It’s hard to even type this one. Earlier this week, one of the most important pieces of Columbus history, the Kelton House Museum, was nearly irreparably damaged after a gas explosion and fire.
If you’ve ever walked through the Discovery District and seen the Kelton House, a beautiful Victorian home sitting proudly on East Town Street… you know just how special it was. But what many people don’t realize is that this wasn’t just a pretty old house — it was a pivotal part of our country’s history.
The Legacy That Lived Inside
This house wasn’t just a museum. It was a living monument to the people who risked everything for freedom.
Long before it was open to the public, it served as a safe haven on the Underground Railroad, sheltering those who escaped slavery and were searching for freedom. The family who lived here, the Keltons, were known for their courage and compassion, even when it meant breaking the law to do what was right.
Patriarch Fernando Cortez Kelton was so respected, he later served as a pallbearer for President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral when it passed through Columbus.
Since the 1970s, the home has operated as the Kelton House Museum & Garden, run by the Junior League of Columbus, offering visitors a glimpse into that history, and serving as a powerful reminder of what humanity can look like in its best form.
Our City is Mourning… But All Eyes Look Ahead
Neighbors and history lovers have gathered around the site since the explosion, all with the same takeaway…
It doesn’t look good.
But not all hope is lost. The Junior League has not yet announced their next steps but has said they are meeting to determine the path forward. Many in the community are hopeful that restoration will be possible, though the road ahead will be long.
Priceless items have been destroyed, the house’s roofing and foundation may need a complete overhaul… but nothing can destroy our ability as a community to rally together for the greater good.
Just look at the firefighters who responded… they did everything they could to salvage the history, including putting their lives on the line. Thank you, Columbus Fire; we’re so thankful nobody was injured in the explosion.
How Can You Help? For Now, Stay In the Loop
If you’d like to follow updates or support future restoration efforts, you can visit the Kelton House Museum & Garden’s official website or follow their Facebook page for the latest information.
We will also be following the rebuilding efforts and next steps, so if you’d like to stay in the know, you can also subscribe to our newsletter here.
For now, let’s do what Columbus does best — rally, rebuild, and stick together.
History in Central Ohio
Attention Central Ohio Business Owners!
We built the Step Out advertising program for local businesses that want to get in front of locals in Central Ohio — people actively looking for places to eat, shop, and explore.
A business we advertised even had to hire 2 more people after working with us.
Curious if we’re a good fit for your business?
👉 Learn about our audience
Already thinking, “This sounds perfect for us”?
👉 Learn more about our ads