Programs & Events

Landmarks takes great pride in its quality programs. Our programs are led by professionals in the fields of architecture, architectural history and other related fields. These individuals share their knowledge and expertise with great enthusiasm. Advance ticket purchasing is strongly recommended.

Summer Walking Tours
“'O, Oysters, come and walk with us?' The Walrus did beseech. 'A pleasant talk, Along the briny beach.'” (Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass)

Come along, you oysters, break out of your summer shells and have a pleasant walk with us through historic, well-known, little-known, and often hidden neighborhood “villages” of Columbus. This is our second year of exploring our villages, and we brought back a few favorites from last year, rescheduled one that was delayed until 2010, and added some new tours. Each tour is about two hours long and covers approximately 1 ½ to 2 miles along architecturally-interesting and historic streets and spaces. Unlike the Walrus’s motives, we promise not to eat you but fill your head with information and stories about Columbus’s own “briny beach.”

However, we are not sea creatures, and in case of rain and storms, we will reschedule that day’s tour. Tickets are $15 per person per tour. Because we value our members, they pay only $7. Memberships are modestly priced at $35 a year, and if you are considering five tours, the cost of membership has been paid for in savings….and, remember, there is still a fall tour to be announced. Who said that everything on the other side of the Looking Glass is distorted? membership information

Hungarian Village buy tickets
Saturday, July 24, 10 a.m. - noon
Meeting Place: Hungarian Reformed Church, 365 Woodrow Google map

Hungarian Village in Columbus? Yes, and it has been there many decades as a neighborhood destination and port of entry for many people—Central and Eastern Europeans, Appalachian families, industrialists, farmers, ancestors of Presidents, Irish, shopkeepers and steel workers, Native Americans, African Americans, craftsmen, as well as, long-time pioneer families. Modest homes, churches, and architecture with “back stories” make up the neighborhood of Hungarian Village and the area once well-known as Steelton. The walk begins on the front steps of the Hungarian Reformed Church, 365 Woodrow (off Parsons Avenue) and will conclude there just as the annual Hungarian picnic will start. Delicious food will be available for sale from the Hungarian Cultural Association.

Old North Columbus buy tickets
Sunday, July 25, 2 - 4 p.m.
Meeting Place: 100 Arcadia Ave. Google Map

The hidden village which is right before your eyes on North High Street. North Columbus was a separate and thriving town from the 1830s (platted 1842) until it was annexed into Columbus in the late 19th century. Though street names had to change (there was already a First, Second, Third, and Fourth Streets in Columbus), surprisingly, many buildings and pockets of the neighborhood did not—yes, you will learn where Union troops and generals (including a very famous one) strolled about, see 100 years of architectural styles, and find out what famous contemporary families in Columbus have roots in this amazing neighborhood which has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Meet at 100 Arcadia Avenue in the parking lot of the former North High School.

Evanston buy tickets
Saturday, August 14, 10 a.m. - noon
Meeting Place: Starbucks, 3416 N. High St. Google Map

Observant urban detectives that Columbus Landmarks tour-takers tend to be, you probably have noticed that not all streets in Clintonville look alike—one of the most strikingly different streets is East North Broadway—but do you know why? Find out the surprising origins on this street of spectacular architectural residences which has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Remember that even though the walk is uphill, the walk back will be downhill. Meet at the northwest corner of North High and East North Broadway at the Starbucks.

Westgate and Camp Chase buy tickets
Sunday, August 15, 2-4 p.m.
Meeting Place: Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, 2900 Sullivant Ave. Google Map

From its roots in the Civil War and the farm lands off the old National Road, the Westgate community can trace its interesting history not only from the large Confederate cemetery which marks where Camp Chase once stood, but Westgate’s roots are also in the earliest days of Columbus through families, religious institutions, and amazing history. Tree-lined streets and early 20th century residential architecture make this neighborhood one of the most charming in Columbus. Meet at the entrance to Camp Chase cemetery on Sullivant Avenue, just west of Hague Avenue and the “historic” Dairy Twist.

Italian Village buy tickets
Saturday, August 28, 10 a.m. - noon
Meeting Place: Union Station Mural, 630 North High St. Google Map

Why does the neighborhood architecture behind one side of North High Street look so different from the architecture on the other side? How did Italian Village come to have its distinct architecture and was it influenced by Italians? Developed early by a variety of ethnic groups, heavily influenced by its adjacent industrial neighbors, and held together by an active community, Italian Village’s interesting heritage and architecture is revealed by an expert. You have seen the WOSU documentary on the Short North, now experience the neighborhood. Meet at the Union Station mural on the east side of North High, just north of the “Cap.”

Sellsville buy tickets
Sunday, August 29, 2 - 4 p.m.
Meeting Place: Cup O' Joe, 1791 Olentangy Blvd. Google Map

Many people do not realize that the westside of Olentangy River Road, near King Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Kinnear Road, once had several thriving small communities. One of these was Sellsville, which can still be discerned in a few areas, and it took its name from the Sells Brothers Circus. Here the circus wintered over, starting in the late 19th century. The remaining architecture fits a community with a variety of past lives—a county infirmary, saloons, greenhouses, truck farms, circus people, and an early racially integrated neighborhood—though it might be best noted now for its proximity to the Lennox shopping center and the now-gone Jai Lai restaurant. Meet at the front of the Cup of Joe’s at the Lennox Center.

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Historic Tavern Tour, Part 2
Thursday, August 12, 6 - 9 p.m. SOLD OUT
Thursday, August 19, 6 - 9 p.m. SOLD OUT
Thursday, August 26, 6 - 9 p.m. SOLD OUT
Meeting Place: Columbus Maennerchor, 966 S. High St. Google Map

Our popular Historic Tavern Tour by bus returns! Having explored some of the earliest architectural watering holes of downtown Columbus in the spring, our second tour will take us into three drinking establishments influenced by Columbus’s two largest 19th century immigrant populations—the Irish and the Germans. The Flatiron, the Hey Hey, and the Columbus Maennerchor will be featured for their architecture and historical context. We will stop at each location so participants can purchase “liquid assets” while we spin stories. A driving narration of the Brewery District is included. Reservations are a must and seats are limited. $15 per person.

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