Hilliard's original train depot opens its freight doors to the public Sept. 13 for free tours as part of Ohio Open Doors.
The depot at the Historical Village in Weaver Park, 4162 Columbia St., will host visitors from 1 to 5 p.m. A station master in character will lead tours of the 127-year-old building, which still holds its original telegraph key and crank telephone. Visitors can try their hand at Morse code and blow the station whistle, according to the Ohio History Connection's event listing.
The Hilliard Ohio Historical Society's website lists special kids' activities at the station during the event.
Built around 1890 on Center Street, the depot replaced a temporary station made of three boxcars that had served the Columbus, Piqua Indiana Railroad line since about 1895. The station handled freight, mail and passenger traffic for decades. Paul VanCulin served as station master for many years until declining rail traffic made the stop unprofitable, according to a 2021 ThisWeek Hilliard article. Passenger service ended in 1944, and freight service stopped in 1962.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Company donated the building to the Historical Society, which moved it to Weaver Park in 1969. The depot became part of what is now the Historical Village, a collection of eight authentic buildings from the 1800s including a one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, church and caboose.
The depot has only freight doors, no standard entrance. The Ohio History Connection listing notes three stairs lead into the station, with ADA-accessible parking behind the nearby schoolhouse. Enter through the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
Ohio Open Doors is a statewide program the Ohio History Connection launched in 2016. It runs every other year, opening historic buildings for free public tours. The 2026 edition aims to host more than 250 events statewide, timed to the nation's 250th anniversary. Columbus Navigator lists 18 free historic building tours across Columbus and Franklin County through Sept. 20.
HOHS President Dawn Steele has called for volunteers to help staff the village during busy event weekends, according to the society's July 2026 newsletter. The society, incorporated in 1966, relies on volunteers to keep its buildings open.
Admission is free. For questions, call (614) 314-7515.
Upcoming at the Historical Village:
- Saturday, Sept. 19: Walking Tour of Old Hilliard, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 26: Heritage Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring demonstrations, artisans, Civil War reenactors, music and food.
