Public Opinion: Beyond the Headlines in Westerville

Exhibit opens May 1, 2026

Within 15 years of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution was established to protect the rights of free speech, free press, and peaceful assembly.   

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, become an investigative journalist to uncover the stories behind some of the most gripping headlines and heated debates in Westerville history. Fact-check your sources, expose bias, flex your interview skills, and discover the many viewpoints of citizens and public figures of yesterday and today. 

Featured Stories

  • Land of the Unfree
  • Westerville: Bone Dry?
  • The War of the Words
  • Whose Kids Are These? Westerville School District Boundaries
  • Westerville Takes to the Streets

This exhibit discusses racial tensions and displays records that reflect the language or attitudes of the historic period in which they were created. Though there is no age restriction for entry, please note that this exhibit covers historical topics related to alcohol. No alcohol will be served. 

Source: This exhibit was curated by the Westerville History Museum and unveiled in May 2026.

Museum Hours

Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm
Closed on Saturday: 1-2pm
Closed on Sunday

Westerville History MuseumWesterville History Museum

Through historical collections and learning experiences, deepen your understanding of your community and its place in the world. From Underground Railroad activities to anti-alcohol efforts, the people who came before you have shaped the course of American history and given Westerville a unique legacy.
Through historical collections and learning experiences, deepen your understanding of your community and its place in the world. From Underground Railroad activities to anti-alcohol efforts, the people who came before you have shaped the course of American history and given Westerville a unique legacy.

Westerville Black History

Discover local Black historical figures' stories of courage, perseverance, creativity and how they shaped the history of Westerville.

Historic map will be preserved thanks to $4,999 grant.

Jan 06, 2026
This project is supported by federal Institute of Museum and Library Services funds, granted through the State Library of Ohio.

Ukrainian Culture in Central Ohio (Nov. 2025-Sept. 2026)

Nov 19, 2025
Dive into the world of Ukrainian culture with art inspired by folklore and oral histories of Ukrainian families in the Westerville area.

Log Cabins of Westerville (Nov. 2025-Sept. 2026)

Nov 19, 2025
Find out about the lost, surviving, and at risk log cabins from the 1800s to today.

Jackie B.

Jackie has made a career of working with communities to tell their stories and preserve their history.

Jim S.

Jim loves digging into the archives of historic maps and news in the Westerville History Museum.

Katy K.

Katy loves bringing history to life, getting hands-on with artifacts, and helping people discover meaning and relevance in the past.

Kaitlin S.

Kaitlin is passionate about helping the Westerville Public Library remain strong for future generations.
Back to Top