Say Hello to Sidney's Spooks!

Can you hear the wind begin to moan and the shutters creak on the old homes along Walnut Avenue as fall arrives and the Halloween season approaches? We can, and we want to share it with you.

Come join us for the third annual Ghost Tour of Sidney on October 20 and 21, beginning at 7 p.m. Did you ever wonder about the real history of Bonnyconnellan Castle and the old hotel next to it? How about the triumphs and tragedies of the members of the Wagner family who lived in the Victorian mansions up on the hill? When Cephas Carey moved into the neighborhood, he brought with him the haunted memories of Indian massacres too horrible to recount. Was that really a ghost in the window of the home of Sidney’s most famous businessman?

We understand that some of the more interesting characters from our past may be out that night to surprise you. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Come and learn, but most importantly, be prepared to be scared. Our supply of tickets is limited, so call us now. Tickets are on sale now for $10/adult and $5/child. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance!

Tatting Classes to be Held

Historical Society members and the general public are invited to participate in a tatting class held at the Ross Historical Center. Bill Stem, a Sidney native, will lead classes where you will learn to tat. Bill has been tatting since 1973 and has taught tatting classes since the 1990s.
Tatting dates back to the early 19th century and is a form of durable, handcrafted lace formed by a pattern of rings and chains. Tatting can be done using shuttles or needles. Tatting became very popular in the beginning of the 20th century when lace collars and cuffs were popular for ladies’ dress items. Magazines of the day were often filled with tatting patterns.
The month-long tatting class will be held on October 5, 12, 19, 26, and November 2, and 9 at 7 p.m. Each class will last one hour. There is a $20 charge for taking part in the classes plus the cost of a tatting kit. We must know how many kits to order, so please call and reserve your spot in the class ahead of time. We hope you will take advantage of this learning experience and join us at the Ross Historical Center!

Vietnam Comes to the Ross Historical Center

On September 1, the Shelby County Historical Society's exhibit APO Shelby: A Vietnam Experience opened at the Ross Historical Center. Since then over 500 people have been through to see the exhibit. The exhibit tells the story of Shelby County's men and women who served their country during the Vietnam War. Using the stories and memories of local men, we created an exhibit to show the different facets of Vietnam.

Visitors can step into a Tactical Operations Tent and see radio equipment used in Vietnam. With the sounds of a helicopter over head, walk into the Vietnam jungle, view footage taken overseas, and look at a soldier in his fighting hole. Displays on the Viet Cong, American POWs, nurses, chaplains, and the men killed in action also fill the house.



If you haven't stopped in to the Ross Historical Center to view the exhibit yet, we hope to see you there! The museum is open Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m.-Noon. Please stop in and remember the sacrifice of those who bravely served their country. APO Shelby: A Vietnam Experience will be open until October 15.

Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall

Following are some photographs of the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall ( by AVTT) that arrived in Sidney on September 1 and left on September 6. The Wall is a scaled replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. and has the names of the men and women killed during the Vietnam War. The Wall also travels with displays on other conflicts in which Americans have been involved, 9-11, and a memorial wall to those killed in the global War on Terror.

Healing Field pictures

The Healing Field of Flags was in Sidney from September 1-12 at Custenborder Field. 1200 flags, each representing a hero, were flown day and night in appreciation for those who give so much to our community and our nation. Thousands of visitors stopped by every day to view the flags and read the names attached to each one. Here are a few pictures of the event.







Shelby County truly came together to show our gratitude to our heroes.

Vietnam Wall Escort

Here are some photos taken during the Wall Escort on September 1. Over 2000 motorcycles escorted the Wall into Sidney from Wapakoneta, Ohio. The wall traveled down 25A and was greeted by thousands of people waving flags, clapping, and welcoming the veterans and the Wall to town. The Wall was in Sidney until Monday, September 6.

Trivia post!

The Shelby County Courthouse is the focal point of the historic court square district of downtown Sidney. This French Second Empire style building cost $200,000 when it was built. It features marble, sandstone, and limestone brought into Sidney by canal boat.



What year was this court house constructed? And how many court houses were on the square before this one was built?

The first person to comment here on the blog or to send an email to the society with the correct answer will win a free SPOT poster!

Twilight Tour of Graceland Cemetery

On June 17 at 7 p.m. our popular Twilight Tour of Graceland Cemetery will return.

Society President Rich Wallace and board secretary Linda DeVelvis will lead tour participants to the final resting places of some of Sidney’s most prominent or infamous citizens. Their lives and contributions will be discussed, as will the interesting gravestones along the way.

Last year we discussed the lives of Civil War veterans, an inventor, immigrants, a gold rush 49-er, and the symbolism of a tree tombstone. What will be discussed this year? What new histories of Shelby County will you learn? Join us to find out!

The tour is free and open to the public, although donations are appreciated. Hours of research and staff hours go into preparing a program of this size. Graceland Cemetery is located off of 25-A heading south out of downtown Sidney. We hope to see you there!

Sidney Civil War Day

Students Learn How to Fire a Cannon

On May 7, the SCHS sponsored its annual Civil War Educational Day at the Shelby County fairgrounds. Over 750 eighth grade students from across the county attended. The annual program ties directly in with state curriculum guidelines.

Anthony Gibbs talks as runaway slave John Parker

Throughout the day, the students visited various stations where they learned about different aspects of the American Civil War. Presenters included Anthony Gibbs (a runaway slave), General Ulysses Grant, and Sojourner Truth. The multiple causes of the war were debated by Doug Benson and Ken Sowards, representing Northern and Southern opinion, respectively. Students also visited the Civil War encampment of the Ohio Valley Civil War Association where they learned about the infantry, the artillery, and the role of women during the Civil War through first-person presentations. A bit of fun and games was had when students learned how to play cricket, a popular pastime with soldiers during the Civil War. The Civil War educational day continues the mission of the Shelby County Historical Society to educate and preserve our colorful local and national history

Men of the Ohio Valley Civil War Association teach about soldiers and weaponry during the Civil War

Preservation Specialist to Speak

On May 18th at 7 p.m., preservationist Elli Bambakidis will present a program at the Ross Historical Center entitled “Preserving Your Family’s Collectibles.” Ms. Bambakidis operates the Fairborn business EMB Preservation Consultants and specializes in preserving textiles, documents and photographs.

Ms. Bambakidis will address what makes an item collectible and worth preserving. She will then share some of her preservation expertise to assist those in attendance with preserving their family memories and heirlooms. She will also cover the causes of deterioration and how to recognize deterioration in your own collections.

This program promises to be very informative and an excellent way to learn about preserving your family memories. Please be sure to join us for this free program!

Last Chance for Walking Tour tickets!

Sidney was named an All-America city in 1964

If you haven't bought your tickets yet for our downtown walking tour, do so now! On Wednesday, April 7, the Shelby County Historical Society will Step Back in Time for a tour of downtown Sidney in the 1960s. Come learn where all the cool hangout spots were, marvel at all the things there were to do downtown, share memories and make some new ones! Downtown Sidney was a popular and flourishing place in the 1960s. Come discover why!

Tickets are still on sale now. They cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Get yours now before the 1960s passes by again!

Walking Tour of Downtown Sidney in the 1960s

If you haven’t already purchased your tickets for our downtown walking tour, do so now! On April 7th beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Shelby County Historical Society will be holding a Walking Tour of Downtown Sidney in the 1960s.

Do you remember where the cool hangout spots were in the 1960s? Maybe you recall where you used to eat lunch or buy your clothes for school. Or perhaps you have always heard about the thriving downtown area in Sidney during this time and would like to know more. Join us for a tour to bring back wonderful memories, or to learn something new!

Our tour guides will lead you around the court square as they share stories from the 1960s, point out important places, and discuss how the store fronts may have changed.

Four tours will be held on the evening of April 7th, leaving within 15 minutes of each other. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are on sale now for the price of $10 for an adult and $5 for a child. Each tour participant will receive a map of downtown businesses circa 1965.

Please join us for an evening of fun memories in the historic court square district! Please call the office at 498-1653 with any questions.

SCHS to Bring Healing Field to Shelby County

The Shelby County Historical Society is pleased to announce that they will be bringing the Healing Field to Shelby County. The Healing Field is a unique way of honoring our heroes by displaying hundreds of 3’x5’ flags in a large outdoor space. The Healing Field allows family and friends to honor heroes who have served or are currently serving in the military, as well as firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and first responders.

The Shelby County Healing Field will be held at Custenborder Field from September 7 through September 19, 2010, coinciding with the opening of the Vietnam War exhibit at the Ross Historical Center. Individuals or businesses may purchase a flag for $30 in honor of their hero. The flag will be labeled with the hero’s name and the sponsor’s name and displayed at Custenborder Field, where it will receive proper flag etiquette at all times.

Proceeds from the sale of flags will be used to offset the cost of bringing the Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial to Sidney from September 15-20. Sponsors are needed to help cover the cost of bringing the Healing Field the Vietnam Traveling Wall to Sidney. Sponsorship levels are as follows: Freedom ($50-$99), Valor ($100-$249), Bronze Star ($250-$499), Silver Star ($500-$999), Distinguished Medal of Honor ($1000-$5000). As a sponsor of the Healing Field, your organization will receive ample publicity and recognition not only on a local level, but also on a national level through the Colonial Foundation and Associated Press. Please contact the RHC for information on the benefits of each sponsorship level.

Flags and sponsorships may be ordered now by visiting or calling the Ross Historical Center. You will not want to miss this wonderful to honor your hero! The Healing Field is an impressive sight and a touching memorial to those who served our country and community.

Winter Storm

This week, another winter storm passed through Shelby County. We received nearly 18 inches of snow between Saturday and Wednesday morning! Although the snow slowed down business at the Shelby County Historical Society, we were able to venture outside and take a few pictures of the snow's aftermath.


Ice hangs thick on the tree outside our dining room window.


Icicles of historic proportions hang from our gutters!


No "Do Not Enter" sign is needed on our basement steps now! No one would dare venture down these snow-covered steps.


Our wheel chair ramp was clogged with a foot and a half of snow!

Our sidewalks and porch have been cleaned off by a neighborhood "snow angel" and business resumes as normal for the Shelby County Historical Society. Next week, the school groups who had to cancel due to snow will visit the Ross Historical for our annual Coming to America immigration program.

Programs for 2010

Shelby County Historical Society
Programs for 2010


February 1st-15th ~ Immigration Exhibit. Come learn about the important cultures that have influenced Shelby County history

April 7th, 6:30 p.m. ~ Walking Tour of Downtown Sidney in the 1960s!
Step back in time with us as we re-create downtown Sidney in the 1960s. Surprises in store for you!*

April 30th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. ~Gateway Arts Council Spring Fling Gala *

May 1st-15th ~ Gateway Arts Council Spring Fling Art Show

June 17th, 7 p.m. ~ Twilight Tour of Graceland Cemetery. Join us for another popular cemetery tour. You will learn about the fascinating historical characters in our history.

June 26th, 5 p.m.-? ~ 1960s vintage car show and block party! Bring your go-go boots and dance the evening away to 1960s music at the RHC! Take a break to check out the vintage cars parked nearby!*

August 26th, 7 p.m. ~ Football Highlights of the 1960s. Hear Dave Ross speak on the important football happenings of the 1960s… the glory days of SHS football! Location TBA.

September 9th, 7 p.m. ~ Reliving the Vietnam War : Tales of Courage and Sacrifice. Vietnam veterans from our community will share their stories.

September 11th ~ Opening of the Vietnam War Exhibit. What was it like to serve in the rice paddies of Vietnam? Learn about Sidney’s heroes of the Vietnam War.

October 20 & 21st, 7 p.m. ~ Downtown Ghost Tour of Sidney. Our spooky tour continues for a third year of eerie stories and haunted buildings! New places and new characters this year!*

November 18th, 6:30 p.m. ~ Home for the Holidays Christmas dinner at the Ross Center*

December 4th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m ~ Christmas of Yesteryear Open House. Enjoy the beauty of the Ross Center decorated for the holiday season. Children are able to make several crafts for free.

*= Denotes ticket is required

Winter Weather

Last week, Shelby County was hit with a snow storm. Over the course of two days, nearly five inches of snow fell on the county. The Shelby County Historical Society remained open for business despite the snow covered roads and chilling temperatures. Although the snow makes problems for motorists, it certainly makes the Ross Historical Center look beautiful.
Despite our best efforts at shoveling, our porch and sidewalks remained snow covered. The snow was falling too quickly for us to be able to keep up by shoveling and salting!
Our outdoor Christmas decorations are still up thanks to the weather making it difficult to get outside and take them down. The red and green colors certainly looks beautiful covered in the snow, though!






The Historical Society is currently working on setting up their Immigration Exhibit which will be toured by hundreds of area school children. Be sure to stop in during February to have a look!