Allen County Museum and Historical Society

Allen County Museum and Historical Society The Allen County Museum is a place of discovery, history, culture, and fun.
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We invite you, your friends, and family to enjoy exploring Allen County's history and culture! The Allen County Museum campus is made up of the main history museum facility, (including the Children's Discovery Center, genealogy/local history library, railroad archives, and local history exhibits), the historic house museum known as "the MacDonell House", the Faze log house, and the Children's Garden.

This week's features Silver Springs Lake in 1962.
09/01/2026

This week's features Silver Springs Lake in 1962.

This week's is a nursing "bottle" from pioneer times. It was used by parents to ween infants or suppliment breast milk...
08/31/2026

This week's is a nursing "bottle" from pioneer times. It was used by parents to ween infants or suppliment breast milk. They often featured this narrow spout to help infants suckle the milk. Vessels of this design were made as far back as 5,000 B.C.E.

Winter hour start September 1, 2026: Tuesday - Thursday 1 - 5 p.m., Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 - 5...
08/30/2026

Winter hour start September 1, 2026: Tuesday - Thursday 1 - 5 p.m., Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

Upcoming Living History Lounge - September 9th at 11 a.m.This Lounge will be on the Churches of Allen County. Living His...
08/29/2026

Upcoming Living History Lounge - September 9th at 11 a.m.
This Lounge will be on the Churches of Allen County.
Living History Lounge is a monthly gathering for museum members who enjoy good conversation, local stories, and shared memories! Join at 11:00 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month as we explore different topics from Allen County’s past—together.
This is a relaxed, social program—no lectures, no homework, just friendly discussion, hosted by museum staff and volunteers.
Living History Lounges are for members in the Household Level ($60 a year) or above, but if you are interested in becoming a member come and enjoy a meeting

This is of a Wmerican Women's Voluntary Services (AWVS) Uniform, ca. 1942 - 1944. Mrs. Charlotee Clizbe Baker wore thi...
08/28/2026

This is of a Wmerican Women's Voluntary Services (AWVS) Uniform, ca. 1942 - 1944.

Mrs. Charlotee Clizbe Baker wore this uniform while serving as United Chairman of the Lima branch of the AWVS, beginning in July of 1942. The AWVS organized civilian volunteers to support the homefront during World War II through emergency preparedness and community service. The uniform's two sleeve stripes represent two years of volunteer service and the lapel ribbon identifies her as an officer.

This is of Sigma Theater which was destroyed in a fire on March 1, 1949. The Sigma Theater was located in the northwes...
08/27/2026

This is of Sigma Theater which was destroyed in a fire on March 1, 1949.

The Sigma Theater was located in the northwest corner of Public Square had was under the Warner Brother's name in exterior image from 1947. However on March 1, 1949, the Sigma Theater was badly damaged in a fire, and from the reports, it seemed that the fire started in the women’s restroom in the middle of the night. A police officer making his rounds discovered it. Still, the fire had consumed most of the building by the time the firemen got to the scene. It was estimated that the fire caused $200,000 in damages, or over $2.7 million today. Because of this large price tag the owners held off rebuilding for a few months. Finally, money was put towards the remodel; it was re-opened March 1, 1950. The remodel was so rushed that the marquee was finished only moments before the opening. They showed Alfred Hitchcock’s “Stage Fright” as the first film back. With the remodel, Sigma Theater became popular once again for around a decade.

These Nickle Plate Road artifacts are on display in our temporary exhibit, Rail Legacy. It is open until November 16th. ...
08/26/2026

These Nickle Plate Road artifacts are on display in our temporary exhibit, Rail Legacy. It is open until November 16th.

The Nickle Plate Road took pride in providing quality service to thei passengers, and their dining and sleeping cars reflected that commitment. Plates, cups, bowls, and menus were carefully designed to promote each company's identity while creating a sense of refinement and hospitality. These objects represent more than a meal; they offer a glimpse into a era when rail travel was not only a means of transportation, but an experience to be enjoyed.

08/26/2026

Readers of the Allen County Democrat learned in a brief story in the Jan. 14, 1887, edition of the newspaper that life in Lima was about to get easier.

This is from the 1930s. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) organized several division such has those featured her...
08/25/2026

This is from the 1930s. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) organized several division such has those featured here who were called Division of Professional and Service Projects. Horseshoe Pitching here is supervised by WPA workers at Delphos Park Court on June 22, 1936. The second image is of the croquet center for children also at the Delphos Park Court. Again with WPA workers supervising.

What is this week's ? We ask that you guess what this object is and how it was used. The answer will be posted on Augus...
08/24/2026

What is this week's ? We ask that you guess what this object is and how it was used. The answer will be posted on August 31, 2026.

Address

620 W Market Street
Lima, OH
45801

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
Thursday 1pm - 5pm
Friday 11pm - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+14192229426

Website

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