Isaac Bigelow was born in New York August 25, 1797. He was the son of Dr. Israel Bigelow.  He came to Darby Township in Madison County where he had purchased a tract of land with the intention of establishing a stock farm.  Instead he founded the Village of Plain City.

As the tide of immigration seemed to be in the direction of central Ohio, Isaac Bigelow decided to lay out a town to meet the wants of the people.  Accordingly, on July 8, 1818 the plan of Westminster was laid out.  The name "Westminster" was later changed to "Pleasant Valley", and 15 years after Isaac's death the citizens petitioned their representative in the legislature for an act to change the name to Plain City.  It was done in 1872.

The Plain City Historical Society was founded in 1982.  The Society acquired a storefront at 111 West Main Street in the center of downtown and now operate a Museum and Historical Library where artifacts can be displayed and the history of the area can be preserved.

The Historical Society is currently open on:

• Tuesdays - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
• Thursdays - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm  (July to October: Thursdays - 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm)
• Saturdays - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

To check hours or schedule an appointment call: 614-570-2962. During the winter months and bad weather we will be closed if the schools are closed.