The Ripley Museum. Photo by Greg Haitz
Ripley Heritage Inc. operates two historical sites in Ripley, the Ripley Museum and the John Rankin House. The Rankin House is owned by the Ohio History Connection, the new name of the Ohio Historical Society, and they have a contract with Ripley Heritage to operate the site. The Board of Directors of Ripley Heritage is discussing an additional building that will be placed in the museum’s backyard.
The Ripley Museum began in 1976 for the US Bicentennial. The long wished for museum became a reality when a house was donated to Ripley by the daughters of Eliese Bambach Stivers. The current building is now overflowing with Ripley artifacts donated by friends of the Ripley Museum, and the additional building will help house the outdoor collections and provide the extra storage needed.
The family of the younger Stivers daughter, Jane Stivers Dyruff, have been very generous with donations to the museum since her recent passing. These donations, plus funds that were saved by Ripley Heritage, will be the foundation for seeking additional grants for the annex which will beautifully display Ripley’s incredible history. Jackie Hansen is the curator and tour guide for the Ripley Museum. Many new artifacts were donated to the museum by people with Ripley connections.
Ripley Heritage’s other site, the Rankin House, had a very successful year in 2022. The Rankin house staff includes Site manager Betty Campbell, who volunteers her time, Howard McClain, who manages tours and the gift shop, Danielle McClain who handles security and maintenance, Jaki Royal, second-year intern, Cindy Thompson tour guide, and Thomas Orlando who is a volunteer intern. Jackie Hansen is the curator and tour guide for the Ripley Museum. Many new artifacts were donated to the museum by people with Ripley connections.
The 2023 season for both the Rankin House and the Ripley Museum runs from April to October. The Rankin House is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesday to Saturday the hours are 10 am to 5pm, with tours starting on the hour. Sunday hours are noon to 5pm. Phone 937-392-1627 for more information. The Ripley Museum is open Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Phone 937-392-4660.
If you would like to donate for the building of the new annex, make checks payable to Ripley Heritage Inc and send that to Ripley Heritage, PO Box 176, Ripley OH 45167. Ripley Heritage, Inc. Is a 501c organization and all donations are tax deductible.
Ripley has a rich history, and not just with the Underground Railroad, please think about donating to keep Ripley’s rich history alive for future generations.