Welcome to the southeast ohio history center!

Explore. Engage. Experience.

We Preserve, Share, & Champion The Unique History & Culture of Southeast Ohio

Current Exhibit

The Southeast Ohio History Center has a rotating exhibit floor, so there is always something new to explore. We are dedicated to sharing the stories of the Southeast Ohio region, and we are excited to share our current exhibit with you.

Collage of natural and cultural sites in southeast Ohio.

Southeast Ohio A to Z

Southeast Ohio A to Z explores the unique attributes of our region through the letters of the alphabet! This two-part exhibit will be in the Great Hall starting in April 2023, with companion exhibits in the gallery.

Poster design featuring musicians and a stylized paint brush with the exhibit title and dates.

The Cartoon Art of Sandy Plunkett: A Brush, With History!

Sandy Plunkett is an Athens-based artist and comics writer. His career began in New York City drawing for DC and Marvel Comics. His trademark look can be seen across our region on countless posters, album covers, and political cartoons. We will be displaying Sandy’s original artwork with many companion materials through January, 2024.

Events & Programs

There is always something happening at the History Center! Explore our history with our expert guided tours, engage with our exhibits through our programming, or experience Southeast Ohio History at our family-friendly activities.

coming up next

Oct 14 2023

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Outdoor Walking Tour of the Historic Athens Asylum
Date: October 14, 2023

Oct 28 2023

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Outdoor Walking Tour of the Historic Athens Asylum
Date: October 28, 2023

Poster featuring a microphone and headphones and art from the 1927 movie poster for The Unknown

Nov 03 2023

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Dennis James Double Feature Dinner Theater

Southeast Ohio History Center

No event found!

Our Resources

We have many resources and services available at the Southeast Ohio History Center that help us to better share our history, assist educators, and help researchers.

Collections

The History Center makes available high-quality digital files for many artifacts in its collection. To secure permission for image use, please contact our Curator of Collections.

HAYES FAMILY GENEALOGY CENTER

If you are doing genealogy research that includes ancestors from Athens County, Ohio, we hope you find this site informative and helpful.

Research ASSISTANCE

Library volunteers conduct record searches for those who need help researching genealogy or local history at $15/hour.

LEVERING LIBRARY

Our Levering Library Catalog is a searchable database of the resources available at the Southeast Ohio History Center located at 24 West State Street in uptown Athens, Ohio.

EDUCATION

We love student groups at the Southeast Ohio History Center, and we love coming to visit, too! We have special history programming and materials for teachers available.

STATE & LOCAL HISTORY REFERENCES

We are lucky to live in a region so passionate about its history. We have compiled a few helpful links that will take you to other local history museums and online resources.

How You Can Support the Southeast Ohio History Center

DONATE

Become A Member

Join the 365 Society

Volunteer

Don't Miss History!

Join the 365 Society

Get VIP Access to the Southeast Ohio History Center! Society Perks Include: free general admission to the Southeast Ohio History Center for up to six members, six one-time guest passes, 20% off all Museum Store purchases, members-only tours, trips, programs and previews, 10% off event venue rentals, and more!

Hosting an Event? We Can Help!

Gallery floor with Art & Artifacts Exhibit 2022. Photo Credit Josh Zielinksi

A view of the Southeast Ohio History Center's Great Hall from the floor looking up to the organ an balcony.

The Great Hall Exhibit Floor cleared for Event. Photo Credit Josh Zielinksi

A set with red Singapore-themed set pieces is on the stage with round tables and chairs in a cabaret set up. Photo Credit Josh Zielinski

A tech crew sets up their light rigs on the balcony of the Great Hall in the Southeast Ohio History Center. Photo Credit Josh Zielinski.

The Southeast Ohio History Center's Great Hall and Gallery, an historic building with hanging lights, wood floors, and original architectural elements. Photo Credit | Josh Zielinski

Event Venues

Our beautifully preserved building is the perfect choice of venue for any occasion! Whether you are looking for a room to hold your next meeting or a venue to host a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, program, or performance we have a space that will meet your needs!

Learn More

Army marches in formation down street in illustration

Squirrel Invasion

Invading Hordes of Squirrels? If it happened, it hasn’t happened recently. Nonetheless, many local county histories recall stories of hordes of squirrels swarming over farmland

The Hocking Valley Canal

The Hocking Valley Canal supported economic activity in small towns of the valley between Athens and Lancaster, Ohio.

Tom Talks

Tom O’Grady is the Southeast Ohio History Center’s Director of Outreach and Director Emeritus. Tom is a walking archive of our regional history and the articles allow him to share that knowledge with all of us!