene was recreated from 1898, when firefighters tested Bluffton’s first water system.

When lifelong resident Fred Steiner moved away from Bluffton, he gifted his website, www.BlufftonForever.com to BOHS. The website’s goal and BOHS’s goal has always been to preserve Bluffton history. This gift was generous and one that the Society will develop and support indefinitely.

In early 2025, the Village of Bluffton turned over management of the 1899 Depot in Buckeye Park to the historical society. Since the Depot was moved to this location in 1986, it had been managed by the Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club. Additional tenants of the Depot include the Bluffton American Legion Post 382 and the Bluffton Boy Scouts.  

The building continues to be a rental facility for small to medium gatherings, such as family parties and reunions, business meetings, retirement parties, etc.

Bluffton’s railroad history was the theme of the August, 2025 edition of Bluffton History Day and it was only fitting that the event occurred in the newly acquired 1899 Depot. It was a warm day, but those gathered enjoyed hearing, seeing and reenacting railroad-related activities.  

Additionally, the BOHS has held quarterly events including Show and Tell and guest speakers.  In May of 2025, Fred Steiner presented a program on Swiss Family Migration at Bluffton Public Library, which was very educational and well attended.

Since the inception of the BOHS, local artifacts and relics have been donated by individuals near and far. When you stroll through downtown Bluffton, you can view local artifacts on display in many storefronts.  

Most notably, components of the John Dillinger jail cell out of the former Allen County Jail in Lima are now on permanent loan to the society.

All of these items need a home. BOHS has recently formed a capital campaign committee to begin fundraising for a place to display and store local artifacts which tell the history of our community.  

To connect with the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society, a 501( c ) nonprofit, 

• Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at the 1899 Depot, 405 N. Spring Street at 7:00 p.m.
• Become a member of the society. Information and online application are HERE.
• Email [email protected]
• Follow us on Facebook.
• Check in at www.BlufftonForever.com
• A BOHS phone number is coming soon