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One of the feature attractions of this popular museum is the John Dillinger/Sheriff Sarber exhibit. The Dillinger/Sarber collection includes Dillinger’s jail cell and Sarber’s desk, wax figure replicas and a video documentary. The main museum covers everything from A to Z. Also on the premises are a Children’s Museum and Children’s Garden where kids have the opportunity to do some hands-on learning. And there’s an 1893 Victorian home and out-cabin open for tours as well as a railroad collection containing old timetables, pictures, books, magazines and other materials. Inside the main museum, visitors will have two floors of discovery. The main floor features sections depicting pioneer and 19th century life, Noah’s Ark exhibit, transportation displays, opera-house music, archives room, auditorium and library. The ground-level floor provides various sections and exhibits like the Sarber/Dillinger, old general store, firefighting, military and firearms, minerals and fossils, arts and pottery, multicultural, agricultural, woodworking and engraving, and Native American items.
Printout: Allen County Historical Museum
Ashtabula County’s history is captured inside an 1823 farmhouse on the shore of Lake Erie. Visitors may tour the Victorian-style furnished rooms. In addition, the Ashtabula County Historical Society maintains the 1810 Blakeslee Log Cabin, which is located at 441 Seven Hills Road in Ashtabula city. It is open by appointment.
Printout: Ashtabula County History Museum
ATHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM
(Admission is Free)
Open: Monday through Friday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (7 p.m. Wednesday). Saturday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 65 N. Court Street in Athens, Ohio
Phone: 740-592-2280
The Athens County Historical Society and Museum showcase the history of Athens County. The collection features permanent and changing exhibits that explore the region's history. Genealogists are available Monday -- Friday from 1 - 4 p.m. to assist visitors with researching family history. In addition, there are lectures and special events planned throughout the year.
Printout: Athens County Historical Society & Museum
Say “cheese.” And pose in front of a giant cheese-making apparatus on display at the museum. The museum also features several interesting maps of the area dating back to the original map of 1799. It also features maps of the Western Reserve and the township in the 1870s. Additional items for viewing include old tools, fabrics and clothes, household items, toys, old photographs and currency (The Harmon Stone) actually issued for the region during the Civil War.
Printout: Aurora Historical Society Museum
Open:
January, February, March - Thursday 11-5, Friday 11-5, Saturday 9-5, Sunday
11-5. April through November - Tuesday through Friday 11-5, Saturday
9-5, Sunday 11-5. December - Monday through Friday 11-5, Saturday 9-5,
Sunday 11-5. Closed Christmas Day.
Location: 6450 Arcanum-Bear's Mill Road, Greenville, Ohio 45331
Phone:937-548-5112
Web: www.bearsmill.com
Built in 1849, Bear's Mill is an authentic example of a stonegrinding flourmill of its time. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, it is still in use today to grind cornmeal, whole wheat flour, rye flour, and pancake mixes. The mill and the buhr stones are powered by water. Visitors are welcome to take a free self-guided tour of the 4 story structure and to take a walk in the scenic woods surrounding the mill. On the first floor is the Mill Store where the mill flours as well as other gourmet sundries and giftware are available for purchase. The mill offers a line of gift boxes and custom baskets. A special feature of the store is handmade stoneware and raku pottery by the Bear's Mill potters.
Printout: Bear's Mill
The museum is located in the restored 1874 town hall of Bedford. Come and read the diaries of pioneer women or other correspondence, speeches and manuscripts ranging from the 1850s through the 1950s. It also has a vast reference library documenting genealogical resources. Many of the areas most notable women in history are also represented by a newspaper clipping file featuring Halle Berry – Actress, a renowned criminologist, and community activist to name a few. Rotating exhibits have featured period furniture displays, military artifacts, old household tools, china collections and more.
Printout: Bedford Ohio Historical Society Museum
The Big Bottom is a memorial to commemorate a settler/Indian war, which began with a massive massacre of Ohio settler by the Delaware and Wyandot Indians in 1791. The twelve-foot marble marker has been placed here for remembrance of what happened. The bloodshed between the fighting parties went on for four years until the historic Treaty of Greenville ended it.
Printout: Big Bottom
Visitors will see history illustrated from the early nineteenth century through the twentieth century. Its many displays and exhibits feature items such as maps, clocks, time saving devices, tools, clothing, toys, jewelry, photographs, historical documents and many other artifacts of local interest.
Printout: Black River Historical Museum in Lorain Ohio
BUFFINGTON ISLAND MONUMENT
(Admission is Free)
Don’t be misled, you will not have to swim or take a ferry to see this park and monument, as it is not really located on an island. The monument is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in a major Civil War battle here in Ohio. Renowned Major Daniel McCook of the “fighting McCook” family was a casualty of the battle. The monument itself was built from broken glacial rock found in Ohio.
Printout: Buffington Island Monument
CAMPUS MARTIUS MUSEUM
(Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for students and children 6-12, and free for
children under the age of 6)
Open: March 4 through October 29: Wednesday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and holidays the museum is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 601 Second Street in Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: 740-373-3750
The focus of the Campus Martius Museum is migration in Ohio’s history. The museum is located on the site of the first organized American settlement in the Northwest Territory. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to the early settlement and even has part of the original fort enclosed in a wing of the building. Other exhibits deal with the history of the local Indian tribes and their relations with the early white settlers, life in early 18th century Marietta and how it evolved throughout the years, and features many artifacts recovered from early life in Marietta. Other exhibits go on to explore two more waves of migration to Ohio and how it affected life in the entire state. The museum also features 90 pieces from the Ohio Historical Society’s collection.
Printout: Campus Martius
Captain Isaac Newton Hook (1819-1906) decided to design his own grave, according to legend, with a point on top so his wife wouldn’t dance on it. However, contrary to legend, a lady claiming to be one of Captain Hook's great granddaughters says the tomb was built with a rounded top so his wife could not dance on it, as the story goes. It did not have a point. There is a small platform on top where he had a boat sitting, to take him away in case of a flood. There was indeed a flood, which took the boat away. Whether or not he was in it, is anyone's guess.
Printout: Captain Hook's Tomb
CUSTER MEMORIAL
(Admission is Free)
The Custer Monument is a bronze statue depicting George Armstrong Custer and is located at his birthplace, which is now a roadside park and picnic area. The only thing left of Custer’s house is the foundation. An exhibit pavilion accounts Custer’s life and his infamous “Last Stand.”
Printout: Custer Memorial
Features exhibits showcase the history of the Cuyahoga Valley. It has many historic maps, documents, photographs and other pieces on display. The museum itself is located inside the restored Boston Township Hall. The building was originally built in 1887 as a high school. And it looks its part.
Printout: Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum
What was war like in 1812? To find out, visit this fort and read the diary of Ohio militiaman Ensign William Schillinger, which provides a daily account from everything like the weather, events unfolding and personal thoughts and other observations. The fort itself served as an important supply depot during the War of 1812. It included five blockhouses, cabins and storage buildings. The walls of the fort were nearly 12-feet above ground.
Printout: Fort Amanda
Built in 1791, this fort served as an outpost to General Arthur St. Clair. Its purpose was to shelter army supplies and guard against area Indians. It was abandoned in 1796 and is now a park with a monument, twenty-feet high, marking the site where it once stood. Nothing of the fort remains here.
Printout: Fort Jefferson, Greenville Ohio
Open: Museum and Visitor Center open year round. Fort open April – October from Wednesday - Saturday, 9:30 - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from Noon - 5:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Location: 29100 W. River Road (St. Rt. 65) in Perrysburg, OH 43551
Phone: 419-874-4121 or 800-283-8916
This 10-acre fort, the largest reconstructed, wooden-walled fort in the United States, sits on its original location along the Maumee River. The seven blockhouses, five artillery batteries and numerous earthworks appear much as they did during the summer of 1813. Exhibits in the fort’s blockhouses present the life of a soldier, the building of the fort and dramatic accounts of the two sieges against the fort in 1813.
The Visitor Center houses classrooms, a museum store, and a museum. The exhibits focus on the themes of Era, Conflict, Understanding, and Remembrance. The exhibit also explores how historians and archaeologists learned what happened at the fort. Important artifact collections are featured in the museum exhibits, including War of 1812 weapons, accouterments, uniforms and personal items of soldiers.
Historical interpreters dressed in 1812 clothing present demonstrations of camp life, weapons, and other activities throughout the summer. Reenactments and special events further highlight America’s rich military history.
Printout: Fort Meigs State Memorial
GARST
MUSEUM
& Annie Oakley Center
(Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for Seniors, $2 for youth 6-18. Five and
younger - free)
Open: Year-round. March through November hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Call for hours between November and March.
Location: 205 N. Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331
Phone: 937-548-5250
Garst Museum, which includes the Annie Oakley Center, is a large museum encompassing seven different wings. Visitors enter through the Garst House, which was built in 1852 as an inn. The first floor of the Garst House is home to Native American Artifacts and items pertaining to the Treaty of Greenville signed in 1795. It opened the Northwest Territory for settlement. Located in the upstairs of the Garst House is a military exhibit, which ranges from 1812 to the current conflict in Iraq. Attached to the Garst House is the Annie Oakley Center, which was opened on July 29, 2005 and contains the largest display of Annie Oakley items in the world. The Lowell Thomas Exhibit is housed in the next wing and includes items from his career as the most famous broadcaster of his time. The museum also houses an antiques gallery, a village of old shops, a pioneer wing, a collection of Currier and Ives, and a genealogy center.
Printout: Garst Museum
This is the oldest settlement in Ohio. It was established in 1772 by a Mohican elder and large group of Christian Indians. In 1782 nearly 100 of the Indian residents were killed. Today, a 35-foot memorial recognizes those killed in the massacre. And a museum displays artifacts and an expansive arrowhead collection. There is also a reconstructed church and log cabin replications of those that stood at the site more than 200 years ago.
Printout: Gnadenhutten Monument and Gnadenhutton Museum
First Quest is a Sure Shot
Who Am I: Chief Sitting Bull nicknamed me "Watanya Cicilla." Buffalo Bill made me famous around the world.
Where am I: Brock Cemetery in Darke county. It is up to you to find the cemetery and tombstone.
For geocachers, coordinates are
N: 40° 15.622 and W: 084° 33.645.
Map of area
What you will find: An Ohio icon and American legend.
Nearby Attractions: Bear's Mill, KitchenAid™ Experience and Maid Rite, which is a unique eatery.
Second Quest Was Lost in Time
Who Am I: I am the first black major league baseball player but my name is not Jackie Robinson. I was called up 63 years earlier. It even says so on my gravestone and in the very first edition of the board game Trivial Pursuit
Where am I: Union Cemetery in Steubenville, Ohio (Section P). For geocachers, coordinates are N: 40° 21.884 and W: 080° 38.274.
What you will find: A beautiful place that winds forever into the rolling wooded hills with creeks so bring walking shoes because it is worth the stroll.
Nearby Attractions: Steubenville "City of Murals" and hometown of Dean Martin, Old Fort Steuben, The Ohio River and Creegan Animation Factory.
Third Quest is a Journey to the Center of the Earth
Who
Am I: Many thought I was nuts for my hollow Earth theory. It is also referred to
as the Theory of Concentric Spheres or Polar Voids. I fought most my life to get
funding to prove it. Instead I was ridiculed. But there were times the
mainstream scientific community lent some credibility. My tombstone looks like a
monument and has a hollow Earth atop its peak. I have a famous uncle with the
same exact name.
Where am I:
What you will find:
Nearby Attractions: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, City of Sculpture, and Jungle Jim's.
Fourth Quest is Chock Full of Surprises
This quest is a three-parter, all in the same general location.
Who Are We? One used to be the richest man on Earth and would love today's oil prices, the second busted Al Capone for tax evasion, and the third was assassinated while President of the United States.
Where are we? Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio. For Geocachers, coordinates are:
N: 41°
30.673
W: 081° 35.474
N:
41°
30.834
W: 081° 35.571
N:
41°
30.604
W: 081° 35.486
Nearby Attractions: Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Western Reserve Historical Society. For a good meal and shopping, head just outside the cemetery down Mayfield Road (Murray Hill) into the heart of Little Italy. Many shops and restaurants await. Make sure you don't leave without Cannoli from one of the bakeries.
President Warren G. Harding’s tomb is a white, circular monument made of Georgia marble and his monument is set in 10 landscaped acres and takes the appearance of a round Greek temple. He became our 29th President (the eighth from Ohio) in 1921. He was born in 1865 and died in office in June of 1923.
Printout: President Warren Harding Tomb and Monument
HARRISON’S TOMB
(Admission is Free)
President Benjamin Harrison’s (1833 – 1901) tomb and monument are made of Bedford limestone and marble. It stands 60 feet. A visitors’ terrace allows a beautiful panoramic view of the Ohio River valley. He was elected our 23rd President in 1889.
Printout: President Benjamin Harrison Tomb
(Admission for Heritage Hall museum is $3.00 Adults, $2.00 over 55, and $1.00 for Children 6-12, under age 6 free)
Heritage Hall features the Marion County historical museum, Warren G. Harding collections, a gift shop, and the Rinker/Howser Resource Center for genealogical research. While at Heritage Hall you may also visit the Wyandot Popcorn Museum with over 50 antique poppers. Also operated by the Marion County Historical Society is the restored 1897 Linn School, located on State Route 4 north of Marion. The building is open for walk-in visitors from 1-4 pm the first and third Sundays, May through October. At Linn School visitors find McGuffy readers, tin lunch pails, desks with fold up seats and more. Heritage Hall is the headquarters of The Marion County Historical Society and is located at the corner of Church and State Streets in Marion, Ohio.
Printout: Heritage Hall in Marion, Ohio
This historical museum features the George Tanner Telephone History Collection, the C&G Cooper Heritage Collection of 19th century steam farm engines and “Spanning the Century” exhibit of bridges. The displays throughout the museum also pay homage to the musical history of Knox County and the life and travels of Johnny Appleseed throughout the county. In addition there are plenty of other exhibits including those of dolls and toys, textiles and clothing, coverlets and quilts among many other items.
Printout: Knox County Historical Museum
Okay, so getting to the island may not be free unless you have a boat or can swim. The latter is not advisable and the Coast Guard may have a problem with it. Alas, once you’re on the island, visit this museum and take the time to see the video history. The museum features winemaking displays, model ship collection of historic Great Lakes’ vessels, the Boat Building and the Wildlife Building.
Printout: Lake Erie Island Museum
This is more than your ordinary cemetery. It is considered by many to be a walk through history, a vast outdoor art museum or a horticultural paradise. In any case, it is one of the finest garden cemeteries in the country as well as one of the most historic. It has 285 acres of land and is located in central Cleveland. It is modeled after the great garden cemeteries of Victorian England and France. It also has a picturesque dam measuring 500 feet wide and 60 feet above ground. And among its numerous points of interest and appeal, visitors will be awed by the memorials of it’s more famous permanent residents such as:
Printout:
Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland OhioThis local history museum features a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibits year-round. It features items forging the iron-history of the region as well as Victorian era clothing and furniture displays. The museum itself is housed in a restored 1870 Victorian home.
Printout: Lawrence County Museum
This is a local tribute honoring the brave firefighters of the area. It features vintage displays depicting their history of service to the surrounding community. Here, you’ll see a horse-drawn steam pumper from the 1800’s, a memorial to those who were lost in service, and of course homage paid to firefighters past and present.
Printout: Lima Firefighters Memorial
This museum concentrates primarily on the local history of its women citizens from the 1800’s well into the 20th century. It documents the role of women as community activists and provides records from 1882 to 1936. It also documents the reading habits and ideas that influenced women in the 20th century as well as a collection of books written by local authors.
Printout: Mahler Museum
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The building was built in 1888 and is the oldest building in Richland County. It displays artifacts of the county’s military, civil and natural history artifacts.
Printout: Mansfield Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Museum
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If you missed the circus, come to this museum and see a room filled with circus memorabilia. Local history and its many artifacts are found in this museum as well. The museum itself is located in the former Stark Dry Goods building, which was renovated to house the museum and its belongings. It hosts various traveling exhibits and has three floors of displays, a café and gift shop.
Printout: Massillon Museum
200 years of county life captured in one museum. It features many books depicting local history and genealogical materials as well. The museum itself is a historic home known as the Riley Home. And of course it has dated displays to portray the home’s history and times.
Printout: Mercer County Historical Museum
This is a specialty museum showcasing thousands of dolls and toys dating from the 1600s through BarbiLand. It was established as a means to generate financial help for abused children and animals and to offer to the public an exciting display of dolls, from "rare" antique dolls through modern day collectibles. It promises an experience of educational, historical and cultural significance.
THE MUSEUM AT
Open: Spring Hours 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wed, Sat and Sun. Summer Hours 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tue and Sun.
Phone: 740-929-1998
The Museum at
Printout: The Museum at Buckeye Lake
GRAVESITES OF SOME OTHER FAMOUS OHIOANS
Printout: Famous Ohio Gravesites
Open: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays and holidays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1982 Velma Avenue in Columbus, OH 43211
Phone: 614-297-2300
This world-renown museum depicts Ohio history from the Ice Age to 1970. The museums interesting architecture is made up of three stories, 250,000 square-feet, supported at the base by a glass enclosed entryway anchored by four stunning columns. It houses the museum, library and state archives of Ohio, gift shop 280 seat auditorium, and offices. The library preserves and collects written and graphic information concerning Ohio's history. The museum store offers publications, posters, ceramics, and historical reproductions, educational games and toys. Teachers and members receive a 10% discount. In addition to its permanent collection, the center offers a rotating schedule of temporary exhibits. The Center's newly renovated, permanent natural history exhibit features Ohio's plants, animals, geology, geography, and climate and weather.
Printout: Ohio Historical Center
Location:
73 ½ South Professor St.,
Phone: 440-774-1700
“The
Printout: Oberlin Heritage Center
Exhibits are displayed by the Montgomery County Historical Society and feature the areas history. The museum features items from the Wright Brothers to the National Cash Register Company and its founder – John Patterson. This old courthouse and the courthouse square have been witness to speeches by Presidents from Lincoln to Reagan. And as a national historical monument, the structure is one of the finest Classical revivals in the country.
Printout: Old Courthouse Museum
OLD FORT STEUBEN
(Admission is $5/adults, $3/children over 6; discounts for groups)
Old Fort Steuben is a reconstructed 18th century fort on its original site overlooking the Ohio River in Steubenville, Ohio. It recreates the life of the soldiers who were assigned to protect the surveyors of the newly opened Northwest Territory, the gateway to the west. The annual Fort Steuben Festival is held the third weekend in June and features reenactments, displays, demonstrations, crafts, music, food, and fun.
Printout: Old Fort Steuben
The museum once served as the original Perry town hall. It was built in 1875. The museum displays many historic photographs, documents and memoirs. It also features letters, furniture, clothing, collectibles and other relics covering the region’s historic roots.
Printout: Perry Historical Museum
PIQUA HISTORICAL AREA STATE
MEMORIAL
(Admission: $7.00/adults, $3.00/students, children 5 and under.
Ohio Historical Society members free)
Open: Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day Weekend Wednesday – Saturday 9:30-5:00, Sunday and Holidays noon-5:00. September and October Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 9845 North Hardin Road in Piqua, Ohio 45356-9707
Phone: 937-773-2522/800-752-2619
The site is the farmstead of John Johnston, long-time Federal Indian Agent and Ohio Canal Commissioner. The 250-acre site includes his 1815 brick home and his 1808 double-pen log barn; one of the oldest in Ohio. Demonstrations of period crafts are always a part of the experience. The site museum highlights the Woodland Indians of Ohio, plus the story of the construction, use, and eventual decline of Ohio’s canals. A mule-drawn canal boat ride on a restored stretch of the Miami and Erie Canal is always a highlight of a visit. Picnicking is permitted.
Printout: Piqua Historical Area State Memorial
The 12-acre museum site includes the John Lowrie & Mary Helen Beatty Museum, a pioneer homestead, land grant office, 1810 New England barn, Ford Seed Company museum, steam traction engine and a distinctive clock tower with an 1882 clock and bell. The museum itself has a vast collection of artifacts including native-American tools, pottery, casting tools, Riddle Hearse, military items, farm tools, saddles, household fixtures, kids clothes and toys, and women’s clothing and jewelry. Visitors should be sure to see the cathedral style stained glass window, which originally came from the courthouse built in 1882.
Printout: Portage County Historical Society and Museum
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The Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds report for Spring Training in mid February. It’s the time of year when everyone talks about baseball legends and folklore and dreams of winning the pennant.
When I was a kid, I was (and still am) a die-hard Tribe fan. And the story I’ll share is one that is well-documented, little known, and told by my father and his father before.
Ray Chapman, "Chappie," was a fan favorite and beloved by his teammates. He played shortstop for the Cleveland Indians from 1912 – 1920. In 1917, he set a record for most sacrifice hits, 67, in a season. He was a decent hitter with a career batting average of .278. He set a team record for stolen bases in a single season, 52, that stood until 1980. In 1918, he led the American League with runs scored and walks. He was an excellent bunter and if the Gold Glove were awarded then, he’d probably have a few of those too.
Back in the early 1900s, pitchers ruled the diamond. They could do things to the ball that today’s pitchers could only fantasize. They scuffed it, spit tobacco juice on it, smeared dirt all around it, and eventually turned the white leather into a dark mass. New York Yankee submarine pitcher Carl Mays mucked the ball up with the best of them.
And on August 16, 1920, Chappie stepped into the batters box to face Mays. Due to the lack of lighting and the invisible ball, many believe Chapman never even saw what killed him. It struck him in the head; batting helmets weren’t required until 30 some years later.
Although many say Chapman may have been inducted into the Hall of Fame had his career not been cut short, he will forever be remembered as the only modern-era professional baseball player to die as a direct result of being hit by a pitched ball.
His death later led to changes in rules governing “doctoring” the baseball.
For the rest of the 1920 season, the Cleveland ball club wore black armbands to honor their fallen teammate. Together, they achieved winning their first World Serie