Downtown Sidney Index
The National Register of Historic Places recognizes more than 70,000 places in the
U.S.; every community has these special places that document how those before us lived,
struggled and influenced what we have become. However, in a rush for progress,
people have often sacrificed the very monuments impressive or humble that
embody their unique identity. Fortunately, Sidney, Ohio, continues to preserve many of its
significant historic buildings.
The downtown business district features an architectural excellence unmatched in
Western Ohio for its quality. Within a one block radius of the Shelby County Courthouse
may be found an astonishing range of architectural styles such as Federal/Canal era, Greek
Revival, Italianate, Victorian Gothic, French Second Empire, Neo-Classical Revival,
Georgian Revival, Sullivanesque and Art Moderne.
In 1995, the Shelby County Courthouse Square in downtown Sidney was selected as one of
63 places nationwide as a Great American Public Place. It was chosen primarily due to its
beauty, the historically preserved character of its many buildings, and the fact that it
is still an active and vital part of the community.
The Historical Society is seeking to form a partnership with teachers to use historic
properties to educate Shelby Countys young people about their heritage. If students
are to truly care about preserving historic places, they must understand why they are
important. The Society is not pushing preservation but believes
that recognition of the significance of places leads to the desire to protect them.
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