The Junior League of Columbus celebrates 50 years of stewardship of the Kelton House Museum & Garden

The Junior League of Columbus is an organization committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. For decades, League members have stepped forward to identify community needs and create lasting solutions—one of the most significant being the preservation of the Kelton House.

In 1976, through a partnership with the Columbus Foundation, the Junior League of Columbus was entrusted with the opportunity to restore and steward the historic Kelton House. What followed was a multi-year effort led by dedicated volunteers to transform the home into a museum that would preserve and share Columbus’s rich history.

Originally built in 1852 by Fernando and Sophia Kelton, the home reflects three generations of one family and remains remarkably intact—featuring a collection of artifacts spanning more than a century, with approximately 80% of furnishings belonging to the Kelton family. The Keltons were deeply committed abolitionists, opening their home as a stop on the Underground Railroad and offering refuge to freedom seekers, including Martha Hartway, who became part of the family.

The house also reflects a legacy of civic leadership and cultural influence–from Fernando Kelton, who served as a pallbearer during the Columbus procession of Abraham Lincoln’s funeral, to Grace Bird Kelton, a nationally recognized interior designer who ultimately ensured the home’s future by entrusting it for public benefit.

Since opening the Kelton House Museum & Garden in 1979, the Junior League of Columbus has preserved this historic space as a place of education, reflection, and community connection–welcoming visitors, students, and volunteers each year.

Today, as we celebrate 50 years of stewardship, we honor not only the history of the Kelton family, but the generations of Junior League Members whose leadership and dedication have ensured this important story continues to be preserved and shared.

Founded in 1923, the Junior League of Columbus is part of a network of 298 Junior Leagues across the world. We are a learning organization dedicated to; promoting voluntarism through our Quick Impact opportunities, developing the potential of women through our hands-on training through placements, and improving communities through projects and programs developed by our organization. Our programs included Kelton House Museum & Garden and our Bridging the G.A.P. Project.

The Kelton House Golden Jubilee

Celebrating 50 years of stewardship the Kelton House Museum