Elvira Michaels

Elvira Michaels is a volunteer docent at our Historical Village. When she arrived in the United States from Italy in 1967, she didn’t speak a word of English. Initially, she planned to work for the summer and then return home. However, plans changed, and she decided to stay. Elvira spent two years living in Grandview with her future mother-in-law before moving to an apartment on 5th Avenue in Columbus for five years. Eventually, she and her husband settled in Hilliard 50 years ago, drawn by the affordable housing.

In Hilliard, they raised four children, appreciating the town's close-knit, community feel that reminded Elvira of home. Her children attended school from preschool through high school in Hilliard, and she was always pleased with the quality of education they received. Elvira also valued the wide range of extracurricular activities available for her children, such as swimming and soccer.

Over the years, Elvira has witnessed significant changes as Hilliard transformed from a rural town into a thriving city. She views change as a necessary and often positive force but emphasizes the need for continued improvements in schools and the addition of more public transportation. Living in Old Hilliard, she has seen first-hand the growing issues of excessive traffic and limited parking, which struggle to keep pace with the town’s increasing activities.

Elvira has been involved with the Hilliard Ohio Historical Society for at least five years, possibly longer. She initially started volunteering at the Senior Center to stay informed about community happenings and later expanded her involvement to the historical village. As a volunteer docent, she enjoys giving tours of the village’s historic buildings on weekends, sharing the rich history and stories of how people used to live. “I enjoy giving back to the community,” she says.

However, Elvira believes more people, especially younger generations, need to get involved. “The Village is a hidden jewel of the city. A lot of people do not know we exist,” she notes. She suggests organizing more events for children to attract younger families and ensure the legacy of the Historical Society and the Historical Village continues.

Elvira’s favorite building to show visitors is the log cabin, though she also enjoys guiding them through the one-room schoolhouse and the Colwell Church. She takes special pleasure in sharing that when she first moved to Hilliard, the railroad station—now part of the Village—was originally located downtown, close to her home.

Although her time at the Senior Center and the Village has become limited due to other priorities, Elvira remains actively involved. She enjoys taking trips offered by the Senior Center and continues to volunteer on weekends, leading building tours at the Village. In addition, she dedicates time to babysitting her grandchild, Lawrence, and caring for her son, who is ill.