The Riley House and Mercer County Historical Society

04/20/2026

Last Friday, the MCHS participated in the planting of a swamp white oak tree in commemoration of America's 250 years of independence. If you want to check it out, the tree was planted on the northeast lawn of the courthouse!

04/14/2026

EXCITING NEWS!

April 17, 2026, at 10AM

We are thrilled to announce that a ceremonial tree planting will take root in Celina as part of the Heritage Trees: Planting History program under America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio's celebrations and commemorations around America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

The Heritage Trees initiative draws inspiration from the historic Liberty Tree in Boston during the Revolutionary War period. The Heritage Trees program aims to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by planting native-to-Ohio white oak trees across the state. Throughout the celebration, America 250-Ohio will offer each Ohio county a white oak tree in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Started in 2025 and continuing throughout 2026, Heritage Trees will be planted in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. In Mercer County, the tree will be planted at the Mercer County Courthouse on Friday, April 17 at 10 o’clock in the morning. The tree will be planted on the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn.

Cait Clark, the director of the Mercer County Historical Society, will be in attendance to answer questions and to announce the museum’s latest upcoming project to celebrate 250 years of American Independence. Mayor Jeff Hazel and the Mercer County Commissioners will also be in attendance, among other members of the Mercer County community. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this historic commemoration.

04/06/2026

We hope to see you Friday! 🐣

10/27/2025

10/23/2025

If you enjoyed our recent walk through the North Grove Cemetery, then you are going to love our next program!

Karen Bennett returns with her program, "Rocks of Ages." She will be giving this presentation on Saturday, October 25 at 2pm at the Richardson-Bretz. Come out and learn about the intricate symbolism present on tombstones, as well as the research that goes into appreciating cemeteries.

Karen Miller Bennett, CG, is a Board-certified genealogist, retired in 2024, and the author of Karen’s Chatt website. She has been researching family history for over 30 years and is a life-long Mercer County resident