It all started in 1995 when local resident Pat Holter, Regent of the Return Jonathan Meigs Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, asked the chapter to foster the Chester Courthouse Restoration. Mary Powell was appointed to be the Chairperson.
The Ewing Chapter Sons of the American Revolution was approached for assistance, and Dale Colburn was appointed as representative.
The restoration idea was presented at a community meeting and the citizens of Chester received the project idea with great enthusiasm. Permission was then acquired from the Meigs County Commissioners as the county owns the building. Guidelines were written to form a non-profit organization which would oversee the project for perpetual care.
On June 10, 1995 the Meigs County Commissioners Fred Hoffman, Robert Hartenbaugh and Janet Howard signed an agreement with The Chester Shade Historical Association. The association filed for 501(c)(3) status that was approved by the IRS on October 22, 1996.
Over the next few years, grants from The Ohio Appalachian Facilities Fund, Ohio's County Community Development Block Grant, Modern Woodmen of America Matching Fund Grants, and funds raised by events and donations. The organization also purchased adjoining property to allow for additional parking.
Today, the Chester Courthouse Museum houses artifacts, historical and educational displays, and the courtroom has hosted mock trials and events where Meigs County students reap history and a sense of their community's past in Ohio's Oldest Standing Courthouse.
