Industrial & heritage museums in Ohio

The SS William G. Mather, a retired Great Lakes bulk freighter, is now a museum ship in Cleveland, Ohio. It is one of only five such museum ships in the Great Lakes region. This historic vessel, which once transported cargo such as ore, coal, stone, and grain to ports throughout the Great Lakes, has been meticulously restored and is now open to the public for exploration and learning.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is situated in the Toledo Maritime Center, a heritage location on the banks of the Maumee River on the east side of Toledo, Ohio. This museum, operated by the Great Lakes Historical Society, celebrates the natural and built heritage of the North American Great Lakes from a U.S. perspective.

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is a unique attraction located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland's Flats district. This location not only offers a fascinating array of aquatic life but also provides visitors with a glimpse into the city's rich industrial history. The aquarium is easily accessible and is a great destination for families, tourists, and locals alike.

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a unique destination that offers a blend of historical and cultural experiences. This former railway station, located in Queensgate on the outskirts of Cincinnati, has been transformed into a hub of museums, theaters, a library, and a venue for permanent exhibitions. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of cultural and educational experiences.

The Ohio River Museum is a maritime institution that provides an interpretation of the history of the Ohio River. It offers a unique perspective on the river's past, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in maritime history and the Ohio River's role in it.

The SS William G. Mather, a retired Great Lakes bulk freighter, is now a museum ship located in Cleveland, Ohio. It is one of only five such museum ships in the Great Lakes region. This historic vessel offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the area and the important role that freighters played in the region's economy.

The Marblehead Lighthouse, situated in Marblehead on Lake Erie in Ottawa County, Ohio, holds the distinction of being the oldest American lighthouse of the Great Lakes. Today, it forms an integral part of the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is housed in a 13-story high-rise building, standing 203 feet tall. It is located at the intersection of Superior Avenue and East 6th Street in downtown Cleveland. The building, completed in 1923, was designed by the Cleveland-based architectural firm Walker and Weeks. Its exterior design is reminiscent of an Italian Renaissance palazzo and is adorned with Georgia pink marble, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati, also known as the Cincinnati Fire Museum, is a place where visitors can explore the rich history of firefighting in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing firefighting artifacts, as well as honoring the firefighters who have served in the past and those who continue to serve today.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker, previously known as the Willis B. Boyer, is a lake freighter with a rich history. It served as a commercial vessel on the Great Lakes for a significant part of the 20th century. Today, it stands as a museum ship in Toledo, Ohio, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.

The Early Television Museum is situated in Hilliard, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the history of television in a dedicated environment.

The Ohio Railway Museum, founded in 1948, is situated in Worthington, Ohio, in close proximity to Columbus, Ohio. As one of the oldest organizations involved in the preservation of railroad equipment and history in North America, it offers a unique insight into the evolution of rail transport.

Carillon Historical Park is a sprawling 65-acre park and museum located in Dayton, Ohio. The park is home to a variety of historic buildings and exhibits that delve into the history of technology and the evolution of Dayton and its residents from 1796 to the present day. As a visitor, you can explore the different sections of the park, each dedicated to a specific theme such as settlement, transportation, invention, and industry.

The Central Ohio Fire Museum, located in Downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the history of firefighting. The museum is housed in the former Engine House No. 16 of the Columbus Fire Department, a building with a rich history dating back to 1908. This historic building adds an extra layer of authenticity to the museum experience, making it a fascinating place to visit for those interested in history, architecture, or firefighting.

The factory on 29th Street was demolished in 1995 to pave the way for commercial development. However, the Belmont Street location was repurposed into a museum, now known as the National Imperial Glass Museum. This museum houses a vast collection of the company's glassware, providing a glimpse into its rich history.

The American Sign Museum, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation, archiving, and display of a vast collection of signs. The museum's collection spans from the late nineteenth century to the 1970s, showcasing the evolution of signage over the years. Visitors can expect to see a variety of signs, from gold leaf lettering on glass to a rotating neon windmill from a Denver donut shop.

The Northern Ohio Railway Museum is a non-profit, educational organization that was established in 1965. It is located near Chippewa Lake, Ohio, United States. The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of streetcars, artifacts, and assorted railway equipment related to the origin, development, and use of transit equipment and operations in northern Ohio.

The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum is a transportation museum located in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It is a part of the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center in University Circle. This museum is a significant part of the city's cultural and historical landscape, offering visitors a unique insight into the evolution of transportation.

The Verdin Company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a renowned manufacturer of bronze bells, clocks, and towers. Established in 1842, the company has a rich history and has been instrumental in crafting bells for use in bell and clock towers, peals, chimes, and carillons. The company also manufactures electronic carillons, street clocks, glockenspiels, and monuments.

The Grand River Lighthouse, which is now a maritime museum, is situated at Fairport Harbor on Lake Erie, at the mouth of the Grand River in Lake County, Ohio. This historic lighthouse was built in 1871 and was decommissioned in 1925, only to be replaced by the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse. Today, it serves as a significant historical site and a museum that offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region.

Operated by the Historical Construction Equipment Association, the museum showcases a wide variety of construction equipment. This includes cranes, shovels, rollers, scrapers, bulldozers, dump trucks, concrete mixers, drills, and other heavy equipment. It provides a comprehensive insight into the evolution of construction machinery over the years.

The Harrison County History of Coal Museum, also known as the Puskarich Coal Museum, is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to the history and significance of coal mining. The museum offers a comprehensive insight into the coal mining industry, its history, and its impact on society and the environment. Visitors can expect to learn about the geological history of coal, the history of coal mining in the United States, how mines were built, and the role of coal in the environment.

The Bicycle Museum of America, located in New Bremen, Ohio, USA, is home to one of the world's largest private collections of bicycles. This impressive collection is a testament to the evolution of the bicycle and its impact on society over the years. Visitors to the museum can expect to see a wide range of bicycles, from antique models to more modern designs.

The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor is a museum located in Youngstown, Ohio. It is dedicated to preserving the history of the steel industry, which was a major part of the area's economic life throughout the 20th century. The museum provides a deep dive into the industrial past of the community, offering a unique perspective on the region's history.

The Pioneer and Historical Society of Muskingum County, also known as the Zanesville Historical Society, is a non-profit organization based in Zanesville, Ohio. Its mission is to preserve the history of the Zanesville and Muskingum County region. This society operates several significant historical sites in and around Zanesville, contributing to the rich historical tapestry of the area.