Nancy Bethal
Nancy Bethel’s deep roots in Hilliard, Ohio, have shaped both her life and her passion for preserving the town’s rich history. In this interview, she shares her journey, her love for her community, and the ways she is contributing to its growth and preservation.
What brought you to Hilliard? My family moved to Hilliard the summer before I began fourth grade at Ridgewood Elementary. My father worked for Nationwide Insurance and was transferred to the Columbus office. My mother, a teacher, first taught at Avery Elementary and later became the 7th-grade literature teacher at Hilliard Junior High.
How long have you been in Hilliard? I’ve lived and worked in Hilliard on and off for 63 years. I graduated from Hilliard High School in 1972. My husband, Dale, has deep family ties to the area, as his family owned Stan’s Pizza for many years. Dale and I also worked at Ohio Motorcycle in Hilliard. We bought our home on Norwich Street in 1981.
What do you like best about Hilliard? Hilliard has always been a fantastic place to grow up and raise a family. It’s so convenient, with easy access to Columbus and many other suburbs. Though it has grown into a big city, it still maintains a small-town feel, especially in Old Hilliard, where I live. I adore the town’s history, the lively downtown, and the wonderful neighbors.
What would you like to see changed or improved in Hilliard? Hilliard boasts a vibrant history with many historical buildings, and I hope we continue to preserve them for future generations. I’d love to see more efforts toward protecting these landmarks as part of the city’s long-term planning.
How long have you been involved in the Hilliard Ohio Historical Society (HOHS)? I’ve been volunteering with the Historical Society since 2022. I started by working in the Hilliard Historical Library.
What attracted you to the HOHS? I’ve always had a passion for history. When I retired, I was looking for a way to volunteer that aligned with my interests, particularly history and gardening. The Hilliard Historical Society library, museum, and village were right down the street, making it the perfect fit.
What do you like most about the HOHS? I enjoy learning about the history of Hilliard and, of course, connecting with the amazing people who are members and volunteers. They make the experience even more rewarding.
What changes or improvements would you like to see in the HOHS? We’re beginning to refresh the displays in the museum, which is exciting. I’m hopeful this will make the exhibits even more engaging for visitors. We’re also planning special events, such as the Timeless Threads historic clothing display coming in May 2025, which should help attract more visitors and potential volunteers.
What type of work at the HOHS do you enjoy the most? I love working in the library because there’s so much to learn about Hilliard’s history. But my favorite activity is decorating and volunteering at the Haunted Village event. I decorated the cabin and dressed as a witch to hand out candy to kids. It was such a fun experience!
What has the HOHS meant to you? The HOHS has truly enhanced my retirement. I’ve learned a great deal about the city’s history since I began volunteering, and I’ve also met many wonderful new friends. It’s been an enriching experience in more ways than one.
Are you involved in other community organizations? Yes, I’ve just completed the program to become a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer for Franklin County. I volunteer at several community gardens, including the veggie gardens at Waterman Farm. The produce we grow is donated to food pantries throughout the county, which makes it incredibly rewarding.
Nancy’s story is a testament to the power of stewardship—whether through preserving the history of Hilliard or helping to cultivate the community's future through gardening. Her contributions have not only enriched her own life but have also significantly impacted the Historical Society, Hilliard, and its residents.
