The Society's History
The Delhi Historical Society was founded in 1976 to promote, interpret and preserve the heritage of Delhi Township, Ohio, in suburban Cincinnati. Since then, the society has kindled interest in Delhi's history through programs, forums, historical vignettes, annual Pioneer Days and the publication of two books. After a decade of existence, the society began an intensive search for a permanent home. It was able to secure temporary office space at the College of Mount St. Joseph in the late 1980s.
In 1990, Delhi developers Mike McCafferty and Joe Strotman donated to the Delhi Historical Society the Joe Witterstaetter Homestead at 468 Anderson Ferry Road. A successful fund drive and generous donations of goods and services provided the means to turn this 1870s home into the Delhi Historical Society Museum and Headquarters, known as The Farmhouse. In 1993, the society set up the Delhi Historical Society Museum Endowment Fund to ensure that the house will be maintained for many years to come.
Membership is open to anyone interested in Delhi history. The Delhi Historical Society exists as a steward of local history for the citizens of the township and surrounding area.
Programs
The Delhi Historical Society offers a variety of programs at its regular meetings. The meetings, which are open to the public, are held at the Delhi Park Lodge on the second Monday of the month, excluding July, August and December. In addition, the society offers seminars and workshops on specialized topics at its headquarters at 468 Anderson Ferry Road.
Museum
Changing exhibits offer visitors to the Delhi Historical Society Farmhouse the opportunity to view many aspects of Delhi history. Displays in the three exhibit rooms change yearly to reflect special events, Delhi and American culture of the 19th and early 20th century, and topics of historical interest. In addition, a permanent display highlighting the greenhouse industry and farming is located in an operating greenhouse on the property. Hours are 12-3 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Library/Archives
The Delhi Historical Society operates a regional history resource center containing information on Delhi, Western Hills, Green Township, Sayler Park and Price Hill. The extensive family history files containing more than 15,000 entries, along with scores of individual Delhi family history collections. The archives also hold census data from most decades from 1820 to 1920, a complete collection of Township, The Newspaper of Delhi, and hundreds of deeds, wills and other documents and books of interest about Delhi and the Western Hills area. Researchers also have access to online resources and the library also offers wireless connection to the internet. The library is open during regular hours and by appointment.
468 Anderson Ferry Road - Cincinnati, OH 45238 - 513.451.4313