Events
The Botkins Historical Society hosts, or participates in, a number of events throughout the year as fundraisers and to give community members more opportunities to encounter the history of our village.
Historical Marker Dedication
We unveiled the historical marker for our museum "Shelby House" on July 18, 2023. On the front this marker commemorates the building being listed on the National Register of Historic places. The rear gives a brief history of the property and the building.
Ice Cream Social
This event is free and open to the public and offers a variety of ice cream, drinks and treats for all to share. The museum is open for public view and a unique speaker, donation or artifact collection is typically highlighted.
Village Grouch Contest
The former Village Corporation Limit Sign read "Population 1,154 Nice People and 1 Grouch". So "Grouch" voting is held to determine the official Village Grouch during the Annual Botkins Carousel in June. The winner receives a trophy and recognition of being the Official GROUCH!
Past Winners:
2017 - Don Ellinger
2018 - Tim Rogers
2019 - Pat Kennedy
2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
2021 - John Bauer
Santa Visits
Held annually in December, all Botkins Local School elementary and preschool students make an ornament to display on our Christmas trees. The building is opened up for a special visitor (Santa) who arrives from the North Pole. The children bring their parents/families to take the ornament they made home and to give Santa their Christmas list. This is our longest running tradition and has been going on since the early 1980's. In 2020 new trees were purchased to replace the old ones.
Carryout Pork Lunch
Held periodically. Meals consist of smoked BBQ pulled pork, potato salad, coleslaw and dessert.
Founders Day
This event was held in 2008 to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of the founding of the Village of Botkins
Church Tour
Held in May 2017 a driving/walking tour of all the Churches in Botkins with brief history of each.
A tour and pamphlet were also done in 1976.
You can download each to the left.
Applefest
This former popular event held Annually at the Shelby House featured Bluegrass music, fishing derby, homemade soups, sandwiches and apple cider.
2019 Shelby County History Musuems Levy
This levy was approved by voters in 2019 and provides much needed funds for all historical societies located in Shelby County, Ohio