A Historic Gem
The Betts House has been part of Cincinnati's history for over 200 years. Built in 1804 by William and Phebe Betts, the house is the oldest surviving brick building in Cincinnati, made with bricks using the clay rich soil from their land. In 1996 we opened to the public as a house museum. This remarkable survivor of Cincinnati’s period of settlement offers exhibits and programs on the Betts Family, the city of Cincinnati, and the House.
Betts-Longworth Historic District
The House is located in this historic neighborhood in the city’s West End, named after two of the area’s original property owners, William Betts and Nicholas Longworth. Both owned large tracts of land which were subdivided in the 1830’s and sold as individual lots. The area includes a well-preserved collection of c. 1860 to 1910 residences, which range in style from Italianate to Queen Anne. Decorative iron fences and low, stone walls are characteristic of the area and add to the area's strong sense of time and place. This area was once dotted by small estates and farmlands and comprised the northwestern border of the city limits.
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Testimonials
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The Betts House is a cornerstone of our neighborhood’s history and identity. It stands as a living reminder of Cincinnati’s resilience and craftsmanship, connecting us to stories that shaped this community. Preserving this site ensures future generations can experience and learn from our shared past. It’s more than a house—it’s a symbol of heritage and pride for the Betts-Longworth Historic District.
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The Betts House is a true Cincinnati gem – small in size, but filled with history, heart, and unforgettable charm.
Our Mission
To honor and preserve the Betts House as a symbol of Cincinnati's early history and as a gathering place for learning and connection - through exhibits and events that celebrate the enduring legacy of the House, the Betts family, and our city’s past.
Owned and Managed by the NSCDA-Ohio
The Betts House is owned and managed as a house museum by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Ohio.
The NSCDA-Ohio is one of the organization’s 42 states which includes over 15,000 members who are caretakers of historic places and the histories within them. We have over 60 sites that we maintain to explore and relive America’s incredible journey over the past 250 years. The Betts House is but one of them.
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