The National Register of Historic Places recognizes more than 70,000 places in the U.S.; every community has these special places that document how those before us lived, struggled and influenced what we have become. However, in a rush for ‘progress’, people have often sacrificed the very monuments — impressive or humble — that embody their unique identity. Fortunately, Sidney, Ohio, continues to preserve many of its significant historic buildings.

The downtown business district features an architectural excellence unmatched in Western Ohio for its quality. Within a one block radius of the Shelby County Courthouse may be found an astonishing range of architectural styles such as Federal/Canal era, Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian Gothic, French Second Empire, Neo-Classical Revival, Georgian Revival, Sullivanesque and Art Moderne.

In 1995, the Shelby County Courthouse Square in downtown Sidney was selected as one of 63 places nationwide as a Great American Public Place. It was chosen primarily due to its beauty, the historically preserved character of its many buildings, and the fact that it is still an active and vital part of the community.

The Historical Society is seeking to form a partnership with teachers to use historic properties to educate Shelby County’s young people about their heritage. If students are to truly care about preserving historic places, they must understand why they are important. The Society is not ‘pushing preservation’ but believes that recognition of the significance of places leads to the desire to protect them.