The Mission of the Ted Lewis Museum is to further the life and music of Ted Lewis by displaying his memorabilia and providing music scholarships and instruments for Pickaway County, Ohio students.
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 jazz musicians 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 is open from 1:00 - 5:00 pm every Friday and Saturday, hosting thousands of visitors from around the world.
