Indian Hill Historical Society
8100 Given Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45243

"Keeping Indian Hill's past and present alive for tomorrow"

The Story of the Indian Hill Historical Society

The Indian Hill Historical Museum Association was founded in 1973 by a group of fifteen Village residents who wished to preserve and restore The Little Red Schoolhouse. Under the leadership of Ty Emerson and Andy Hauck, The Schoolhouse was repaired and restored.

In December, 1974 the Board stated that the aim of IHHMA for the Schoolhouse was "after restoration, to collect and contain here the history of Indian Hill and its region and to be an educational center."

The 1974 Articles of Incorporation state: "The purpose or purposes for which said corporation is formed are: 1. To collect, to preserve, and to render available to the public historical materials and to disseminate to the public historical information pertaining to Indian Hill, Ohio, and to institute and encourage historical inquiry into the said subject. 2. To solicit, collect, borrow, and otherwise raise money and property for the foregoing purposes."

The beginnings of IHHMA/IHHS were supported by a group of over 100 families who were "founders." Each of these households contributed $100 within the first year toward establishing a fund to restore the Schoolhouse. By late 1975, with additional funds needed to complete the project, IHHMA secured a loan for $10,000 (later repaid). Also in 1975 the fiscal year for the organization was set at April 1 through March 31 annually.

Throughout its first years the organization was definitely geared toward the concept of a "museum." Ty Emerson said the goal should be a "superb small museum - not run of the mill," through preservation of the "heritage of the community ... through objects, collections, and exhibits." As described in its minutes during those years, efforts were made to furnish the schoolroom with school desks (1974), or furnish one end of the schoolroom in that fashion, keeping the balance of the room open for displays and gatherings (1975). There was also consideration given to having displays of Village artifacts in the basement of the Schoolhouse.

The collection of bentwood (and similar) chairs at the Schoolhouse was begun from the very start, spearheaded by the efforts of Charlotte Fullgraf. These chairs still remain at the Schoolhouse, and an occasional donation or "find" adds to the number.

There was in the first years much emphasis on art exhibits, again with the driving idea being that the Schoolhouse would be a museum to preserve and present artifacts and art pertaining to Indian Hill. Undoubtedly, one of the most successful of the exhibits held at the Schoolhouse was the Farny show held during 1975. The full color catalog of this exhibit is still in demand by Farny devotees, and IHHS continues to sell copies upon request.

However, in 1982, with a lessening over the years of interest in exhibits and shows as the predominant feature of the year's programs, the Board stated that "we do not run a museum." No definite action was taken then to clarify the name of the group. In 1983 it was decided to change the name on stationery and publications to "The Indian Hill Historical Society," leaving the incorporation papers, etc. still as "The Indian Hill Historical Museum Association." This was reaffirmed in 1991, with the bank accounts listing the name as IHHMA "aka Indian Hill Historical Society." At this time the name inscribed on the rural mailbox at 8100 Given Road was newly stated as "Indian Hill Historical Society." In June, 1997 application was made to the Ohio Secretary of State for a "trade name" of "The Indian Hill Historical Society," again leaving the original incorporation listed as IHHMA. This clarifies the name of the organization, with no need to reincorporate under the changed name being used.

In 1982 the goals included "to chronical and preserve the history of this Village through photographs and research" --the beginnings of the estate photo collection begun in 1977 at the Schoolhouse, based on the Map of Camargo. This was also the basis for Ginny White's first book, From Camargo to Indian HIll. Mrs. White was President during this period, and steered the Board toward further "continuing to build on the pictorial exhibit," and subsequently to sponsor and promote the publication and sale of the book (1983).

IHHS through the years has served also as a social center for the Village. The annual House Tour (1979 - present), the Village Christmas Party (1980 - present), dinner programs, slide shows and travel talks, entertaining speakers on non-Village topics, and musical and theatrical presentations have had a place in the planning for each year. However, over the years it has been the programs centered on aspects of life in the Village, and especially on the history of Indian Hill and nearby areas, that have been the best attended.

Since 1973 IHHS has been the Village organization which represents more residents than any other group. IHHS has taken a stand on matters pertaining to zoning and preservation, always encouraging the retention of historic properties. It began as a group to restore the Schoolhouse, and since 1974 it has worked to preserve such properties as Buckingham Lodge, the Elliott House, the Camargo Kennels, and the Jefferson School. Most of these efforts succeeded, and IHHS is still dedicated to the preservation of landmark properties in the Village, through publications illustrating their value, the Historic Landmark Plaque program, and through attention to current issues regarding Village planning. This is in keeping with one of the goals stated in 1982, "to expand the members' vision of the planning for a 'rural village' our founding fathers saw in the 1920's."

Another of the early goals (restated in 1982) was "to chronicle and preserve the history of this Village." This has been an ongoing charge, with the publication of the three major books of the Society in 1983, 1987, and 1993. It continues in the ongoing series of IHHS pages (1992+) and "Images" pages (1996+) in the Village Bulletin, and also in the Village video, "An Indian Hill Scrapbook," (1997) which emphasizes the beauty of this green community.

IHHS has increased its image in the Village over the years. Its creation, promotion, and leadership of the Bicentennial celebration in 1995 won it new attention as an organization of action and activity. The Board of Trustees is an assertive, cooperative, working group -- each member of which participates in enthusiastically promoting IHHS and its goals and programs. The relationship of the Society with the Village Administration and Council is excellent, and its maintenance of between 20-25% membership enrollment of the residents of Indian Hill is outstanding.

In February, 1997, The Indian Hill Historical Society put into writing its Mission Statement: "Keeping Indian Hill's past and present alive for tomorrow."