
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Historical Society is set to transform the Ross County Heritage Center into a storybook wonderland with its “Fairy Tales” Junior Member Program on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 45 W. Fifth St., Chillicothe. Designed to ignite a passion for reading, this interactive event invites families to dive into the magical world of fairy tales through crafts, storytelling, and rare literary treasures.
The program features a pop-up exhibit showcasing original editions of classic children’s books, including early volumes from the Oz series, drawn from the society’s special collections. Children will have the chance to engage in hands-on crafts and contribute to creating a chalk-based “Yellow Brick Road.” At 2:00 p.m., a special presentation will explore the historical roots of fairy tales, highlighting The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as America’s first fairy tale. A storytime session at 3:00 p.m., led by a librarian from the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library, will offer enchanting readings, with library books available for checkout.
Adding to the magic, families can meet iconic Wizard of Oz characters, including Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch, and the Wicked Witch of the West, who will mingle with guests throughout the event. The program is free for current Junior Members, with a $10 fee for new participants, granting access to all Junior Member programs for the next year.
The Ross County Historical Society encourages families to join this celebration of literature, history, and imagination. For more information, contact the society at 740-772-1936 or [email protected].