Ohio is home to over 700 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Columbus to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Ohio's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
Ashtabula County Historical Society
Location: Geneva, OH
Founded: 1838
Clark County Historical Society
Location: Springfield, OH
Founded: 1897
Clermont County Historical Society
Location: Batavia/Williamsburg, OH
Founded: 1958
Delaware County Historical Society
Location: Delaware, OH
Founded: 1925
Fairfield County Heritage Association
Location: Lancaster, OH
First Presbyterian Church of Wapakoneta
Location: Wapakoneta, OH
Geauga County Historical Society
Location: Burton, OH
Greene County Historical Society
Location: Xenia, OH
Heritage Village Museum
Location: Cincinnati, OH
LancasterHistory
Location: Lancaster, OH
Lorain County Historical Society
Location: Elyria, OH
Founded: 1889
Medina County Historical Society
Location: Medina, OH
Founded: 1922
Morris Sharp House
Location: Washington Court House, OH
Museum of Wayne County History
Location: Lyons, OH
Founded: 1946
Muskingum County History
Location: Zanesville, OH
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Founded: 2004
Museum dedicated to the Underground Railroad and continuing struggle for freedom
Website: freedomcenter.org
Newark Earthworks
Location: Newark, OH
Founded: 1933
Ohio History Connection
Location: Columbus, OH
Founded: 1885
Ohio's state historical society operating museums and historic sites across the state. Preserves extensive collections on Ohio's role in westward expansion, Underground Railroad, industrial development, and presidential history
Website: ohiohistory.org
Ottawa County Historical Society
Location: Port Clinton, OH
Founded: 1963
Portage County Historical Society
Location: Ravenna, OH
Founded: 1951
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Location: Cleveland, OH
Founded: 1983
Chronicles the history and cultural impact of rock and roll music. Features exhibits on legendary artists, interactive experiences, and Cleveland's crucial role in rock music history and Alan Freed's "Moondog" shows
Website: rockhall.com
Ross County Historical Society
Location: Chillicothe, OH
Founded: 1896
Shaker Historical Society
Location: Shaker Heights, OH
Founded: 1947
Shelby House
Location: Botkins, OH
Southeast Ohio History Center
Location: Athens, OH
Founded: 1983
Summit County Historical Society
Location: Akron, OH
Founded: 1924
Toledo History Museum
Location: Toledo, OH
Travellers' Rest Inn
Location: Greenfield, OH
Uniopolis Town Hall
Location: Uniopolis, OH
Warren County Historical Society
Location: Lebanon, OH
Founded: 1940
Washington County Historical Society
Location: Marietta, OH
Wayne County Historical Society
Location: Wayne, OH
Wood County Historical Society
Location: Bowling Green, OH
Submit a Society
Know of other Ohio historical societies? Help us expand this directory by submitting organizations you're familiar with.
Submit a Society →Additional Ohio History Resources
- Ohio History Connection - Statewide history organization and museums
- Ohio State Historic Preservation Office - State historic preservation programs
- Ohio History Connection Archives - State archives in Columbus