6 Historic Venues That Make for Great Meetings

Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites, Marion
The newest addition to Marion’s Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites offers a distinguished atmosphere in which to hold your gathering. The Warren G. Harding Presidential Library & Museum’s meeting room can seat approximately 90 people and has a window-lined wall looking out at the home where the former president resided for 30 years. Guided tours of the Harding home can be arranged for your group, and the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the president and first lady’s lives. 380 Mount Vernon Ave., Marion 43302, 800/600-6894, hardingpresidentialsites.org

Campus Martius Museum, Marietta
Located on the site of the stockade where the Northwest Territory’s settlers lived, this museum preserves the stories and artifacts of those pioneers, including the home of Rufus Putnam, who led the settlement. The home, which is housed within an enclosed pavilion, can be seen during guided tours, and the original 1787 Ohio Company Land Office is also on the museum’s grounds. Host a gathering in the great hall, which can hold 80 to 100 people, or in the museum’s meeting hall, which can hold about 50 people. 601 Second St., Marietta 45750, 740/373-3750, mariettamuseums.org/campus-martius

Kelton House Museum & Garden, Columbus
Built by abolitionist Fernando Kelton in 1852, this Romanesque-style Columbus home served as a station on the Underground Railroad and provided a haven for freedom seekers. The site has several meeting spaces and boasts Victorian-era ornamentation as well as some of the home’s original furnishings. Rentable rooms that seat 40 to 50 people include the carriage house and the cellar. There are also exterior spaces on the grounds that can seat 80 or more. Group tours of the home are available. 586 E. Town St., Columbus 43215, 614/464-2022, keltonhouse.com

Historic Zoar Village, Zoar
Founded in 1817, Historic Zoar Village preserves the history of a self-sustaining commune with 14 museum buildings. One such structure is the 1868 schoolhouse (one of three that existed in the village), which offers two 75-person meeting rooms between its two floors. The first floor is also equipped with a small kitchen. Upon request, groups can explore the 19th-century village by way of guided tours, trade demonstrations, museum exhibits and a visit to the community’s 2-acre historic garden. 198 Main St., Zoar 44697, 330/874-3211, historiczoarvillage.com

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont
This 25-acre estate and arboretum provides a picturesque backdrop for meetings. The two rooms available for rent — a smaller conference room and a larger auditorium — can seat approximately 15 and 110 people, respectively. Along with the former president’s 31-room home, this historic site has a collection of presidential memorabilia that includes a signed document from nearly every U.S. president, the original White House gates and a pair of President Abraham Lincoln’s slippers. Tours of the home, museum and grounds are customizable to fit a group’s needs. Spiegel Grove, Fremont 43420, 419/332-2081, rbhayes.org

Carillon Historical Park, Dayton
Home to 35 buildings and structures, including its namesake 151-foot-tall bell tower and an exhibition hall that displays the Wright brothers’ 1905 Wright Flyer III, this museum campus offers a treasure trove of Dayton history. There are three rentable rooms that can accommodate groups of 20 to 40, while the Eichelberger Pavilion can host gatherings of up to 500. There are opportunities for guided or self-guided tours of the museums and grounds and a visit to the on-site Carillon Brewing Co., which offers authentically prepared 1850s-era food and drink. 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton 45409, 937/293-2841, daytonhistory.org