Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff each can boast a collection of homes of architectural and historical significance. The Marker program affords an opportunity to highlight those homes. It is yet another chapter in our goal to tell our communities’ story.
What are the goals of this program?
To acknowledge the broad spectrum of century-old homes in our communities.
To provide a sense of community pride and enrichment through education.
To celebrate your home’s place in history.
To instill the importance of preservation efforts today and how they may impact our tomorrow.
Who can apply for a 100+ Year-Old Home Marker?
Your home must be at least 100 years old as of December 31st of the current year. (e.g., for 2024, built in 1924 or before).
Your home’s facade must retain the historic character of the home. Renovations should not have eliminated the original historic nature of the structure’s facade. A new or completely renovated/remodeled facade would make the home ineligible.
Where can I find out what year my house was built?
The Franklin County Auditor’s website is a good starting point (www.franklincountyauditor.com).
Sanborn Insurance Maps from 1922 can help verify dates of construction. These maps are available at the Columbus Metropolitan Library downtown or online with a valid library card. (Please note: addresses were all revised sometime after 1922). Once the maps are access, thes earch is conducted using the following parameters: 1) Select Columbus; 2) Select 1921-22 Volume 6; 3) Select street address; and, 4) Enter name of the street
Other sources may be an abstract, a newspaper notice, etc.
What do I do next if my house qualifies and I would like a marker?
You must complete an application: either a paper application or an online application here.
Paper applications are available at the Grandview Heights Public Library (GHPL) on the first floor in the information area. Once the paper application is completed, please mail or drop it off at GHPL, Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society Founders Room (Second floor), 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus, OH 43212.
The online application can be accessed here.
Is there a cost to participate in the Marker program?
Current Society Member - If you are a current member and have paid your dues, your first marker is free in 2024. You only need to complete an application. Online is the easiest. If you complete a paper application, you can mail or drop off to the Society at: Grandview Heights Public Library, GH/MCHS Founders Room (Second floor), 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus, OH 43212.
New Society Member – In honor of the Society’s 50th Anniversary, if you become a member in 2024 you will receive a free initial marker. You will need to do the following:
First, complete an application. An online application is the easiest. If you complete a paper application, mail or drop it off to the Sociey at: Grandview Heights Public Library, GH/MCHS Founders Room (Second floor), 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus, OH 43212.
Next, become a member. If you complete an online application, you can join as a member through that process. If you use a paper application, you can join as a member here or if you complete a paper application, mail or drop it off to the Society at: Grandview Heights Public Library, GH/MCHS Founders Room (Second floor), 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus, OH 43212 with your check payable to GH/MCHS. Annual memberships are offered: $30.00 for Single or $60.00 for Family.
Marker Only - If you do not want to become a Society member or need a replacement marker, the cost is $10 for 2024. Note: future costs may increase if production costs increase. You will need to do the following:
First, complete an application. An online application is the easiest. If you complete a paper application, mail or drop it off to the Society at: Grandview Heights Public Library, GH/MCHS Founders Room (Second floor), 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus, OH 43212 with your check.
Next, the cost of a marker is $10. If you complete an online application, you can pay through that process. If you use a paper application, you can write a check payable to GH/MCHS and include it with your application.
How do I obtain a Marker once I have completed the application process?
The application asks if you will be picking up the marker at the Grandview Heights Public Library or if you would like it delivered to your house.
Please Note: The GHPL pick-up location is on the Second floor in the Society’s Founders Room only. You can contact the Society at ghmchs@gmail.com to arrange for a pick-up.
Where should the Marker be placed?
The marker should be placed in the front yard of your house close to your front door and visible from public walkways.
When are the Markers to be displayed?
The marker should be placed in your yard during September and October.
An e-mail will be sent to remind you to put your marker out and to take it down.
Please store markers in a dry location so you can reuse the marker next year. If you need a replacement marker they can be purchased from the Society.