Robbins Hunter Museum

Alfred Avery built the Robbins Hunter Museum at the Avery-Downer House in 1842 in Granville, Ohio. It is nationally recognized as one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture. The Victoria Woodhull exhibit and resources inside the museum are internationally respected. The Woodhull Clock at the west entrance (see Victoria Woodhull Clock Clio entry) is one of two memorials to Victoria Woodhull worldwide. The Jill Griesse Historic Gardens are nationally certified by the American Daffodil Society.

The Avery-Downer House and Robbins Hunter Museum, a living testament to the 19^th-century decorative arts, stands as a historical beacon in Granville. Constructed in 1842 by the industrious Alfred Avery, it has been a cornerstone of Granville's narrative for over 180 years. The house's story unfolds with each addition, from 1875 to 1930, and culminates in the era of Robbins Hunter's stewardship from 1956 to 1979. 

 Until 1903, the house was a private residence owned successively by the Avery, Spelman, and Downer families. From 1903 to 1930, it was home to Denison University's Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and from 1930 until 1956, it was home to the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. From 1956 until 1979, Robbins Hunter, Jr. lived in the house and painstakingly collected antiques worthy of furnishing the interior. The Robbins Hunter Museum opened as a not-for-profit museum in 1981, per Hunter's will.

 The building has been meticulously restored to its 19th-century elegance. RHM now offers free tours of the historic house, hosts various cultural arts and educational programs, and engages the community in entertainment opportunities - all for the enrichment of the Granville Community.

The Robbins Hunter Museum's mission is to strengthen community bonds through engagement with culture, history, and art while interpreting and preserving the architecturally significant Avery-Downer house and gardens.

 RHM is currently recognized as one of America's foremost examples of Greek Revival architecture, a renowned Victoria Woodhull memorial and resource, and is nationally certified by the American Daffodil Society for our Jill Griesse Historic Gardens, which feature dozens of rare and historic varieties of daffodils.

Discover RHM, Robbins Hunter Museum. Accessed August 27th 2021. http://www.robbinshunter.org/home#new-page.