Exciting Improvements Are Coming to the Mercer County Historical Society in 2025 and 2026!

We are thrilled to announce a series of exciting capital improvements that will help us continue to preserve and protect the history of Mercer County, Ohio, while making our historic space more accessible to the entire community. These upgrades are a testament to our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the stories of our past and ensuring they are enjoyed by future generations.

What’s Changing?

We’re making significant improvements to the historic Riley House in 2025 and in 2026. This is an important step in preserving the integrity of our museum’s physical space and enhancing the visitor experience. Here's what we’re tackling in the next two years:

1. New Concrete Steps and Walkways

Our current concrete steps and walkways are showing their age, so we’ll be tearing them up and replacing them with new, sturdy concrete that will improve accessibility and safety for all visitors. A smooth path makes all the difference as you walk through history!

2. New Insulation

In a house as storied and old as the Riley House museum is, it is no surprise that it is at the mercy of Ohio’s hot summers and frigid winters. It is good practice to keep fragile museum artifacts between 68 and 72 degrees to prevent them from deteriorating. To help with this, we are installing new insulation within the walls of the house! That way, not only will our patrons be more comfortable, but we are another step closer to preserving Mercer County’s history for visitor’s to enjoy years from now!

3. Storm Windows for Protection

To protect our priceless artifacts from the damaging effects of humidity and UV rays, we’ll be installing state-of-the-art storm windows throughout the museum. These windows will ensure that our collections remain safe and secure, while still allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of our historic building.

4. Porch and Banister Restoration

The front porch and banister of the Riley House have witnessed countless stories over the years. We’ll be repairing and replacing damaged pieces to restore the charm and safety of this important space, inviting guests to enjoy the historical atmosphere of the museum’s entrance.

5. Period-Accurate Paint and Wallpaper

We’ll be removing the outdated wallpaper and replacing it with more period-accurate paint and wallpaper, reflecting the time period of the Riley House and enhancing the museum’s authenticity. This will ensure that every room captures the look and feel of its original beauty, immersing visitors in history as they step through our doors.

How You Can Help

While we’re excited to bring these improvements to life, we can’t do it alone. These enhancements are significant, and we need the support of our community to make them happen. Your continued trust and generosity have helped us get this far, and we’re so grateful for everything you’ve done to help preserve Mercer County’s history.

We’re asking for your support once again. Whether it’s a financial donation, a volunteer effort, or simply sharing our mission with others, your involvement will help ensure that these improvements are a success.

Together, we can make the Riley House Museum a more accessible, beautiful, and safe space for generations to come.

👉 Interested in donating toward a particular project? We are in serious need of new display cases for the artifacts that have been entrusted to our care. Click here for more information!

Thank you for your unwavering support and for helping us bring these exciting changes to life! We’re so grateful for the trust you place in us and the community we’re building together.