By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

The Warren County Historical Society would like to take over ownership of the Glendower State Memorial from the state. The Enquirer/MICHAEL SNYDER

LEBANON - A nearly 165-year-old estate here could soon become the property of the Warren County Historical Society.

The organization has requested that ownership of Glendower State Memorial, a restored Greek Revival mansion, be transferred to it from the state of Ohio.

Officials think local ownership would make it easier to raise funds to operate the site as a museum.

About 60 residents attended a public hearing Wednesday held by the Ohio Historical Society to discuss the possible transfer, proposed in 2003.

"We must get this property," said Lebanon resident Mary Allen, a member and volunteer of the Warren County Historical Society. "It's a very important part of local history."

The home was given to the state in 1945 by the local historical society. The organization has managed Glendower since 1982 for the Ohio Historical Society, which provides an annual subsidy.

"We think this is an interesting idea, one that is certainly worthy of serious consideration," said George Kane, director of facilities management for the Ohio Historical Society.

The transfer would allow the organization, hit by state budget woes, to concentrate on other sites.

Operating the site could cost between $25,000 and $30,000 a year, said Mary Payne, museum director for the Warren County Historical Society. Funds would come from admissions, events, rentals, private contributions and grants.

Glendower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Last year, about 1,300 people visited the historic home.

Sara Timmerman, a neighbor of Glendower, believes it's important to revitalize the property but doesn't want it to come at her community's expense.

"Our only concern is that it maintain its character and not become a detriment to the neighborhood in any way, and we think we can trust the Warren County Historical Society to do that," Timmerman said.

The Ohio Historical Society board of trustees is expected to make a recommendation to the state in December. If the transfer is recommended, the decision will go to the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, which will prepare legislation.

Through August, Glendower is open from noon-4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. (Days/hours change in September.)