Bevan Schneck
Bevan Schneck’s Journey to Preserving Hilliard’s History
When Bevan Schneck moved to Hilliard thirteen years ago, he wasn’t just searching for a home but a community. Coming from a small village in northwest Ohio and carrying memories of his time at The Ohio State University, he longed for a place that balanced the charm of small-town life with the opportunities of a thriving city. Hilliard, with its welcoming neighborhoods and convenient proximity to Columbus, became the perfect fit.
Bevan’s love for Hilliard blossomed over the years. "The people here are what make this place so special," he says. "Hilliard offers a unique blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm. It’s a safe and diverse community filled with kind people who genuinely care about one another."
But for Bevan, being a part of a community meant more than just living there—it meant engaging with it. That sense of connection led him to the Hilliard Ohio Historical Society (HOHS) three years ago. Inspired by a historical walking tour he took shortly after moving to Hilliard, Bevan felt drawn to preserving and sharing the town’s rich history. In 2022, while volunteering at the city’s Heart for Service event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, he took the leap and became a member of HOHS.
For Bevan, the joy of volunteering lies in bringing people together. “I love the events that connect our community and visitors to our historical roots,” he shares. “There’s something special about seeing a local resident learn how the past has shaped the places and names they know today. And it’s equally exciting to meet visitors and hear their stories of how they ended up in Hilliard.”
Bevan believes that understanding history fosters a sense of belonging. “To build a strong, cohesive community, we need to connect our residents—especially the newer ones—with our past,” he explains. Whether it’s through educational programs, gathering spaces, or events, Bevan sees tremendous potential for the HOHS to further its mission and ensure Hilliard’s history remains alive for future generations.
Beyond his work with the historical society, Bevan’s commitment to Hilliard extends into other areas of community service. As chair of the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission, a member of the Keep Hilliard Beautiful initiative, and an alumnus of the Hilliard Citizens Police Academy, Bevan’s dedication to his city is unwavering. He even finds time to volunteer as a voting location manager on Election Day and participate in the TBDBITL Alumni Club. Through it all, Bevan’s connection to Hilliard has only deepened. “The historical society has given me a greater appreciation for this community and its people,” he says. “It reminds me that to know where we’re going, we have to know where we’ve been.”
As Hilliard grows and evolves, Bevan hopes to see continued collaboration between the historical society and the city. “Whether it’s through downtown historical building designations or new markers to commemorate our history, there’s so much opportunity to celebrate and preserve what makes Hilliard unique,” he says.
For Bevan Schneck, stewardship isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about building a future where every resident feels a sense of connection and belonging. And through his work with the HOHS and beyond, he’s helping to make that vision a reality, one story at a time.
Submitted by Bob Eggerichs
