Ed Jeffers

Ed Jeffers (1928-2006) was born in Canal Winchester, Ohio. He graduated from Andrews Barber College and received his Ohio Barber license in 1958. From 1958-1971 he owned barber shops in Columbus, Ohio. From 1969-1972 he served as President of the Ohio Barber Board and from 1971 until his death in 2006, he served as Executive Director of the Ohio Barber Board. He was CEO of the National Association of Barber Boards (1973-1993) and then served as Communication Officer of the National Association of Barber Boards (1993-2006). Ed was known as the "Godfather of Barbering".

Ed also served as Secretary-Treasurer of Barbers Local #204 for 6 years and was an administrator of the National Barber Examination for all State Barber Boards for 6 years. He was also served as Secretary-Treasurer of Barbers Local #204 for 6 years, and was an administrator of the National Examinations for all State Barber Boards for 6 years. He was past union lobbyist and legislative aide for all union barbers in Ohio.

It was in 1988 that the Ed Jeffers Barber Museum was started in rooms next to his upstairs apartment at 2 South High Street in Canal Winchester. He began with only about a dozen pieces and the collection grew to several thousand individual artifacts housed in 3500 square feet. "It is important to know where we've come from and how we've progressed, in order to know where we're going", said Ed in an interview.

The museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 States as well as many foreign countries. It has been featured on TV shows on the Discovery Channel, the Family Channel, Fox Live and Japanese TV. The museum has also been featured in many magazines such as the Smithsonian and the front page of the Wall Street Journal (July 30, 1999).

Upon Ed's passing, it was specified in his will that the museum stay in Canal Winchester and that the collection remain intact. The Canal Winchester Area Historical Society took over the operation of the museum in 2007. The museum name was changed to the National Barber Museum and Hall of Fame founded by Ed Jeffers since this is the only museum in the world of its size to be dedicated totally to barbering. The Barber Hall of Fame is maintained by the museum and the museum is currently open by appointment. Michael Ippoliti, Canal Winchester Area Historical Society trustee, currently serves as curator and director. Ed's legacy continues to live on and grow, remembering the dedication and contributions he made to the barbering profession.