What is it?
This has to be one of the coolest, most random, hidden-in-plain-sight oddities of Columbus. One day we were exploring Hilliard when we headed to the Hilliard’s Station Park parking lot and spotted this on the way. Though we had visited this area a few times, we had never given this warehouse-looking building a glance. As we walked back past it, we saw that it was open, and we had to check it out.
I’m so glad we did. You can see the unassuming outside above, and I did not know what to expect. Inside, there is a sea of television sets! It is basically a history lesson on the development of the TV. There are working sets set up with footage from as early as the 1920’s! As you walk through, you wind past a couple hundred sets, with histories of who made it, what it was for, and interesting facts about each piece, and even an audio tour.
Maybe I am a huge nerd (I mean, most likely) but we probably spent an hour and a half combing through this vast collection of knowledge. It felt like walking through time in family living rooms, like strolling through films from black and white through the invention of color TV.
Where is it?
The Early Television Museum is located in Downtown Old Hilliard, in the block behind Hilliard’s Station Park and near the Center Street Market. Parking is a non-issue; they have their own lot, and even if they didn’t, Hilliard’s public parking is on the block.
What you need to know about visiting:
At the time I originally wrote this post, the museum was closed because of COVID-19, but they are back! Admittedly, the picture of the outside is not indicative of how awesome it is inside – I wish I would have snapped some pics when we visited (although, you might want to see if they have a policy on cameras). In any case, you can find videos on YouTube if you search “Early Television Museum” – it is a one-of-a-kind in the US.
When it is open, it is run by donation only, no fee for admittance. As you can see below, you can email “info@earlytelevision.org” or call (614)771-0510 with questions. You can also keep an eye on their website here.
They are open Saturdays from 10a-6p and Sundays from noon-5p. You can also book reservations throughout the week
Other things to do in the area
To grab your morning cup o’ joe, go to nearby Coffee Connections.
Want grab a cold one later in the day? Head next door to Crooked Can Brewing.
Curious about the area (or just want to grab a bite)? You’re on the main strip through Hilliard – why not check out Center Street Market?
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Email us at help@brewsandtodos.com