The Kelton House Museum comes to life in 19th Century Victorian era. This is the only restored Columbus Ohio museum open to the public. In 1975 Grace Kelton died, she left the property to the Columbus Foundation with the stipulation that it be preserved and used for educational purposes.
After renovations and restorations to the house and garden by the Junior League of Columbus, the museum offers ongoing tours, special events, education, and more.
Originally owned by Sophia and Fernando Cortez Kelton, this museum brings to life the period that covered the Civil War and the Underground Railroad.
Dressed in reproductions costumes, the tour guides will educate you with stories from the Kelton family life. A 19th century scrapbook by Anna Kelton goes into detail with news clippings and letters describing Civil War military engagements, society page articles, and other information during her time of life.
Some of the other things you’ll see are:
- Grandfather clock built by Daniel Burnap, student of Thomas Harland, c. 1790
- Lyre card table, attributed to Duncan Phyfe
- Brass Gaseliers, manufactured by the Cornelius and Baker Company, 1851-1861
- Paper-maché with inlaid mother-of-pearl chess table, c. 1825-1860
- Belter-style chair, Rococo Revival style, c. 1850
- Staffordshire china cottages, c. 1800-1850
You will feel as though you stepped back into the 1800′s as you enjoy a tour of this beautiful museum.
The Kelton House Museum Shop
Located on the second floor of Kelton House, you’ll find special items reflecting the elegance and whimsy of Victorian sensibilities, making wonderful holiday gifts, wedding and anniversary gifts, and gifts for any occasion.
The collection includes stationery, notecards, books, fine china, holiday decorations, reproduction picture frames, hair ornaments, reproduction wedding cards and paper dolls.
The Kelton House Garden
The Kelton House garden you enjoy today has been restored to Grace Kelton’s essential design. This beautiful setting makes it perfect for weddings.
Business Hours
Monday – Friday, 10:00AM – 5:00PM, by appointment only
Museum Hours
Sundays, 1:00-4:00PM
Tours can be arranged at other times by scheduling in advance.
Group tours can be arranged. To schedule a tour, please call the Kelton House Special Events Coordinator Chuck Miller, (614) 464-2022.
Directions to Museum and Museum Parking
From North of Columbus:
Take I-71 south into Columbus. Exit at Broad Street and turn left (east). Immediately turn right onto Parsons Avenue. Take Parsons Ave. south to Town Street and turn right. Museum is in the first block, on the right (586 E. Town Street).
If you wish to park in the Museum parking lot, turn right on Lester Drive immediately after turning onto Town Street, then turn left at Franklin Avenue. Parking lot is on the right side – look for the brick wall. The sign says “Junior League and Kelton House Parking.”
From Other Areas:
Take I-70 to I-71 north. Exit at Broad Street and turn right. Turn right onto Parsons Avenue. Go to the second light and turn right at Town Street. Follow directions above.
Note: Town Street becomes Bryden Road east of Parsons Avenue.
Parking
Kelton House visitors are welcome to use on-street parking or the brick-walled Junior League parking lot one block northeast of the Kelton House on Franklin Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Lester Street.
For more information, please visit their website.
About Ann Gobel
