Hilliard's Historical Village opens its gates Saturday, Sept. 26, for Heritage Day, a free all-day celebration tying local history to America's 250th birthday.
The Hilliard Ohio Historical Society hosts the annual event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Weaver Park at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia Road. Admission and parking are free.
Period-costumed docents will guide visitors through the village's collection of 1800s-era buildings, including a log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, church, train station, barn and granary, according to the Hilliard Beacon. All were originally built in the 19th century and later moved to Weaver Park.
The Ohio Village Muffins take the field at 10:30 a.m. for an exhibition baseball game. The vintage team, organized in 1981 by the Ohio History Connection, plays by 1860 rules, with underhanded pitching, no gloves and a tally bell to announce runs. Their umpire wears coattails.
Cannon firings, live music, butter-churning demonstrations and live impersonators round out the schedule. Past Heritage Days have featured an Abraham Lincoln impersonator. Vintage goods and refreshments are available for purchase.
The society, incorporated in 1966, is marking its 60th anniversary in 2026 alongside the national Semiquincentennial, according to its July newsletter. HOHS President Dawn Steele called for volunteers to staff the village during events this year.
Volunteer coordinator Megan Martin, who frequently leads tours in period costume, described the mission behind the village in the society's April 2023 newsletter: "I like to teach people about the past so they can appreciate the future and what they have."
Residents who want to volunteer can contact Martin at [email protected] or text 614-565-3210.
Coming up at the Historical Village:
- Columbus Coffee Festival: Saturday and Saturday, Oct. 3–4
- Haunted Village: Friday and Friday, Oct. 16–17, 6–9 p.m.
