County historical society to dedicate research center

HAMILTON — The Butler County Historical Society will officially dedicate the new Olive S. and Herbert T. Randall Research Center at 1 p.m. Saturday.

“This research library and archives has been made possible by a generous contribution from Mrs. Olive Randall and additional funding from the Hamilton Community Foundation,” said Kathy Creighton, executive director.

The proper care and protection of the irreplaceable archives and collections of the Butler County Historical Society was a major concern of the late Mrs. Randall, Creighton said.

“The new research center and its generous entryway solves these issues by providing a safe and protective environment for archived materials,” she said. “It also provides the much-needed room to accommodate visitors seeking help with research and the for volunteers who assist visitors.”

The 3,000-square-foot-plus addition is located between the historic Benninghofen House and the Emma Ritchie Auditorium. The wood framed building with a brick exterior makes the entire main complex of the Butler County Historical Society ADA accessible.

Seyferth Building Company of Cleves was in charge of construction. The addition was designed by SHP Lead Design of Hamilton.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and Civil War Living History will be part of the afternoon activities. The Benninghofen House and Emma Ritchie Auditorium and display area will also be open for tours.

The Butler County Historical Society is located at 327 N. 2nd St., Hamilton.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2100 or rjones@coxohio.com.

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