Mission & History

Celebrating the life and preserving the legacy of Circleville's own Ted Lewis by making everybody happy through education and entertainment.

Founded in 1977 by Lewis’ widow, Adah Becker Lewis, the Ted Lewis Museum pays tribute to one of Ohio’s greatest citizens and one of the most influential entertainers of all time. The museum holds and exhibits Ted Lewis’ archives, memorabilia and music library in the only remaining edifice that stood within the original circle of Circleville. Upon Ted Lewis' passing, the Smithsonian Institute, Yale and Harvard University all asked for Ted’s collection, but his widow Adah made sure that everything was donated back to his hometown, which Ted fondly referred to as “The Capital of the World.”  Admission to the museum is free and it hosts thousands of visitors from around the world.