Ohio History Museums

Although the emphasis is on the local history of Allen County, Ohio, the museum features exhibits of natural history, science, art and even a Children's Discovery Center.  Located at 620 W. Market Street in Lima, OH.

Ashtabula County Museums

The Ashtabula Historical Society operates the following museums related to the history of the county and surrounding area.

Blakeslee Log Cabin   [History]

Built ca 1810, the log house is located at 441 Seven Hills Road in Ashtabula, OH.

Jennie Munger Gregory Memorial Museum is an 1823 farmhouse on Lake Erie's shore.  The house is furnished in Victorian style and exhibits the history of Ashtabula County.  Housed in the museum is the home of the Ashtabula Historical Society.  Researchers can use the research library by appointment. 

5682 Lake Road,

Geneva on the Lake, OH.

Joshua R. Giddings Law Office Museum

The original 1823 law office of Joshua R. Giddings, member of the Whig Party. 

108 North Chestnut Street

Jefferson, OH 44047

Athens County Historical Society and Museum

The museum collection contains over 40,000 historical items related to the history of the Athens County area and her people.  There is a library of local genealogies and histories at the site.  Located at 65 N. Court St. in Athens, OH.

Murray City, Ohio Train Depot and Coal Mining Museum

Built between 1890 and 1900 the Murray City Train Depot was the way to travel for coal miners and other visitors to the coal mine camp town of Murray City.  The train depot ahs been lovingly restored and features a glimpse into the yesteryear of Murray City.  Located in Murray City, OH.

[Bicycle Timeline] 

With over 300 bicycles on display, visitors will view antique bicycles and learn about the history and evolution of bicycles in America.  Located at 7 W. Monroe Street in New Bremen, OH.

Since 1982, people have been able to visit and tour the boyhood home of our 18th U.S. President, Ulysses S. Grant.

219 East Grant Avenue

Georgetown, OH

Housed inside the grand old 1861 Benninghofen House, the museum features period furnishings and artworks.  Visitors are able to view the 19th century lifestyle of prosperous industrialist John W. Benninghofen.  Located at 327 N. Second Street in Hamilton, OH.

Soldiers, Sailors & Pioneer Monument  

[Exhibits]  [Butler County War Veterans Search]

Built to honor all persons who first settled Butler County and in honor of the memory of all soldiers and sailors of Butler County, the monument was built on the site of Fort Hamilton which was built in 1791.  This beautiful 3 story monument holds inside it's walls - beautiful marble tablets with name of Butler County pioneers and veterans of American Wars from the Revolutionary War through the Spanish American War.  Located at 1 South Monument Avenue in downtown Hamilton, OH.

Located inside the 1890 Clark County City Hall and Marketplace, the Clark County Heritage Center boasts beautiful gallery exhibits, an archive and research library for researchers, , an art gallery, meeting facilities and more.  A few of the museum's major exhibits include; The National Road Gallery which traces the development of America's first super road; The Opening of Ohio which explores the early settlement of Ohio; Agriculture and History; and a military exhibit honoring Clark County War Veterans.  Docent guided tours are currently being offered.  Located at 117 South Fountain Avenue in Fountain Square which is in the middle of downtown Springfield, OH.

Built ca 1853, the Gowdy House is located at 125 George Street in the Susanna Historic District of New Richmond, OH.  Open by appointment only.

Ulysses S. Grant's Birthplace

This modest home was the birthplace to the 18th President of the United States and a Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The home is complete with period furnishings and memorabilia.  Located at U.S. 52 and Rt. 232 in Point Pleasant, OH.

African American Museum

Bedford Historical Society maintains 4 historical buildings:

1. 1874 Town Hall
2. 1832 Hezekiah Dunham House
3. 1882 Wheeling and Lake Erie Depot

4. 1892 Old Baptist Church

Cleveland Heights Historical Society  [Historic Home Photos]

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum

[Online Exhibits]

Showcasing vintage automobiles and antique aircraft, the collection is one of the top ten in the nation.  It is directly across from the Western Reserve Historical Society at 10825 East Boulevard in Cleveland, OH.

Dunham Tavern Museum

Frostville Museum of Nineteenth Century Americana

Seven historical buildings are included in this offering of past history.  The Prechtel House, Jenkin's Cabin, Bigg's House, Carpenter House, a general store, a barn and the Barton Road Church.  Most of these buildings were moved to the site for preservation.  Located in Olmsted, OH although the area was once known as Frostville.

Hale Farm & Village

[The Jonathan Hale Story]

This living history museum is focused on the era of the Civil War  Visitors will find themselves in Wheatfield Village, a small Ohio town caught in the middle of the War Between the States and experience the impact this major war in our nation's history had on the people who were left at home.  Skilled artisans are onsite.... spinning, weaving, glassblowing, candlemaking, basketmaking and these crafts are for sale.  Located at 2686 Oak Hill Road in Bath, OH.

Hay-McKinney Mansion & Bingham-Hanna House

[History of the two houses]

Built in 1911, the Hay-McKinney Italian Renaissance-style mansion features 30,000 items on exhibit.  Tour the beautiful mansion and discover the lifestyle of the rich and famous along with how the servants lived.  The museum is operated by and home to the Western Reserve Historical Society.  Located at 10825 East Boulevard in Cleveland, OH.

Lawnfield - James A. Garfield Historic Site 

[Tour]  [President James A. Garfield]

This National Historic Site was the home to President James A. Garfield.  Purchased in 1876, it was expanded from 9 to 20 rooms and was the family home at the time of his election to president.  The home has been fully restored and is operating as a museum featuring many original Garfield items and most of the rooms in the house are available for viewing.  A carriage house on the property is now a visitors center and features a video about the life and times of James Garfield.  Located at 8095 Mentor Avenue in Mentor, OH.

Loghurst Farm Museum

The farmhouse has been called home by many families through the 19th and 20th centuries.  Inside you will find period furnishings, lifestyle of the time period and some history of the families who have occupied it.  Open during special events and tours by appointment.  Located at 3967 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield, OH.

Mill Creek Falls History Center & Slavic Village Historical Society

Shaker Historical Society and Museum

Once the location of a defensive fort built in 1971 to protect army supplies from Indians, it was abandoned in 1796.  Today, the location is a small park and a monument of faced granite field boulders stands watch as a reminder of days past.  The fort itself is entirely gone.

Garst Museum

[History of Darke County]   [Treaty of Greenville]

Housed in the historical 1852 Garst House (once an inn serving travelers on the Dayton and Union Railroad,) the museum has occupied the building since 1946.  Focused on the history of Darke County, OH, the museum features major exhibits such as Annie Oakley, Lowell Thomas, the Treaty of Greene Ville (Greenville), a military room, and a prehistoric exhibit along with many other artifacts and historical items related to the early history of Greenville and the surrounding area.  Also located on the grounds and nearby are the 1880 birthplace of Lowell Thomas and the reconstructed Anthony Wayne Peace Council House.  Located at 205 N. Broadway in Greenville, OH.

Features 4 floors of Sandusky history.  Located at 404 Wayne Street in Sandusky OH.

Georgian Museum  [Research]

As you enter the Samuel Maccracken mansion, you will find yourself drifting back in time to the earlier days of teh 19th century.  Featured are the Erickson Glass exhibit and the Elijah Pierce woodcarvings.  Located at 105 E. Wheeling Street in Lancaster, OH.

Sherman House Museum

[Sherman Family History]

Built ca 1811, the home was birthplace to General William Tecumseh Sherman.  Featured exhibits are a parlor set originally owned by the Ulysses S. Grant family and a recreation of General Sherman's Civil War field tent which contains original Civil War items which he used.  Located at 137 E. Main Street in Lancaster, OH.

Operated by the Ohio Historical Society, the museum features historical artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Ohio along with rich resources for genealogists and researchers.  Located at 1982 Velma Avenue in Columbus, OH.

This national museum focuses on educating the public about African American history.  Located at 1350 Brush Row Road in Wilberforce, OH.

Camp Dennison Museum

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

This complex of Museums includes the Cincinnati History Museum, the Cinergy Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library.

1301 Western Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45203

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

Heritage Village in Sharonville

Mariemont Historic Village

[Virtual Tour]   [History]

The Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) was founded in 1980. Its purpose is to collect and preserve historic archives, protect historic properties in the village; perpetuate the dream of Mariemont’s founder, Mary Emery, as a special place for family life; and, advance appreciation for Mariemont’s significant archaeological period (Late Fort Ancient).
The Village of Mariemont is located 10 miles east of Cincinnati, Ohio and has approximately 3100 residents. It is a national exemplar in town planning and was designed by eminent Town Planner, John Nolen and twenty-seven of America's leading architects. It was financed by Mary Emery, a wealthy Cincinnatian widow and philanthropist whose dream was to build a "model town" where its residents could enjoy good housing and clean air, away from the city slums. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 22, 1923.
Mariemont was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and has just been awarded National Landmark Status.

Focused on the history of Hancock County from prehistoric times to present day.  Special emphasis is placed on the gas boom period of the late 19th century.  The museum also houses an archive and research facility which is available to researchers.  Located at 422 W. Sandusky in Findlay, OH.

Litzenberg Memorial Woods

The park is home to the 1847 McKinnis House.  The Greek Revival style home is furnished in the style of an 1800s  rural farmhouse.  Costumed interpreters provide living history programs .Located at 3100 US Route 224 in Findlay, OH.

Firelands Historical Society and Museum

Historic Lyme Village

Huron County Agricultural Heritage

North Fairfield Museum

Buckeye Furnace   [Photos]

Built in 1852, this blast furnace has been reconstructed around the original stack and is typical of the blast furnaces which operated in the SE area of Ohio a century ago.  A visitors center allows visitors to learn about the industry of iron ore in the Hanging Rock Iron Region of Ohio.  This state memorial site is located on Buckeye Furnace road off of State Route 124 in Jackson, OH.

Welsh-American Heritage Museum

Jefferson County Historical Association and Museum

Quaker Meeting House State Memorial

Built in 1814, the Quaker Meeting House was the first one built west of the Alleghenies and was used as a meeting house until 1909.  This large brick historical building is located on State Route 150 in Mt. Pleasant, OH.

Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse

Kirtland Temple Historic Center

Perry Historical Museum

The history museum is housed in the 1906 Orr Mansion, which was home to to lumber baron William J. Orr.  Beautifully restored, the mansion is a lovely backdrop for the historical artifacts on display along with the archives which preserves a large collection of documents and photos relating to the local history of Logan County, Ohio.  Located at 521 East Columbus Avenue in Bellefontaine, OH.

[Battle of Fallen Timbers]  [Treaty of Greene Ville]

The site has a memorial in honor of Major General Anthony Wayne and several smaller monuments devoted to soldiers and Native Americans who died at the historic Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 - a decisive battle in the signing of the Treaty of Greene Ville.

Toledo's Attic

An online virtual museum highlighting the last 100 years of Toledo's history.

Toledo Museum of Art

The museum features an impressive collection of more than 30,000 works of art by masters of art such as Bearden, van Gogh, El Greco, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt and others.  The campus itself offers seven buildings of beautiful architecture and lovely gardens which will stimulate the senses of any visitor.  Located at 2445 Monroe Street in Toledo, OH.

Willis B. Boyer Ship Museum

[History]   [Virtual Tour]

Launched in 1911, the S.S. Willis B. Boyer, was at that time the world's largest bulk freighter.  The ship has served as a museum since 1987 and is devoted to the rich martime heritage of Toledo, Ohio.  Learn about the Great Lakes Sailors and the golden age of great lakes shipping.  Located at One Maritime Plaza in Toledo, OH.

Wolcott House Museum

[History]   [Photo Tour]

This beautiful 14 room Federal style mansion began as a log house in 1827 and evolved into the mansion visitors will see today in 1836.  The home was built by shipbuilder and early mayor of Maumee - James Wolcott.  More historical buildings have been added to the grounds of the house including the Ohio Saltbox farmhouse built in 1841 by Jarvis Gilbert, an 1850 log house, an 1880 railroad station, a 1901 Gothic church and an 1840 Greek Revival townhouse.  Guided tours are offered.  Located at 1035 River Road in Maumee, OH.

Buffington Island Battlefield Memorial

Fort Recovery State Museum

[Historical Facts]

The WPA built this project in 1938 and at that time it housed the local library and many historical artifacts from this historical area.  Two of the largest Indian battles in US history was fought at Fort Recover, OH. in the 1790s.  The museum features an enormous collection of Indian artifacts.  Located at 1 Fortsite Street in Fort Recovery, OH.

Maria Stein Center - Shrine of the Holy Relics

Mercer County Historical Society and Museum

Daniel Gebhart Tavern Museum   [History]  [Photos]

The Gebhart Tavern opened for business in 1811.  Known as Hole's Station, the tavern provided a place for travelers to stop for food and drink when passing through Miamisburg, OH.  The tavern closed in 1840 and was used as a home by various owners.  Today it has been stripped back to the original log structure, restored and opened as a museum which is representative of the early taverns which dotted the early frontier.  Located at the corner of Lock and Old Main Street in Miamisburg, OH.

Walton House Museum

Operated by the Ohio Historical Society, the museum features an incredible exhibit about the National Road which was considered the "Main Street of America" joining the east coast of the United States to the new western frontier in the early 19th century.  Other exhibits include a tribute to Zanesville's author Zane Grey and an exhibit focused on the art pottery of Ohio.  Located at 8850 E. Pike in Norwich, OH.

Baker Glass Museum and Antique Gallery

Historic Downtown Caldwell

Johnny Appleseed Memorial

Noble County Jail Museum
 

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum

Marblehead Lighthouse

Kelso House Museum 

[Photos]  [Brimfield History]

William R. Kelso opened his stage tavern in 1837 which also served many years as the town's post office. Also known as the Union House, or Old Hotel, the Kelso House Museum is located at 4158 State Route 43 in Brimfield, Ohio.

Lowrie - Beatty Museum

Malabar Farm

Morton One Room School Museum

Shelby Museum

Franklin House

Erected in 1907, the Franklin House operates as a museum focused on the history of women in Ross County, OH.  Exhibits include household items, quilts, coverlets, furniture and other furnishings and accessories.  Located at 80 S. Paint Street in Chillicothe, OH.

Knoles Log House

Built ca 1820, this original log house has been moved twice and is filled with period furnishings.  Visitors to the cabin will gain insight into the "way of life" of early pioneer families in Chillicothe, OH.  It is located on the grounds of the Ross County Historical Society at 45 W. Fifth Street in Chillicothe, OH.

Ross County Heritage Center

Dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history of Ohio's first capital city, Chillicothe, the museum features historical artifacts, items from the Civil War and WWI, early Ohio decorative arts, historical art portraits and historical vehicles.  Connected to the McKell Library which researchers will find helpful.  Located at 45 W. Fifth Street in Chillicothe, OH.

President

Rutherford B. Hayes

Mad River and NKP Railroad Museum

[History]

The museum features historical artifacts, railroad memorabilia,  railroad history of the area and includes household items related to the history of Bellevue, OH.  Located at 233 York Street in Bellevue, OH.

Rutherford B. Hayes Mansion and Presidential Center

[Library]  [Museum]  [Hayes Family]

The 31 room mansion was constructed between 1859 and 1863.  The museum features over 13,000 artifacts related to the life and times of Rutherford B. Hayes, his family and the history of Ohio.  Located at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, OH.

Wm. McKinley Museum

Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum

Hale Farm and Village

Hower House   [History]

Built in 1871, the Empire Italianate style mansion has 28 rooms filled with period furnishings and treasures.  Located at 60 Fir Hill, The University of Akron in Akron, OH.

Talmadge Church State Memorial  (dead link Sep 08)

Fort Laurens State Memorial

Fort Laurens was erected in 1778 in preparation for attack on the British at Detroit.  The fort is gone but the outline of it can still be found and a museum is there as a memorial to the soldiers who withstood the siege within it's walls.  Located on County Road 102 in Zoar, OH.

Schoenbrunn Village

Zoar Village and Bimeler Museum

The Alverta Green Museum

Housed in a lovely Victorian house, the museum features historical artifacts, documents, photographs and other items related to the heritage of Mason.  The museum also offers a research library for historical and genealogical research.  Located at 207 W. Church Street in Mason, OH.

Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village

Fort Ancient

Fort Ancient was built by Native Americans over 2000 years ago.  Evidence has been uncovered at the site, leading experts to believe the site was once a ceremonial gathering place for Hopewell Indians.  There is a Native American Museum at the site, where one can learn about the history of prehistoric peoples and Native Americans of Ohio.  Located at 6123 State Route 350 in Oregonia, OH.

Glendower Mansion

A historic mansion in Lebanon, OH.  The 19th US Infantry Regiment Civil War re-enactment takes place at the mansion annually.  The mansion is located at 105 Cincinnati Avenue in Lebanon, OH.

Warren County Historical Society Museum   [Photos]

Housed inside 1913 Harmon Hall, the museum features "The Village Green", a row of small storefronts with displays of artifacts which one would see in a typical Warren County community in the olden days.  There are 3 floors which are filled with historical artifacts, Indian relics and other items of interest. Located at 105 S. Broadway in Lebanon, OH.

Fearing House Museum

Built in 1847, the home offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of middle class Marietta during the Victorian era.  Operated by the Washington County Historical Society, the Henry Fearing House Museum is located in historical Harmar Village at 131 Gilman Avenue in Marietta, OH.

Housed inside the 1869 Wood County Home (Poor Farm), the museum features over 30 rooms of historical artifacts and items related to the early history of Wood County.  Includes exhibits about the early Native Americans, the Black Swamp, the gas boom, the Civil War era and more.  Located at 13660 County Home Road in Bowling Green, OH.

Museum Index for Other States

Ohio Census Records