Medina County Historical Society

With roots reaching back to the Medina Pioneer Association of 1875, the current Medina County Historical Society was formed in March of 1922, with the mission of acquiring, maintaining, and preserving items of historical interest to Medina County. Then as now, the growing collection is offered as an educational and research tool for those interested in the county’s residents and how they lived since the late 1700s as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve.  

One of the society’s earliest meetings was held in Medina on May 19, 1922, at Franklin Sylvester Library where its collection was then housed. In the 1940s, the collection was moved to Garfield School – with occasional exhibits in rented space at the Vittel Boarding house – where it remained until 1956, when Cora Munson Blakeslee left her history-filled home to be a museum. That house was moved to make way for a parking lot in 1984, being swapped for the larger John Smart House by county commissioners.

In 2019, the Society negotiated to purchase the iconic McDowell-Phillips House and its priceless artifacts, raising more than $500,000 for its purchase and restoration as a second museum.

YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

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. 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.

OUR MISSION

This Society was formed in and incorporated by the State of Ohio in 1922 for the purpose of:
  • Promoting all areas of historical interest through public education programs
  • Acquiring items of historical interest pertaining to Medina County that relate to and tell its story
  • Maintaining and preserving the items in its collection for display and research
  • Promoting the preservation of public and private records, buildings and customs of its citizens. 

2023 OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS

OFFICERS
Brian Feron  president
Open vice president
Michael Davanzo  secretary
David Arbogast  treasurer

BOARD MEMBERS
Beth Biggins-Ramer, Judy Davanzo, Carole Feron, Lila Lehrer, Pieri Levandofsky, Mary Jo Palmer, Bill Parker, Charlie Ramer Chet Simmons, Andrea Spickler

EMERITUS MEMBERS
Richard Clark, Tom Hilberg, Joann King

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