Want to know more about Camden's fascinating history?
| LOCATION: Camden Archives Room Camden Town Hall 56 W. Central Avenue P.O. Box 1 Camden, Ohio 45311 937-452-2003 |
HOURS:
Tuesday & Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 |
The Eleanor I. Jones Archives (more commonly known as the “Camden Archives") is a volunteer-operated, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit containing hundreds of historic photographs, physical artifacts and publications relating to Camden’s citizens and history. In addition to Camden history, its collection includes information, newspaper items, and photographs covering events, faculty, and students of the Camden, Shawnee, and Preble Shawnee school districts. Many items are displayed throughout the Camden Town Hall building, as well as displayed or stored within the Archives Room itself.
The Archives (with support from local non-profit Camden Comeback) also recently digitized Camden newspapers from 1870 - 1989 including all issues of The Camden Herald, Camden Gazette, Camden Weekly Gazette and the Preble County News. Lots of fun and interesting Camden History right at your fingertips. You can find the link here.
And there's more...
History seekers will also find details of Camden's History via the following printed sources. Online links or PDFs are linked below or you can purchase hard copies of publications at the Archives.
- Online versions of The1968 Sesquicentennial Book and the History of Camden Ohio 1803-1855 book by Ruth Neff. You will find links to both books here
- The Camden Historic Walking Tour booklet and the The Story of the Underground Railroad in Southern Preble County, Ohio coloring book created by Camdenites Shannon Steele and Mackenzie Steele.
Who was the famous author from Camden? The world-renowned opera singer? Did you know a Camdenite is responsible for beginning the soap box derby? Or that the Camden was once a booming industrial force in Preble County? What kind of industry and businesses did Camden have in the 1800's? Why did folks come by train from across southwest Ohio to hear and attend world-class events and concerts at Camden's Town Hall?
The Camden Archives, the new digitized archives and the multiple publications provide hundreds of historic photographs, articles, stories, advertisement and fascinating pieces of Camden's rich history. And can answer those questions.
Stop by for a visit! Archives volunteers can help you find just about anything you might be looking for and then some. Or start your search at the online digitized Arches of Camden newpapers or browse one of Camden's historic publications.Historic Camden (a brief narrated history)
Ohio History in our Own Backyard
A few years ago, Ohio History in Our Own Backyard featured Camden was featured on the "History in our own Backyard" series. This video highlights some of Camden's rich and interesting history.
