lake county history center

The layout of this museum is very nicely done; every room of this big house has a different, yet related theme. The History Center is well known for its collection of music boxes, but the Civil War, dollhouse and Mormon exhibits are also very interesting. (The Mormon exhibit presents a very different perspective as to why the believers left the Kirtland area versus the Morman Visitor Center in Kirtland.) As we were the only visitors at the time, the friendly secretary took us down to see the cells down in their basement (we learned about them at the Indian museum in Willoughby); they are a strong, vivid witness at to the building's history as a homeless shelter, which included the mentally unstable. She also played a few selections from a few of their music boxes. Overall I didn't expect such a comprehensive museum; it took about 45 minutes or so to get here from Willoughby. If you have young children, please keep an eye on them and don't let them roam about unattended--the dollhouses and music boxes are fragile. My only complaint: they have very limited hours, which can make it difficult creating a travel plan.

I came to the Center for their annual paranormal exploration of the building, which is the old county poor house. My companions and I were so intrigued that we came back the next day to check out the exhibits. They really did a nice job with it. Many of the rooms were set up to show you what Victorian parlors and Civil War camps were like. Others were theme centered "stuff under glass" style exhibits. There was lots to see. Even though we were there on a day when they did not offer guided tours, the staff members showed us some things they thought we would be particularly interested in, including a preview of a not-yet-open new exhibit on the old street car system. It was well worth the $3 admission.

Attended the Band Organ Extravaganza this past weekend. Great show.This summer is full of attractions. Some are past, but still to come are Bags N' Bones on Aug. 10. This features corn hole competition, barbeque competition (ribs) and great bands and beer garden. FREE Admission 12 noon-10 pm. On Sept. 29 is the Best Clambake in N.E. Ohio. Reservations are required. Contact the LCHC at 440-639-2945.Exhibits & Galleries are open other times Tues-Saturday 10-2 and Sunday 1-4. Visit www.LakeHistory.org.

This place is complete in many ways. If you want to take your kids to a place that wants to see and educate them this is it. They also have activities all the time for adults. The displays have been updated often so a return visit is just as much fun as the first one.

The Lake County History Center is in the old County Home (poor house) which closed in 2003. They have exhibits on the first floor and a library on the second. They are in the process of opening more of the museum. The current exhibits were of old music boxes (they will play one for you), very detailed and engaging dollhouses and quite a bit on the civil war, They have recreated a store and a couple of homes as they would have looked during the civil war. This includes a display of a parlor for a home in mourning (including the casket). Found it a little disappointing. I thought the county home would be the more interesting and unique thing to highlight. The docent told me that they have cells in the basement that they kept mentally in for example. This would probably be good for families with children or civil war buffs.