19th century life in the Kelton House – Columbus Ohio

Kelton House Museum stands as a snapshot of 19th century life in Columbus Ohio. It is a treasure trove of Victoriana, containing everything from lavishly embellished Victorian silverware to unusual items such as a woven-hair brooch worn by Kelton family members.

A scrapbook kept by Anna Kelton from 1860 to 1870 gives a glimpse of what one young woman thought worth saving: pressed flowers from summer vacations, society page articles, news clippings and letters describing Civil War military engagements, and a telegram relating her brother Oscar’s death at the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads, Guntown, Mississippi.

When Grace Kelton died in 1975, her will entrusted the Kelton property to the Columbus Foundation with the stipulation that her family home be preserved and used for educational purposes.