Columbus Neighborhoods

Find out why and how people in Columbus preserve their history. We take a look at the history of the popular Antrim Park, a tour of downtown Columbus to look at the skyline and how it reflects Columbus’ past, as well as the city’s integration of modern architecture and talk with the Building Doctors, a local program that helps homeowners make informed decisions when renovating a historic home.

Step into the rural side of life with stories about how the modern-day tomato originated in Central Ohio; a community gathers annually around its tractors and steam threshers; and a local craftsman transforms old barns into new structures.

Take a look at some forgotten history stories in Columbus, including the history of Franklin Park and Ameriflora, the story of one of Columbus’ first Chinese restaurants and a remembrance of a neighborhood whose lots were first sold as “mini-farms.”

A visit to a few of Central Ohio’s cemeteries, including a tour of the Union Cemetery archives; a reflection on forgotten cemeteries; and a walk around a final resting place for pets

The stories of Columbus’ legendary ghosts and haunted places, including a spooky tale in the Walhalla ravine, an unlikely guest at the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and ghostly sitings around town.

A look back at some of Central Ohio’s military camps, including Camp Chase in the Hilltop which was a hotbed of activity during the Civil War; a military camp that staged in Upper Arlington before it was developed; Camp Sherman in Chillicothe and how it impacted the area; and the Defense Supply Center’s role in the military since WWI.

A visit to some interesting food places around Ohio, including a haven for cheese in Ashland; a tavern that serves an old-fashioned, fried bologna sandwich; and a walking tour with a local farmer who forages for food in the city.

A celebration of Columbus Neighborhoods’ 100th episode with a countdown to some of our most popular stories.

A visit to a few big estates, including a tour of the historic Bryn Du mansion near Granville; grand, historic homes on East Broad Street; and the Adena Mansion and Gardens in Chillicothe.

Somewhere There’s Music. Hear Ruby Elzy, a pioneering African American operatic singer with roots in Mississippi and Columbus; Jeff Darbee visits the Columbus Washboard Company; and TV meteorologist Ben Gelber preserves and presents Jewish and Yiddish music.

How the National Preservation Act of 1966 changed Columbus. Also, how the Ralston Steel Car Company affected an East Columbus neighborhood. And young preservationists explore an endangered building.

An update on a few past stories including a massive south High Street building that has found a second life, around the world with the Walk O’ Wonders and a Marble Cliff Mansion that has been rescued.

Getting around the Christopher Inn and how that space has changed over time. Also, how the Ohio History Connection documents the link between architect Frank Packard and President Warren G. Harding.

How Central Ohio has contributed to the advancement of aviation; including the history of John Glenn Columbus International Airport and the Ohio State University Airport. Also, a look back at the importance of Lockbourne Airforce Base during the Vietnam War.

Visit the American Whistle Factory in Worthington. Join the hunt for the legendary Bucyrus Bratwurst. And hit the bulls-eye with the Clintonville Yarn Bomber.

Visit the iconic former company town of Haydensville. Learn about the unique history of Rendville — and the artists who work there today. Also, one man’s Appalachia story, and Curious Cbus visits Circleville.

We’re highlighting some of our stories that “Celebrate Women in Central Ohio," including suffragist and abolitionist Frances Ellen Harper Watkins, architect Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector, the women behind LifeCare Alliance and a family of florists keeps a tradition alive.

Explore the history of Plain City, visit Marion Union Station with architectural historian Jeff Darbee, and owner Kamal Boulos tells about the unusual history of The Refectory restaurant.

The experts over at the Ohio History Connection share preservation techniques for collectibles including; Digital photos, Family heirlooms, and Wedding dresses.

See how locks at Groveport and Lockbourne have been preserved, and learn about the feeder canal that connected Columbus to distant markets. Also, architectural historian Jeff Darbee visits Roscoe Village, a restored 1800s canal town.

Explore the Columbus Jewish Historical Society’s collection of revealing images by commercial photographer Herb Topy. Plus, the discovery of glass negatives in a barn reveals the story of the Ambos Pleasure Farm near present-day Berwick. Also, the Champaign County Historical Museum.

See how a Tri-Village area festival evolved into the colorful Upper Arlington Fourth of July Parade. The Ohio History Connection explores music and more at the Ohio State Fair. And learn how Greg Daniel made his way onto the field as the first blind member of the Ohio State University Marching Band.

Food is a great way to connect with other cultures. WOSU reporter Adora Namigadde explores her own Ugandan roots, along with a visit to a couple of ethnic restaurants in Central Ohio to find out how they celebrate with food.

Thomas Bull sheltered escaped slaves in present-day Clintonville. And explore the Hanby House and Kelton House, stops on the Underground Railroad.

Learn about Columbus’s “Sellsville,” where a circus wintered. And meet “Diavolo”, a bicycle daredevil who thrilled thousands before accomplishing his greatest feat: becoming a noted artist.

What did it mean to be a “land-grant university” 150 years go — and what it means today? Ohio State’s known for traditions like dotting the “I.” Learn about traditions that didn’t survive. Also, fascinating University District items archived at the Ohio History Connection.