Discover the Clarke-May Museum:
A Journey Through Time
The Clarke-May Museum, housed in a historic brick building dating back to the 1840s, showcases the life and legacy of Dr. Edward Clarke and his family. Visitors can explore antique furniture, period clothing, and a fully preserved 19th-century dental office.
The historic hipped roof structure at the northeast corner of Scioto and Union Streets dates back to the mid-1800s and was built in two sections by Dr. Edward Clarke, a Connecticut dentist, and his wife, Margaretta. The eastern wing, constructed in 1845, served as Dr. Clarke’s dentistry practice and now houses the Pickaway County Historical Society office. The west wing was later added in 1854.
The Clarke family played a significant role in the area's history. Hartley Clarke, Edward’s son and also a dentist, was born in the home in 1849. In 1875, he married Clara Barrere and later built a large Victorian frame house just four doors east of his childhood home in 1887. After Edward Clarke’s passing in 1896, his granddaughter, Abbe Mills Clarke, took residence in the family home.
Abbe Clarke was a talented musician and served as organist for the Presbyterian Church. From the early 1940s until her passing in 1947, she shared her home with her close friend, Alice Ada May, who later inherited the property. In 1965, Miss May bequeathed the house and its contents to the Pickaway County Historical Society, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Many artifacts belonging to the Clarke family and Miss May remain on display throughout the house, including the dental cabinet used by Dr. Hartley Clarke. A large two-story frame addition was later constructed on the north side of the building to provide a meeting space and display area, incorporating the original family kitchen.
The museum officially opened to the public on June 18, 1972, and continues to offer insight into Pickaway County's history, preserving the legacy of the Clarke family and their contributions to the community.
The Clarke family played a significant role in the area's history. Hartley Clarke, Edward’s son and also a dentist, was born in the home in 1849. In 1875, he married Clara Barrere and later built a large Victorian frame house just four doors east of his childhood home in 1887. After Edward Clarke’s passing in 1896, his granddaughter, Abbe Mills Clarke, took residence in the family home.
Abbe Clarke was a talented musician and served as organist for the Presbyterian Church. From the early 1940s until her passing in 1947, she shared her home with her close friend, Alice Ada May, who later inherited the property. In 1965, Miss May bequeathed the house and its contents to the Pickaway County Historical Society, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Many artifacts belonging to the Clarke family and Miss May remain on display throughout the house, including the dental cabinet used by Dr. Hartley Clarke. A large two-story frame addition was later constructed on the north side of the building to provide a meeting space and display area, incorporating the original family kitchen.
The museum officially opened to the public on June 18, 1972, and continues to offer insight into Pickaway County's history, preserving the legacy of the Clarke family and their contributions to the community.
Photo Gallery
Exhibits & Collections
Restored 19th-Century Dentist’s Office,
Clarke Family Artifacts and Pickaway County Historical Exhibits
Clarke Family Artifacts and Pickaway County Historical Exhibits
Visit Us
Clarke-May House
Pickaway County Historical Society
162 West Union Street
Circleville, Ohio 43113
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Admission: Free, donations welcome
Pickaway County Historical Society
162 West Union Street
Circleville, Ohio 43113
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Admission: Free, donations welcome