Pre-Conference Tours


Wednesday, July 31

There are three types of registration for this year’s conference – Virtual Only, Virtual + Single Day, and Virtual + In-Person. No matter which one you selected, you may purchase tickets for add-ons like pre-conference tours, pre-conference workshops, and evening events.

Kelton House Museum & Garden

Guided Tour

Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Ticket: $10

Capacity: 15

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the Victorian Era through the eyes of the Kelton family on a guided tour of the Kelton House Museum & Garden. Built in 1852, this historic landmark incorporates elements of the Greek Revival and Italianate styles and was part of the Underground Railroad. Following a 45-minute docent-led tour of the home, get to know the museum’s leadership team while you visit the museum’s new Underground Railroad theater and take a look behind-the-scenes in the attic where the museum’s archives are held.

Getting Around: Kelton House is located at 586 East Town Street in Columbus and is a 15-minute drive from the Hilton at Easton. Convenient and free parking is available in the Museum lot, one street north on Franklin Avenue near the corner of Lester Drive. A garden path from Franklin Avenue to the Museum is available. Visitors authorized to use disabled parking may use the Kelton House driveway.

Columbus Historical Society

Open House, Presentations, Exhibits

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Ticket: $10

Capacity: 60

Visit three historic buildings, the Harrison House (1807), the Sullivant Land Office (1822), and the Deardurf House (1807), and explore the history of Franklinton (now a part of Columbus), the first permanent settlement in Central Ohio in 1797. Learn how William Henry Harrison used Franklinton as one of his headquarters during the War of 1812. Period reenactors will explain the history of the buildings and the historic importance of Franklinton. Author Bob Hunter will discuss the significant interaction with the Native Nations from the area.

Getting Around: The Harrison House is located at 570 West Broad Street in Columbus and is approximately a 20-minute drive from the Hilton at Easton.

Franklin Park Conservatory

Guided Tour and Free Exploration

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM plus time to explore on your own

Ticket: $10

Capacity: 25

Enjoy the beauty of the natural world by taking an informational tour through the glass enclosed gardens of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  The Conservatory features exotic plant life from around the world, seasonal floral displays and the largest private collection of Dale Chihuly Glass art of any botanical garden in the United States.  The tour will include a stop at the Conservatory’s on-site glass blowing studio to watch a local artist demonstrate the process of blowing and sculpting glass.

Getting Around: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located at 1777 East Broad Street, a quick eight mile (12 minute) drive from the Hilton at Easton. Parking is free and abundant.

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

Behind-the Scenes Tour

Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM plus time to explore on your own until 5:00 PM

Ticket: $10

Capacity: 10

Visit the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum for an exclusive behind-the-scenes guided tour of the archive and collections storage, delving into the rich history and hidden treasures of the world’s largest collection of cartoon and comics materials. Led by knowledgeable curators, uncover fascinating insights into the preservation and curation process while gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of cartoons and comics.

Getting Around: The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is located at 1813 N High St in Columbus, on the campus of The Ohio State University. Visitor parking is available anytime in Ohio Union South Parking Garage (1759 N. High St) South of Sullivant Hall and north of the Ohio Union with entrance from High Street. Rates, payment information, and vehicle clearance limits can be found on the CampusParc page. Pay for parking with a credit card upon exiting (pull up to the kiosk at the exit) or with cash or card at the walk-up kiosk located by the stairs.