GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Galion History Center is entering a new operational chapter this summer as it begins transitioning its main office and historical archives to the Historic Grace Church, officials announced.

Located at 130 W. Walnut St., the 1875 historic structure sits directly across from the organization’s landmark Brownella Cottage complex. The move serves as the cornerstone of a long-term strategic plan aimed at strengthening organizational sustainability, streamlining regional operations, and improving stewardship of the history center’s portfolio of historic properties.

As a result of the relocation, the organization’s administrative offices and physical archives will temporarily close to the public beginning in June. Staff members and volunteers are scheduled to spend the summer months completing the physical transition and executing a comprehensive inventory and reorganization of the archival collection. Despite the office closure, personnel will remain accessible to the community via telephone, email, and social media channels.

The administrative transition will not affect the center’s public-facing summer schedule. Historical tours, special events, and local community programming will continue uninterrupted across the historic campus and throughout the wider Galion area.

“We’re excited for the transition,” Executive Director Tanesha Pickering said. “This move allows us to thoughtfully evaluate how our spaces best serve the community while continuing to preserve and share Galion’s incredible history. Historic Grace Church is an important part of our organization’s future, and we look forward to welcoming the public into the new operational space in the months ahead.”

The center’s 2026 summer event lineup features three primary recurring programs:

  • Brownella Cottage Docent-Guided Tours: Visitors can explore the nationally recognized historical landmark to view preserved interiors and learn about its controversial original resident, Bishop William Montgomery Brown. Tours are scheduled for June 18, July 16, and August 6 at 6:00 p.m. Admission is $10, and tickets must be purchased in advance online.
  • Hayden-Helfrich Annex Museum Open Hours: Featuring self-guided access to local industrial and civic artifacts, including Galion Iron Works road machinery, a 1906 Ahrens Steam Fire Engine, historic regional hearses, and school memorabilia. Open hours are set for June 25, July 23, and August 13 at 6:00 p.m. under a “Pay What You Can” ticketing model, requiring online registration.
  • Galion During Prohibition Uptowne Walking Tour: An outdoor guided walking tour exploring the illicit history of the Prohibition era within the Uptowne Galion district, highlighting documented regional bootlegging operations, historic nightlife, and local municipal scandals. Tours take place June 26, July 24, and August 14 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased online in advance.

Registration, ticketing, and event operational updates are available on the organization’s official website at galionhistory.com/events.