The historic Kelton House Museum, a notable Columbus landmark dating back to 1852 and recognized for its role in the Underground Railroad, was rocked by an explosion this Monday. A gas leak is said to have triggered the disaster, which led to the "catastrophic" explosion and subsequent fire, as reported by WBNS. Firefighters undertook a challenging task to extinguish the fire and rescue much of the building's contents.
Columbus Fire Assistant Chief Mike Secrist, in a statement obtained by WBNS, said, "Our guys did their best. They did pull a lot of artifacts and stuff out of this building due to this historical significance." Despite their efforts, Secrist acknowledged that not everything could be saved from the home, which, besides its historical cache, plays an integral role in educating over 4,000 students annually through various programs that animate 19th-century history.
The incident, which took place at 586 East Town Street around 2:30 p.m., caused extensive fire and water damage, rendering the structure unstable. This was confirmed in a report by Columbus Navigator, noting that the explosion was so forceful that it was felt by neighbors in adjacent apartments. Fortunately, museum staff evacuated prior to the emergency response, and all firefighters inside the building at the time managed to escape unharmed.
Despite the devastation, plans to rebuild the cherished site are underway, with Kristina Ellis, president of the Junior League of Columbus, affirming the organization's commitment to restoring the Kelton House. Ellis told ABC6, "The organization is still waiting on a full damage assessment, but remains committed to restoring the site." The Junior League has been responsible for the preservation of the Kelton House for nearly five decades, ensuring that its historic value and stories continue to enlighten future generations.
