Properties, exhibits proposed for Bluffton museum

APRIL 25 MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society announced “A Museum in the Making” at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center on Main Street, Bluffton on Thursday, April 23, 2026.  

During this presentation, the Society disclosed plans to purchase and renovate two adjacent properties on North Main Street that are intended to become the future BOHS Museum.  Attendees learned what is planned for the museum, the projected timeline, and plenty of questions were asked about this exciting project.   

One of the museum’s key exhibits will focus on the 1933 Citizens National Bank robbery carried out by the notorious John Dillinger Gang and its long-lasting impact on the Bluffton community and the nation. Of particular interest is the actual jail cell where Dillinger was held for several days while awaiting trial for the Bluffton robbery, prior to his gang orchestrating his escape from the Allen County Jail. 

Other displays will include a tribute to the Dixie Highway, automotive and petroleum memorabilia, the Interurban Railway and a large model railroad assembled by a local physician.  Displays will also highlight local businesses, churches, schools, clubs, and people who shaped the Bluffton community.  

This presentation marks the launch of a $1.3 million fundraising campaign to be conducted over a three-year period.  

Members of the community participated in this important discussion about preserving and sharing Bluffton’s history.  

BOHS meets monthly at the 1899 Depot at 405 North Spring Street on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00  p.m. and hosts an annual Bluffton History Day on the second Saturday in August.  

For more information, contact BOHS President – Ron Epp at 419-303-5116 or Building Committee Chair – Dan Groman at 419-231-3710.

MUSEUM IN THE MAKING - KEY DETAILS

• Two properties will be purchased on North Main Street

• A total of $1.3 million is being sought to fund the purchase, renovations, and exhibits for the museum over a three-year period

• A John Dillinger exhibit will explore the history of banking in Bluffton, the Great Depression, the rise of bank robberies, and the histories of Bluffton Police and Allen County Sheriff’s Department.  The exhibit will include the actual jail cell that held Dillinger prior to his scheduled trial, with an emphasis on the message that “Crime Doesn’t Pay”

• Sohio and Dixie Highway history and artifacts

• Interurban Railway history and artifacts

• Displays highlighting the local community