BLUFFTON, Ohio (WLIO) — The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society is launching an effort to bring a museum to the village.
The group plans to purchase and renovate two buildings on North Main Street, currently occupied by Stratton Auto Group. One would become a museum, while the other would be transformed into a vintage Sohio gas station.
Leaders say the project will help preserve local history, with exhibits highlighting the Dixie Highway and the 1933 robbery involving John Dillinger, featuring the actual jail cell where he was held. The effort officially launched with a more than $1 million fundraising campaign.
“We've always had an idea to have a museum. It's taken a lot of years to get to where we are today,” said Ron Epp, president of the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society. “We finally found two local buildings that we want to turn into the museum, and today we'll begin a $1.3 million campaign to raise money to purchase these buildings, update them and continue on for years to come.”
The campaign is expected to run over the next three years.
Those interested in donating can make checks payable to the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society and mail them to P.O. Box 221, Bluffton, OH 45817. More information is available by phone at (419) 405-1833 or online.
