PO box 14 Batavia Ohio 45103

Welcome to the Clermont County Historical Society

Explore our dedicated commitment to the preservation of Clermont County's history through our artifacts, records, and exhibits.

We are currently working behind the scenes, digitizing collections and creating a brand new website experience
Join
Learn More
Coming soon Interactive Exhibits

Engage with history through hands-on displays and interactive technologies that bring the past to life.

Community Engagement

Connect with others who share your passion for history through our events and programs designed for all ages. 

Historical Preservation Efforts

Join us in our effort to protect and preserve important historical artifacts and records.

Learn More About Us

Our Past, Present, and Future

A glimpse into the history we've preserved and the community we've built togeather.

To preserve, protect and promote the historical heritage of Clermont County, Ohio for the betterment, enlightenment and well-being of its citizens by:

grant-001


  • Actively collecting and preserving historical records, documents, photographs and artifacts and making them available to the public.
  • Disseminating information through interpretive exhibits, presentations, and publications to schools, civic organizations, local government, and the public.
  • Encouraging the preservation of buildings, monuments, and sites of historical value.
  • Cooperating with other historical societies and organizations having purposes in keeping with those of this Society.

Feature Highlights & Articles

Our society offers interactive Maps, community-driven events, and a wealth of resources meant to foster an appreciation for local history.

Articles

Learn More About Us
Join
sketch of Old Batavia Courthouse, by W.D. Carither, 1970
Educational Resources

Access a variety of educational tools and resources to enhance your knowledge of Clermont County's heritage.

SAVE-THE-DATE for exciting CCHS Public Events!

21 February 2026

21 February 

Join us for a fascinating journey into prehistory with historian and researcher Geoffrey Sea as he presents “The History and Myths of Clermont County's 'Hanukkiah' Earthwork.” This presentation will explore one of the region’s most intriguing lost sites the East Fork Works (often called the Hanukkiah Mound) which 19th-century surveyors described as resembling a nine-branched lamp. Geoffrey will dive into the history of this unique earthwork and share his thought-provoking research on the populating of our region from Archaic times to Contact. . Don’t miss this deep dive into the myths and realities of Clermont County’s ancient past.


Speaker: Geoffery Sea
21 Feb 2026
1:00 PM
Batavia Library
21 March 2026

21 March 2026

Ever wonder what it takes to make it in the movie business while keeping your roots planted at home? We are thrilled to welcome veteran actor William "Bill" Cross for his talk, “Being a Clermont County Actor.” With a career spanning decades, Cross has appeared in major films such as Gotti.Dark WatersMarauders and The Alto Knights, sharing the screen with stars like John Travolta, Bruce Willis and Anne Hathaway. He will take us behind the scenes of his life in the industry, sharing stories from the set and discussing his journey as a working actor hailing from our very own community.

Speaker: William Cross
21 March 2026
1:00 PM
Batavia Library
18 April 2026

18 April

Travel back in time with Anthropologist and Vice-President Sean Chaney as he explores the geological and archaeological wonders of Clermont County and surrounding area. This presentation covers the region’s deep history, from the 450-million-year-old fossils of the Cincinnati Arch to the icy transformations of the Pleistocene. The program will conclude with an exploration of the sophisticated Native American Earthworks found right in our own backyard.
Speaker: Sean Chaney
18 April 2026
1:00 PM
Batavia Library
20 June 2026

20 June 

The Clermont County Historical Society is honored to welcome acclaimed author and journalist Ann Hagedorn for a deep dive into the heroic and harrowing history of the Underground Railroad.

A former staff writer for The Wall Street Journal, Ms. Hagedorn brings a reporter’s eye for detail and a novelist’s gift for storytelling to one of the most important chapters in Ohio’s history. Her landmark book, Beyond the River, tells the gripping story of the activists in the Ohio River Valley who risked everything to guide enslaved people toward freedom.

With a career that includes teaching at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism and Columbia University, Ms. Hagedorn is a master of narrative non-fiction. Join us as she discusses the research and the real-life figures who turned the banks of the Ohio into a frontline for liberty.

Speaker: Ann Hagedorn
20 June 2026
1:00 PM
Batavia Library
18 July 2026

18 July

Do you have a mysterious stone, a fossil, or a flint arrowhead you’ve kept in a drawer for years, wondering about its origin? Now is your chance to uncover its story! Join us at the Harmony Hill Museum in Williamsburg on Saturday, July 18, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for an afternoon of discovery.

The event kicks off at 1:00 PM with a brief, fascinating presentation on Prehistoric Life in Clermont County, setting the stage for the treasures you might find in our local fields. Following the talk, our team of experts will be on hand to help identify your artifacts, rocks, and fossils.

While you wait for your identification, watch history in the making!  Flint Knappers will be on-site demonstrating the ancient, meticulous techniques used to craft flint projectile points and tools. Whether you are a lifelong collector or just found something interesting in your backyard, we look forward to seeing what you bring!.

Speaker: Dave Ulman
21 July 2026
1:00 PM
Harmony Hill Williamsburg Ohio
17 October 2026

17 October

Have you ever wondered about the stories hidden within your family tree? Whether you are just beginning your search or have hit a "brick wall" in your research, join us for a special presentation by Paige Craig of the Clermont County Genealogical Society.

Paige Craig will help provide a roadmap for navigating the fascinating world of family history. She will highlight the incredible physical resources available at the CCGS Research Library (located within the Batavia Library), as well as the powerful online tools available to modern researchers. From census records to local archives, learn how to piece together the lives of your ancestors and preserve your family’s legacy for generations to come.

Speaker: Paige Craig
17 October 2026
1:00 PM
Batavia Library

Join Our Community

Become a part of our mission to preserve Clermont County's history and explore ways to engage with us.

Join Now

What We Do:

Discover how we facilitate community engagement and support historical education in Clermont County.

Historical Records Access

Gain access to a wealth of historical records and documents that reflect the rich heritage of Clermont County.

Artifact Exhibitions

Experience our rotating exhibitions showcasing unique artifacts that tell the stories of our community's past.

Educational Programs

Join our educational programs designed to engage all ages with the history of Clermont County.

Community Events

Participate in events that bring together community members to celebrate and learn about our shared history.

Research Assistance

Receive expert help with research on Clermont County's historical narratives 

Archival Collections

Explore our extensive archival collections that preserve documents, photographs, and other historical materials.

More Coming Soon
Learn More About Us
Meet Our team
kelly-282x282
DR. KELLY WRIGHT
President-Curator
sean-282x282
Sean Chaney
Vice-Pres - Technologies
emily-282x282
Emily Jones
Treasurer
cindy2-282x282
Cindy Johnson
Secretary - Social Media - Historian