The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission, the Wood County District Public Library, and the Wood County Museum are celebrating May as National Historic Preservation Month. This month honors the nation’s heritage through historic places.
Preservation is about protecting the sites and structures that represent meaningful history to the community and future generations. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will use this month to bring awareness to local buildings and the histories that have shaped them.
The HPC is working with several historic home and building owners to create the city’s 3rd Annual Historic Self-Guided Walking Tour. Access the map, building histories, and photos at https://buff.ly/3GYlB7n. You may start your self-guided tour from any point on the map, though beginning and ending in downtown Bowling Green is recommended. Each participating property will display a “History Lives Here” yard sign, including a QR code linking to the tour map and details about each building.
New this year is a scavenger hunt. Complete the questions using the 16 historical signs located around and near Downtown Bowling Green. You can participate using a paper copy or the online version at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/yq70cbs. Paper copies are available at: Planning Department at the City Administrative Services Building (305 N. Main St.) Wood County District Public Library (second floor information desk, 251 N. Main St.) Downtown Bowling Green (251 S. Church St.). Or download at https://www.bgohio.org/436/Historic-Preservation-Commission.
Submit your completed scavenger hunt by June 2 to any of the locations above or email it to planning@bgohio.org for four chances to win $25 in Downtown Dollars.
Local History Bike Tours with Bowling Green Pedal Company
Hear about Oil Boom Bowling Green, the people who built and lived in these homes, and buildings that are no longer standing. The HPC has partnered with the Bowling Green Pedal Company to offer local history tours on:
- Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m.
- Sunday, May 18, at 1:15 p.m.
- Saturday, June 14, at 11 a.m.
- Sunday, June 15, at 1:15 p.m.
The 90-minute tour costs $30 and will be led by HPC member Geoff Howes and Friend of the HPC, Dick Martin. Register at https://bgpedalcompany.com. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with tour details.
Ongoing Preservation Efforts
The HPC celebrates local historic buildings all year long, not just in May. If you’d like to nominate a building for recognition, submit your ideas at https://bit.ly/3vKjrSb. Established in 2019, the HPC helps preserve, promote, and educate the community about local history and historic buildings in Bowling Green. Learn more at www.bgohio.org/HPC.
PARTNER EVENTS
Wood County District Public Library (251 N. Main St.)
- Thursday, May 1, at 2 p.m. – WCDPL Presents: Introduction to Family History Research. Learn the basics of genealogy research and how to use the library’s family history tools. Held at the Walbridge Library Meeting Room.
- All May – Remember When: WCDPL Through the Years. Explore the library’s evolution through “Remember When” signs throughout the building.
- Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. – History of WCDPL Walking Tour. Starting at the Carter House, discover former library locations and the key figures behind their development. RSVP: https://wcdpl.libcal.com/event/13451004.
Online Historical Resources:
- NewsBank Sentinel-Tribune Collection – Local news archives
- Ohio Collection on Newspapers.com – Digital access to Sentinel-Tribune (1880–2021)
- Wood County Historical Newspapers – Digitized newspapers from across the county
More info: 419-352-5050 | woodref@wcdpl.org | wcdpl.org/LocalHistory
Wood County Museum (13660 County Home Road)
- Friday, May 2 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) – Free museum admission Friday. Includes a kid-friendly “make & take” craft. Presented by Visit BG Ohio, Perrysburg Chamber, and Rossford CVB.
Current Exhibits:
- For Comfort & Convenience: Public Charity in Ohio by Way of the Poor Farm
- For Service & Support: An Accessible Community
- Wood County: A Timeless Classic
- The Mary & Carl Bach Story
- Chasing the White Rabbit: A Historical Look at American Mental Health (Asylum)
- A Clean Bill of Health: Societal Response to Communicable Disease (Pest House)
(Regular admission: $7; free for members)
Early Ohio on the Portage (Living History Event) Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4
- Period reenactors (1750s–1860s), settlers, Native Americans, military portrayals
- Lady Brandeberry’s Ball on May 3
- Free admission | food trucks on site | free parking
Schedule:
- Friday, May 2: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Schools welcome)
- Saturday, May 3: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Ball 6 – 8 p.m.
- Sunday, May 4: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details: https://woodcountyhistory.org/event/early-ohio-on-the-portage2025/
Email: museum@woodcountyhistory.org | 419-352-0967
Saturday, May 3 (6 – 8 p.m.) – Lady Brandeberry’s Ball
Free Regency-era ball. No partner or dance experience required. Live music by Roots Cellar String Band. Optional dance lessons at 3 p.m. RSVP: https://woodcountyhistory.org/event/lady-brandeberrys-ball
Saturday, May 17 (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) – Safety Fair & Cruise-In
Hosted by the Wood County Museum and Safe Communities of Wood County. Featuring emergency vehicles, kid’s bounce houses, vendor tents, and food trucks including Roots Poultry, The Hot Dawg Hut, BD’s Lemonade King, and Porky’s Ice Cream. Includes a sensory-friendly room.
