Hoover Historical Center | Canton

The Hoover Historical Center, located on the campus of Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, is a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of The Hoover Company, once one of the most iconic names in household appliances. Set in the boyhood home of William H. “Boss” Hoover, the center offers a vivid portrayal of innovation, entrepreneurship, and 20th-century American domestic life.

📜 Historical Overview

The Hoover Family Home: The museum is housed in an 1853 Victorian farmhouse that was the childhood home of William Hoover. The house retains its 19th-century charm and serves as the setting for the historical narrative.

Founding of The Hoover Company: William Hoover originally ran a leather goods business. In 1908, he purchased the rights to James Spangler’s portable electric suction sweeper and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. This product would define the Hoover name globally.

Growth and Global Influence: Over the next several decades, Hoover became synonymous with vacuum cleaners. By mid-20th century, “Hoovering” had even become a common term for vacuuming in the UK.

World War II Contributions: During the war, Hoover converted its production lines to manufacture parts for military equipment, including plastic helmet liners, aircraft components, and medical supplies—demonstrating its versatility and patriotism.

🖼️ Museum Exhibits

The Hoover Historical Center features guided tours through creatively designed rooms that combine period décor with industrial history. Notable exhibits include:

Vacuum Cleaner Gallery:
A chronological display of Hoover vacuum models, from early wood-and-metal machines to sleek mid-century designs, showing the evolution of home cleaning technology.

Advertising Archive:
A vibrant collection of Hoover advertisements, radio jingles, print campaigns, and promotional items dating back to the 1910s, reflecting changing trends in marketing and consumer culture.

Women in the Workplace:
A tribute to the significant role women played in the Hoover workforce, especially during wartime, highlighting their contributions to manufacturing and business operations.

The Hoover Family Legacy:
Personal memorabilia, photographs, and stories from the Hoover family give insight into the company’s origins and its founder’s vision.

Wartime Production Exhibit:
Displays and artifacts from the company’s World War II efforts, including manufacturing records and examples of military components produced at Hoover facilities.

🌿 Gardens and the Herb Society

The grounds include beautifully maintained herb gardens established in 1988, a project of the Herb Society at the Hoover Historical Center.

The gardens are used for educational purposes, showcasing culinary, medicinal, and fragrant herbs.

Public workshops, herb festivals, and seasonal events are often hosted in the gardens to promote appreciation and knowledge of herbs.

🕒 Visitor Information

Address: 1875 East Maple Street, North Canton, Ohio 44720

Tours:

Offered March through October

Days: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Times: 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM

Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes

Group Tours:

Available on weekdays by prior arrangement (minimum 8 people)

Admission: Free; donations are welcome to support the center’s mission

Accessibility: The center is wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate guests with disabilities

Contact:

Phone: (330) 490-7435

Email: [email protected]

🎉 Special Programs and Events

Christmas on Hoover Farm:
A festive seasonal event featuring Victorian holiday décor, caroling, storytelling, and traditional refreshments.

Annual Hoover Festival:
Celebrates Hoover's legacy with family-friendly activities, historical displays, vintage Hoover machines, food vendors, and local music.

Educational Outreach:
The center collaborates with schools, offering field trips and presentations to teach students about early American industry and innovation.

Cultural and Community Impact

The Hoover Historical Center not only preserves the legacy of one of America’s most recognizable brands but also serves as a community landmark celebrating local history, innovation, and progress.

It connects North Canton’s industrial past with the present through engaging tours, educational programming, and historical interpretation that appeals to all ages.

In essence, the Hoover Historical Center is a rich, interactive museum experience that celebrates American ingenuity, domestic innovation, and the story of how a leather goods business became an international household name. It is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in the evolution of everyday life.