Bainbridge Township Historical Society

02/10/2026

America 250 – Celebrating Innovations from Ohio –> February 2026

Bainbridge Twp. Historical Society is joining the America250 celebration of Ohio’s Innovators through a new exhibit at our museum located at 17870 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge. Ray and Koop Ferwerda were two brothers living in Lake Lucerne, Bainbridge, who invented the Gradall excavator in 1944. The patent was sold to Warner & Swasey and the Gradall became an international sensation in the industry. As one of the most successful inventions contributing to the modernization of road and bridge construction, the Gradall and the Ferwerda brothers will be honored at our Bissell-Tucek Museum with a special exhibit including movies, photos, books and designs of the excavator. To allow for more people to experience this special exhibit, our museum will have expanded hours for the month of February. Stop by to marvel at this invention that has forever changed the construction industry. Admission is free.

America250 Event at the Bissell-Tucek House Museum:

What: Special exhibit featuring a display and video of the Ferwerda Brothers from Bainbridge (Lake Lucerne), inventors of the Gradall machine.

When: February 16, 28 — 10:00am-1:00pm
February 7, 12, 15, 21 — 1:00pm-4:00pm

Where: Bainbridge Historical Society Bissell-Tucek Museum, 17870 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge (just south of the fire station)

05/04/2025

Bainbridge Township Memorial Day Parade – Sunday, May 25

11:15am – Gather at the Commons (plaza north of the fire station). Parade kicks off at 11:30am and we will walk across the street to the cemetery.

11:45am – memorial service at the cemetery with guest speaker, Kenston High School graduate and Retired United States Marine Corps Colonel, Mark Jimison.

12:30pm – conclusion

Anyone can join the BTHS group! Invite your friends and family!

Send a message to learn more

04/10/2025

It was a late night but had a great time speaking to the Bainbridge Historical Society this evening about my career, family life, and all things weather!

02/11/2025

Due to the severe weather that is forecasted for Wednesday evening, we have decided to cancel our 7pm program. Our speaker was to be Matt Wintz, WKYC Senior Meteorologist. So yes, we are canceling the weatherman due to weather! We will reschedule his presentation at a later date. Stay home and stay safe!

11/29/2024

11/28/2024

The Bainbridge Township Historical Society wishes all our neighbors near and far a very Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you enjoy the day with family and friends, and hope to see you at the Bainbridge Twp Tree Lighting this Saturday. Happy Thanksgiving!

10/18/2024

The Bissell-Tucek House Museum will be open this Saturday, October 19th, 1-4pm. Step inside one of Bainbridge Township's most historic homes, learn the history of our township, and see the many artifacts our neighbors have contributed/donated/loaned over the years. Admission is free. Donations welcomed.