Welcome to our new website! Watch this space for the latest information regarding events, tours, open houses, hours of operation, research opportunities, updates on our two properties — and more. 

Visit our Two Historic Properties

The Medina County Historical Society owns two historic properties in the city of Medina — ​The John Smart House and McDowell-Phillips House. Hours of operation may be found on the pages for each house museum. Researchers are welcome by appointment.

JOHN SMART HOUSE
​MUSEUM
206 N. Elmwood, Medina

OPEN HOUSES START IN MARCH on the first Sunday of the month, 1pm – 4pm through November.

ADMISSION
Members
Adults - $4; ​Seniors 65+ - $3; Youth 8 - 18 - $2
Non-Members
Adults - $5; Seniors 65+ - $4; Youth 8 - 18 - $3
No charge for children under 7.
​

McDOWELL-PHILLIPS HOUSE
​MUSEUM
205 S. Prospect, Medina

OPEN HOUSE on the third Sunday of the month, May through September from 1pm – 4pm and special open houses during the holidays at the McDowell-Phillips House Museum. This will be a small-group guided tour.
​
ADMISSION
Admission price for the McDowell-Phillips House from May-August 2025 during the "Not Just a Pretty Dress" special exhibit is $10 per person. Admission includes a special booklet on the history of the gowns. No charge for children 7 and under.
Our operations are funded by donations, memberships, and fundraisers. Donations to our general fund allow us to continue to fulfill our mission, provide programs, exhibits, and research assistance to the community. They allow us to continue to care for our large collection of historical artifacts and archival materials that tell the story of Medina County and to care for our museums; The John Smart House Museum and now the McDowell-Phillips House Museum. Thank you for your support! 
The Historical Society is a 501c3 organization, and donations may be deductible. Artifact donations may also be tax deductible based on an appraisal obtained by the donor.

QUICK LINKS!

First Sundays APRIL thru AUGUST

YESTERDAY'S TOYS
at John Smart House Museum

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

COMING IN MAY TO THE
​McDOWELL-PHILLIPS HOUSE MUSEUM

"Not Just a Pretty Dress"

An exhibit of wedding clothing and traditions from 1810-1970’s. May 18 to August 17, 2025.

​CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
See Our Events Page for All That’s Happening!

MCHS IN BRIEF

Established in 1922, over the last 101 years, the Medina County Historical Society has amassed historic documents, artifacts, oral histories and photos describing the life and people of Medina County.​
P L E A S E   N O T E
​
The Medina County Historical Society John Smart House Museum is open by Appointment by calling us at 330-722-1341 or emailing us at [email protected]

MEDINA COUNTY

​Originally, several Native American tribes inhabited northeastern Ohio. Once Europeans arrived, the land that became Medina County was colonized by the French as part of the colony of Canada (New France) which was then ceded to Great Britain in 1763 and renamed the Province of Quebec. In the late 18th century the land became part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, then was purchased by the Connecticut Land Company in 1795.

​Medina County was formed in 1812 and later organized in 1818. It is named for the ancient city of Medina in Saudi Arabia.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

Medina County has a specialty license plate available through the Ohio BMV that will benefit local historical societies in the county. Please think of us when purchasing your plates in person or online.

​$15 contribution + $10 BMV = $25/yr. in addition to your standard tag renewal fee.