MEDIA RELEASE__On September 12 (hours TBA), the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society is offering members and the public an open house to see buildings acquired for the new BOHS museum. Occupied by Stratton Auto Sales for several years, the service station was originally built in 1967 as a Sohio (Standard Oil Ohio) gas and service station, while the adjacent building was built in 1974 for a Lawson’s Dairy Store.

Light refreshments will be available. Come with questions about the conversion buildings previously owned by Gary and Becky Kirtland into a local museum. Come see the original Allen County Jail Cell which housed John Dillinger in 1933 after his gang robbed Bluffton’s Citizens National Bank.

A 3-year capital campaign was recently launched to support the purchase and conversion of these buildings into a museum, providing exhibits that showcase Bluffton and the surrounding community. This campaign focuses on preserving Bluffton’s history, engaging our youth and inspiring our future. BOHS educates, preserves artifacts and celebrates our past while looking to the future. Your input is greatly appreciated and will help finalize plans for this museum.

Ohio Open Doors is state-wide event that takes place every other year. During Ohio Open Doors, stewards of historic buildings, places and spaces, open their doors to the public for special tours and programs.

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Ohio Open Doors is sponsored by the Ohio History Connection and partner organizations, including America 250-Ohio, Heritage Ohio, Ohio Local History Alliance, Ohio Museums Association, Ohio Travel Association, and TourismOhio.