German Village Society

German Village Society In just a few months, community activist Frank Fetch recruited 183 people to charter the German Village Society.
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Members of the German Village Society serve as Caretakers of a Legacy, dedicated to retaining the character and distinction of the past while creating a thriving and contemporary community in German Village. On January 10, 1960, a small group of dedicated, preservation-minded people met to explore the possibility of forming an association to help save this neighborhood from decline. Now, 60+ years

later, our neighborhood is a vibrant community known for its charming brick streets and sidewalks, beautifully tended gardens and homes, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle, thriving shops, restaurants and businesses, and year-round volunteer and social events that deepen and expand our connection with this incredible community. At the heart of our special neighborhood is the German Village Society, a non-profit civic association that is at the forefront of efforts to strengthen, enhance and promote our community. The challenges have been many, and the successes countless.

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation reached ensla...
06/19/2026

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

In observance of the holiday, the German Village Society Visitor Center & offices are closed today. We reopen tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, 10 am - 1 pm.

Ways to learn & participate in Columbus:
• Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival — Ohio History Center (Ohio History Connection), 12–4 p.m.
• Juneteenth Ohio Festival — Genoa Park, June 19–20
• Juneteenth on the Ave — King Arts Complex, June 20

Service in Action: Navigating the COA processWhile we may be gearing up for the 65th Haus und Garten Tour, our commitmen...
06/18/2026

Service in Action: Navigating the COA process

While we may be gearing up for the 65th Haus und Garten Tour, our commitment to serving German Village Society members & residents never slows down.

This time of year is especially busy around the Village as homeowners prepare improvement projects and navigate the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process, an important step in preserving the character and integrity of our historic neighborhood.

As part of our Caretakers of a Legacy™ mission, Architectural Preservation Specialist Jack Doran works one-on-one with members to help guide them through the process. Here, Jack is helping a member navigate the City's online portal.

Preservation happens one project, one property, and one neighbor at a time.

Become a Caretaker of a Legacy! GermanVillage.com/JOIN

06/18/2026

Then & Now: Haus und Garten Tour

847 S. 5th Street

Built around 1883 for Adam and Minnie Weilbacher, this charming German Village cottage reflects the neighborhood’s deep immigrant roots. Both children of German immigrants who grew up nearby, the Weilbachers chose a traditional cottage style that was already falling out of fashion at the time.

Adam, a cigar maker, even ran a small shop from the home. The couple lived here for 56 years, shaping its long history as both a family residence and place of work.

While the home has been thoughtfully renovated over time, its original facade—including the front and back doors—has been carefully preserved.

Experience this piece of living history during the 65th Haus und Garten Tour, June 27-28.

Get tickets at GermanVillage.com/TOUR or link in our bio

06/17/2026

Then & Now: Haus und Garten Tour

129 E. Beck Street

One of German Village's most iconic homes, the Ehrler House was built in 1884 and once operated as a neighborhood saloon and gathering place for German singing groups.

After falling into disrepair and being condemned in the 1950s, the home was restored in the early 1960s and became a symbol of the preservation movement that helped save German Village.

Today, this distinctive landmark is featured in artwork, advertisements, and even at John Glenn International Airport. Current owners Carolyn and Bill have thoughtfully updated the interior while preserving its historic character.

See this beloved Village landmark during the 65th Haus und Garten Tour, June 27 & 28

Tickets: GermanVillage.com/TOUR

The Haus und Garten PreTour is an opportunity to step inside some of German Village's most beautiful homes and gardens, ...
06/17/2026

The Haus und Garten PreTour is an opportunity to step inside some of German Village's most beautiful homes and gardens, discover spaces at each stop not featured on Sunday's Tour, and celebrate the people and preservation efforts that make this neighborhood so special.

After the VIP Tour, gather with friends at the Cocktail Party featuring bites from 10 local culinary partners, wines from Bonny Doon, beer from Parsons North Brewing, and live music by the Fort Hayes All-Stars.

Join us for an evening of beautiful homes, great conversation, and village hospitality.

Tickets available now: GermanVillage.com/TOUR or use the link in our bio

06/16/2026

Then & Now: Haus und Garten Tour Edition

Featured here are two remarkable stops among the ten homes and gardens on this year's tour:

📍 911 City Park Ave.
Originally built in 1882 as a storefront and residence, this unique property blends Italianate and Greek Revival influences. Its intricate brick cornice, grand storefront windows and rare German-imported rondel glass remain as reminders of its rich past, while careful restoration has transformed it into a warm and inviting home.

📍 856 Mohawk St.
Built in 1878, this historic cottage captures the charm and character that define German Village. Nestled along one of the neighborhood's iconic brick streets, the home's traditional architecture and enduring sense of place continue to inspire residents and visitors alike.

These then-and-now images showcase what makes German Village so special: generations of caretakers preserving history while creating homes for today.

Join us on June 28 for the 65th Haus und Garten Tour and experience these remarkable properties in person.

Massive gratitude to our sponsors and in-kind partners that collectively help make this year's Haus und Garten Tour and ...
06/13/2026

Massive gratitude to our sponsors and in-kind partners that collectively help make this year's Haus und Garten Tour and PreTour possible! These sponsorships and partnerships are trust-built relationships that have spanned years - even decades! Their support reinforces our mission to protect, preserve, and celebrate the vast benefits delivered through our Village!

A sincere appreciation to Vutech & Ruff, Cutler Real Estate for once again serving as our presenting sponsor!

🎟️ Buy tickets or 🙋 volunteer today at germanvillage.com/tour

Press release of all homes:https://germanvillage.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GV-Haus-und-Garten-Tour-2026-Press-Release.pdf

Behind these doors are stories waiting to be told.We're excited to reveal the 10 homes featured on the 65th Haus und Gar...
06/12/2026

Behind these doors are stories waiting to be told.

We're excited to reveal the 10 homes featured on the 65th Haus und Garten Tour.

From thoughtfully restored historic residences to beautifully designed contemporary living spaces, each stop tells a unique story of preservation, stewardship, and life in German Village. Along the way, you'll discover stunning gardens, hidden courtyards, and the creative ways homeowners honor the neighborhood's rich architectural heritage while making these spaces their own.

Join us on Saturday, June 27, 4 pm - 8 pm (PreTour) or Sunday, June 28, 9 am - 4 pm, and experience the homes, gardens, and stories that make German Village one of Columbus' most beloved historic neighborhoods.

Which stop are you most excited to see?

Tickets available at GermanVillage.com/TOUR or use the link in our bio

06/10/2026

For 65 years, the German Village Haus und Garten Tour has offered a rare opportunity to step beyond the brick streets and garden walls and experience the homes, courtyards, and hidden spaces that make this neighborhood so special.

What visitors see on tour day is more than architecture. It is the result of generations of stewardship, preservation, and care by the people who call German Village home.

Join us on June 28 as we celebrate one of the neighborhood’s most cherished traditions and help support the preservation efforts that ensure German Village remains a place where history is not just remembered, but lived.

Tickets available now at GermanVillage.com/TOUR

Be part of one of German Village’s most beloved traditions!Volunteers are needed for the 65th Haus und Garten Tour on Ju...
06/02/2026

Be part of one of German Village’s most beloved traditions!

Volunteers are needed for the 65th Haus und Garten Tour on June 27& 28.

Whether you're greeting guests, helping at tour homes, assisting with logistics, or supporting visitors throughout the weekend, you'll play an important role in making this signature event a success.

It's a great way to meet neighbors, support preservation, and experience the Tour from a unique perspective.

Join us in welcoming thousands of visitors to Historic German Village!

Sign up today, link in our bio

Address

588 S. 3rd Street
Columbus, OH
43215

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+16142218888

Website

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