Columbus Neighborhoods

From the wrecking ball to new food centers, the premiere of WOSU’s weekly Columbus Neighborhoods series takes a look at how preservation has evolved from emergency activism to thoughtful collaboration. We look at the National Historic Preservation Act, the lasting legacy of Columbus' Union Station, Poindexter Village and the Reeb Center on Columbus' South Side.

Learn how the character of Columbus was greatly influenced by the Civil War – from how Union soldiers treated their captives at Camp Chase, to modern day re-enactors who work to preserve Civil War battle sites across the country.

Join us for a celebration of gathering places — from a famous golf course to the rise of a new craft brewery in Westerville's historic Temperance Row — plus a look at the beverage that brings us together: beer.

Sweet treats, ghost stories and Halloween traditions in Columbus. From trick or treating on Bryden Road to decorating shop windows on Grandview Avenue, Columbus residents share their community traditions. What would Halloween be without ghost stories? We'll unearth ghosts in Clintonville's Walhanna neighborhood, the North Market, and more.

Many know Ohio played a key role in aviation history—Dayton was the home of the Wright brothers, after all. But did you know Central Ohio specifically has its own robust aviation heritage? On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll introduce you to the man behind Port Columbus, local aviation landmarks, Columbus' role in World War II and more.

We honor local veterans through their stories and experiences. Learn about Camp Willis, a training camp for troops on the land where Upper Arlington was later established. See the story of Frank Higgs, the inspiration for a character in local comic strip "Terry and the Pirates." Hear about the student veteran experience, and watch as local veterans see the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

We explore Central Ohio's ancient history, starting with the Adena culture and the earthworks and artifacts they left behind. Local historian Ed Lentz explains how Mound Street got its name. Plus, Doreen Uhas Sauer, with the help of the Ohio History Connection and the current tenants, investigate the mystery of the Zenus Jackson House.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, discover how the food industry has helped shape Columbus. We'll explore the history of Big Bear grocery stores, as well as manufacturer Worthington Foods. Then we visit Bottoms Up Coffee Co-op in Franklinton to learn about the coffee shop's social initiative to decrease local infant mortality rates. Plus, we'll find out why Columbus is test market.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at the past and present development of downtown Columbus. We sat down with Amy Taylor of Columbus Downtown Development Corporation to discuss recent changes and what's next for the neighborhood. Then we visit the LeVeque Tower to learn about the renovation of Columbus' first skyscraper and more.

On this episode, we take a look at the great stories behind a few local, small businesses: the oldest Harley Davidson dealership in the country, King-Lincoln District businesses, a bakery and piano cafe, a farm started by a 7-year-old and a bike shop with a social mission.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, local historian Doreen Uhas Sauer investigates the Little Oklahoma neighborhood on Columbus' south side, the Columbus Metropolitan Library shows us how to do genealogy research and explores its African-American digital collection, and Ohio History Connections talks the do's and don'ts of archiving historic photos.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at education in Columbus, past and present. Local historian Jeff Darbee takes us on a tour of historic schools, and we visit a community event to learn about preventing infant mortality. Plus, learn about a mentoring program for African-American youth, the history of Ohio Dominican University and Ohio History Connection's Ohio Village.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll take a look at public institutions that have shaped Columbus, including the Ohio Penitentiary, the Ohio School for the Deaf and the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll explore the migration of different cultures to Columbus, from the late 19th century through the 1970s.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we’ll take a look at some of the truly unique Columbus neighborhoods, including Baby Farms and a small community struggling to find its identity. Plus, meet Bhim Bastola, a Nepalese-Bhutanese refugee who is a grocery-store owner and community activist.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll take a look at some of the early forms of entertainment in Columbus. Learn about the history of the Sells Brothers Circus, take a tour of the Circus House and find out about an amusement park that used to call Clintonville home.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we’ll take a look at different forms of activism in Columbus. Learn how your neighbors are providing clothing for children in need, preserving historic architecture, combating human trafficking and mentoring the next generation.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll take a look at the evolution of neighborhoods in Columbus over the years. Explore a new immigrant community on the west side, two very different sides of Parsons Avenue and a small, 60-home neighborhood on the South Side. Plus, a local historian explains gentrification.

Explore the evolution of rail and public transit in Central Ohio, from Columbus' railroad and streetcar history to the future of public transportation in the city.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at the migration of people moving East in Central Ohio. We'll tour the Franklin Park neighborhood and Franklin Park Conservatory, remember Ameriflora '92, meet the mayor of Whitehall and learn the history of Buckeye Lake.

On this episode, we'll take a look at different local hangouts in Central Ohio, past and present. Learn the history of a beloved soda fountain, a flower competition, high school fraternities and sororities and more. Plus, peek inside the newly renovated historic Griswold Building, which houses the YWCA, and a Lustron home at Ohio History Connection.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we'll take a look at how different cultures have influenced Central Ohio. Discover the history of Italian immigrants, meet the owner of an Indian restaurant, learn how to respectfully converse with and engage Muslim-Americans, meet a self-taught Latino Web reporter and explore ethnic cuisines in Columbus.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at the history and development of Dublin, Ohio. From a one-stoplight, drive-through town to the thriving, Irish-inspired community of today, learn how Dublin is shaped by the stories of its past and the development of its future.

On this episode of Columbus Neighborhoods, we take a look at how Columbus keeps history alive and relevant. Go behind the scenes at Ohio Village, learn what it takes to be a historical re-enactor, see the city's architecture through historic photos and more.