The Putnam County Historical Society

The Pioneer Association was organized September 6, 1873 in Kalida, Ohio. The membership was limited to those people who had lived in the county prior to 1840. As time passed, this was revised several times. Now anyone interested in the Society may become a member. Through the years of consecutive annual meetings and changing times, it evolved that in 1971 it became the Putnam County Historical Society. There are five classifications of memberships: Active Members, Life Members, First Family Members, Century Farms Members, and Honorary Life Members.

The purpose of the Society as goals, from the revised Constitution of 1971 are:

• To discover and collect material which may help to establish or illustrate the history of the county.

• To provide for the preservation of such material and for its accessability, as far as may be feasible, to all who wish to examine it or study it.

• To disseminate historical information and arouse interest in the past.

The deed for a new Putnam County Museum was presented to the Association in its 100th anniversary year. It was a gift from the Kalida Lion's Club, and the museum is housed in the former Kalida Methodist Church. With a trustee from each township, it remains a very active organization. Many annual programs promote the Society as it works to preserve the history of Putnam County.

The Putnam County Historical Society · 201 East Main Street Box 264 · Kalida, Ohio 45853 · 419-532-3008

Putnam County Historical Society