Berea, Ohio Historical Society

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Berea, Ohio Historical Society Tours May – Dec. on Tuesdays 2-4 pm
or by appointment. Admission: Free
History & Genealogy
118 East Bridge Street, Berea Ohio 44017

Founded in 1959 through the efforts of Dorothy Marks McKelvey, local historian, the Berea Historical Society is dedicated to serving the Berea area through the collection, preservation and exhibit of the evidence of the history of Berea and Middleburg Township, along with the interpretation of that evidence to children and adults. The Historical Society sponsors the activities of the Mahler Museum & History Center, including tours by school children, special exhibits, events and the displays of collections of historical memorabilia. The Society holds monthly meetings that provide programs of historic interest for members and guests. Also available are exhibits for schools and public occasions as well as speakers and traveling exhibits for local groups. Funds are raised through projects, donations and membership dues. Membership in the Society has reached 400 and all members receive the award winning quarterly publication, The Enterprise. Membership is open to anyone interested and willing to assist in achieving the vision. A person becomes a member upon payment of dues. Our appreciation goes to all the volunteers and the Berea Historical Society Officers who help in so many ways. There are many opportunities for volunteers. Regular meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month, September through May except where noted.

Good Morning Neighbors!There are some upcoming events heading our way to celebrate our special neighborhood history!Our ...
10/03/2026

Good Morning Neighbors!

There are some upcoming events heading our way to celebrate our special neighborhood history!

Our new award by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, officially designates our neighborhood district on the National Register of Historic Places! We have a great story of origin and preservation and they loved it in Columbus at the State level, and now in Washington, D.C. at the National level!!

It is a rare and special honor to have an entire historic district, but we have a story worth telling. My hope it that it will inspire other places to research and protect their richly historical neighborhoods!

A kick-off event is at the Berea library where the story will be told in a 1 hour slide show at 7 pm on Wednesday, October 14th. This is followed a few days later by a Dedication Ceremony and ribbon cutting on Saturday, October 17th at 11:00 am at the corner of Seminary and School Streets. The Mayor and possibly Tom Patton, Ohio State Senator will be there, and it should be a lovely presentation, followed by cake and coffee and a walking tour of our District.

It would be good for as many of us to come on Saturday as possible, as I hope to get photos of all our cute faces standing around as the ribbon gets cut! 😄 We can say we were here!!

I've attached flyers for both events below. Feel free to print them and invite friends! This is a big feather in the cap of Berea, the first National Register DIstrict, and our history shows we were built on sandstone and so much more!

09/23/2026
09/22/2026

Don’t miss this interesting presentation!

Berea historical society put on its tenth annual Teddy Bear Tea.  It was nice to see 3 generations of families enjoying ...
09/20/2026

Berea historical society put on its tenth annual Teddy Bear Tea. It was nice to see 3 generations of families enjoying themselves! 🥰😎🥹❤️☕️🫖🍽️

09/20/2026

Join us for our 10th Annual Pasta and Meatball Dinner! Tickets on sale now!

📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 St. Mary's Church Garrity Center
250 Kraft Street, Berea, OH

🍽️ Catered by Santo’s Italian Restaurant

Adults: $18
Seniors: $15
Children (ages 6–12): $8
Children 5 and under: FREE

50/50 raffle
Baskets
Takeout available

Purchase advance tickets at the museum or by calling 440-243-2541. Tickets also available at the door.

Volunteers are also needed to help with the event! Send us a message if you are interested in volunteering!

Come see us at the Berea Arts Festival at Coe Lake!  We’re here 10-5.
09/13/2026

Come see us at the Berea Arts Festival at Coe Lake! We’re here 10-5.

09/08/2026

Volunteers needed for our Teddy Bear Tea on September 19 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Please message us for more information!!

Address

118 E Bridge Street
Berea, OH
44017

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

(440) 243-2541

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