Strongsville Historical Society Museum

Strongsville Historical Society Museum is a museum located in Strongsville, Ohio, dedicated to preserving the history of Strongsville, Ohio and its surrounding areas, including Cuyahoga County, Ohio and Medina County, Ohio. The museum is operated by the Strongsville Historical Society, a non-profit organization founded by local residents, including John D. Rockefeller and Harvey Firestone, who were instrumental in the development of the Rubber Capital of the World. The museum's mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts and documents related to the history of Strongsville, Ohio, Ohio, and the United States, with a focus on the American Civil War, World War I, and World War II. The museum also collaborates with other historical organizations, such as the Ohio Historical Society and the Western Reserve Historical Society.

● History

The Strongsville Historical Society was established in 1973 by a group of local residents, including James A. Garfield and William McKinley, who were dedicated to preserving the history of Strongsville, Ohio. The society's first museum was located in a historic Victorian-era house, which was donated by John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford. Over the years, the museum has undergone several expansions and renovations, including a major renovation in 2001 funded by National Endowment for the Arts and Institute of Museum and Library Services. The museum has also received support from local organizations, such as the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce and the Cuyahoga County Council. The museum's history is closely tied to the history of Strongsville, Ohio, which was founded in 1811 by John Stoughton Strong and has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

● Collections

The museum's collections include a wide range of artifacts and documents related to the history of Strongsville, Ohio, including furniture, textiles, and agricultural equipment from the 19th century and 20th century. The museum also has an extensive collection of photographs and documents related to the history of Strongsville, Ohio, including diaries and letters from local residents, such as Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The museum's collections also include artifacts related to the American Civil War, World War I, and World War II, including uniforms, weapons, and medals awarded to local veterans, such as Medal of Honor recipients Alvin York and Audie Murphy. The museum has also acquired collections from other institutions, such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress.

● Exhibitions

The museum features a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, including temporary exhibitions on topics such as local history, art, and science. The museum's permanent exhibitions include a historical village with recreated 19th century buildings, such as a general store and a blacksmith shop, and a museum gallery with exhibits on the history of Strongsville, Ohio and its surrounding areas, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Lake Erie. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions from other institutions, such as the National Museum of American History and the Field Museum of Natural History. The museum's exhibitions are designed to educate visitors about the history and culture of Strongsville, Ohio and its surrounding areas, with a focus on the Industrial Revolution and the Great Depression.

● Programs and Events

The museum offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and re-enactments of historical events, such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The museum also hosts living history events, where visitors can interact with historical interpreters and learn about historical topics, such as colonial life and vintage crafts. The museum's programs and events are designed to engage visitors of all ages and interests, with a focus on family-friendly activities and community outreach programs, such as Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA. The museum also collaborates with local schools, such as Strongsville High School and Baldwin Wallace University, to develop educational programs and resources, including curriculum guides and teacher workshops.

● Building and Grounds

The museum is located in a historic Victorian-era house, which was built in 1870 by John D. Rockefeller and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major renovation in 2001 funded by National Endowment for the Arts and Institute of Museum and Library Services. The museum's grounds include a historic garden with native plants and a walking trail that takes visitors through the surrounding woods and meadows, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Lake Erie. The museum's building and grounds are designed to provide a unique and educational experience for visitors, with a focus on historic preservation and sustainability, including green building practices and energy efficiency measures, such as solar panels and rain gardens. The museum is also accessible to visitors with disabilities, with wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms, and offers audio descriptions and sign language interpretation for visitors with hearing impairments. Category:Museums in Ohio