From CITY OF BOWLING GREEN
The Historic Preservation Commission, the Wood County District Public Library, and the Wood County Museum are excited to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month in May. 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 of Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) uses this month as an opportunity to bring awareness to local buildings and the histories that have shaped them.
City of Bowling Green to celebrate
The HPC is proud to have worked with several historic home and building owners to create the city’s fourth annual historic self-guided walking tour – History Lives Here. People can access the map, building histories, and photos online.
Participants can start their self-guided tours 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.
The HPC has also created a scavenger hunt for all ages. Community members can complete the questions using the 16 historical signs located around and near downtown Bowling Green. People can participate using a paper copy or the online version.
Paper copies are available at:
- The Planning Department on the first floor of the City Administrative Services Building, 305 N. Main St.
- Wood County District Public Library at the second floor information desk, 251 N. Main St.
- Downtown Bowling Green, 217 S. Church St.
- Download from the city’s website
Participants that submit their completed scavenger hunts by June 1 to any of the locations above or email to the Planning Department will be entered for four chances to win $25 in Downtown Dollars.
Local history bike tours with Bowling Green Pedal Company
Those interested can hear about Oil Boom Bowling Green, the people who built and lived in Boom Town homes, and buildings that are no longer standing during this local history tour. The HPC has partnered with Bowling Green Pedal Company to offer tours on the following dates:
- Saturday, May 9 at 1:15 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, May 24 at 1:15 p.m.
- Sunday, June 7 at 1:15 p.m.
The 90-minute tour will cost $30 per person and will be led by HPC member Geoff Howes and friend of the HPC Dick Martin. New routes in 2026 include East Wooster Street and South College Drive, featuring former BGSU presidents’ residences, the windmill on East Clough Street, stone apartments, and the historic quarry, and North and South Main Street walking segment featuring opera houses, Hankey Block, Froney’s, Milikin, EasyStreet, Union Block, Lehman’s, and Four Corners.
Participants can enjoy a unique way to learn local history, explore hidden gems, and hear stories that aren’t in books. To register, visit the BG Pedal Company website. After registering, attendees will receive a confirmation email with tour details.
Ongoing preservation efforts
The HPC celebrates local historic buildings all year long, not only in May. If anyone would like to nominate a building for recognition, they are encouraged to submit their ideas to the HPC.
Established in 2019, the HPC helps preserve, promote, and educate the community about local history and historic buildings in Bowling Green.
Partner events
From May 1 – 31, the Wood County District Public Library will host a house history hunt. People can learn more about their house or another property in the area. Participation forms can be picked up at the second floor information desk during this time. The forms will provide a guide through some of the basics of researching a property history.
The Wood County Museum will be hosting events throughout the entire month of May, including free first Friday, a reenactment event featuring ‘Early Ohio on the Portage’ and Lady Brandeberry’s Ball, and various lectures.
From May 1 to Sept. 1, people can play America250 book bingo for free. They can explore the themes of America250 with the Wood County Museum and local libraries. Players can pick up a bingo card at the Wood County Museum, on its website, or in the Wood County District Public Library’s CONNECT magazine. Participants can cross off squares as they achieve them, get a bingo, and win a prize. Prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants and museum swag. All returned cards will also be entered for a chance to win a premium Wood County Museum membership, a $150 value.
For more information, contact the Wood County Museum at 419-352-0967 or museum@woodcountyhistory.org or visit https://woodcountyhistory.org/.
