History

Explore the invention and technology of the television, old cameras, and a mobile production van in the nation’s only television devoted museum. Over 150 TV sets are on display in a 6000 square foot area. Displays include mechanical TVs from the 1920s and 30s; early electronic British sets from 1936-39; early electronic American sets from 1939-41; postwar sets from1945-58; and early color sets from 1953-57. Many of these sets are working. The Dave Johnson collection of early television picture tubes is also on display, along with early TV studio equipment. The Museum is open on weekends (Saturdays 10 a. m. - 6 p. m. & Sundays Noon - 5 p. m. ) and by appointment. There is no admission charge to the museum, but donations are welcomed. The Early Television Museum is located at the beginning of the Heritage Rail Trail bike in Old Hilliard.

First Responders Park in Old Hilliard serves as a somber gathering place to remember the sacrifices made on 9/11 and beyond. Hilliard’s unique First Responders Park is one of the largest 9/11 memorials of its kind. It’s also among the first to be given relics of that tragic day – two twisted pieces of steel from the World Trade Center. The park also features a pergola designed to resemble the façade of Twin Towers, a sculpture of an eternal flame and huge granite blocks listing the names of everyone who perished on 9/11.  In addition to serving as a memorial to 9/11, First Responders Park also pays tribute to all police and fire personnel who put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis to protect ordinary citizens.

Experience early American life as you walk through the 1850 period village consisting of a One-Room Schoolhouse (built 1891), Log Cabin (circa 1850), Colwell Church (built 1876), Train Station (built 1899), Caboose (built 1920), Kuhn Barn (built 1870), Voting Wagon (circa 1920), Lattice Covered Bridge (reproduction circa 19th Century), Granary (circa 1850) , Antique Car Barn (Model A car & Model T Truck), Norwich Pavilion (reproduction circa 19th century) and Historical Museum (containing artifacts and displays dating back to the 1800s). The Colwell Church is available for weddings and other special events April 1 through November 30. The pews in the church can seat up to 110 guests. New to the park is the recently constructed Norwich Pavilion. The Pavilion can accommodate wedding ceremonies, receptions, graduation or birthday parties and reunions with up to 132 guests. The Historical Village at Weaver Park is maintained and managed by the Hilliard Historical Society.

Merchant Park is located near the current trailhead of the Heritage Rail Trail, where the community’s first trail depot once stood. Dedicated in 2021, the park honors the first black family believed to have settled in what is now the City of Hilliard. Merchant Park boasts local art, a gazebo, pond views, and green space.