Clarke-May Museum

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-May House museum sign behind a large rosemary shrub Pink petunias and perennial beds along the brick side of the museum The museum porch and balcony with hydrangeas in bloom The museum sign above the herb garden with sunflowers and basil Framed cases of prehistoric American Indian points from the Marvin Dreisbach collection Archaeology room with county maps, artifacts and display cases The one-room schoolhouse exhibit with chalkboard, desks and teacher’s table School exhibit mantel with class photographs and Circleville Tigers letter jackets Period costume display with a frock coat, gowns and an antique pram Display case of antique hats, gloves and dolls beneath a gilt mirror Wall of framed bird nest prints surrounding a portrait in a gilt frame Antique quilts displayed beneath a row of vintage hat boxes Scouting exhibit with uniforms and the Air Scout Squadron 84 banner Cabinet of woven jacquard coverlets and quilts Wall of early Circleville team photographs and athletic memorabilia Antique dental chair, crutches and instrument tray in the dentistry exhibit Dr. Clarke’s dental office with cabinet, chair and treadle drill by the window Dental cabinets, instrument cases and a period child mannequin Green parlor with library table, gramophone and early television console Toy room with dollhouses, a rocking horse and cases of antique dolls Civil War case with soldier’s memorials, sidearms and personal effects Yellow dining room with china cabinets, chandelier and map table Davis Demons drum corps exhibit with drums, uniform and jacket Sword carried by Col. Martin van Buren Lindsay beside his portrait Circleville Pumpkin Show room with queen’s gown, crown and memorabilia Painting of the Clarke-May House by B. Owens The museum seen across the brick street, brick house with frame addition Side view of the museum with the neighboring frame house and flower beds Corner view of the museum behind its iron fence with coneflowers in bloom The museum entrance and porch with flower beds along the walks The Clarke-May House sign among black-eyed susans and hostas The sidewalk view along the museum with hanging sign and gardens The museum porch framed by pink coneflowers in midsummer

Exhibits & Collections

Restored 19th-Century Dentist’s Office

Restored 19th-Century Dentist’s Office,
Clarke Family Artifacts and Pickaway County Historical Exhibits

Visit Us

Clark-May House signage

Clarke-May House
Pickaway County Historical Society
162 West Union Street
Circleville, Ohio 43113
Hours:
Tuesday-Friday, 1 PM - 4 PM
Saturday by appointment only.

Admission: Free, donations welcome