Mahoning Valley Historical Society | Youngstown

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society (MVHS) is a premier cultural and educational institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich history of the Mahoning Valley region in northeastern Ohio. Founded in 1875, MVHS has played a vital role for nearly 150 years in safeguarding the heritage of Youngstown and the surrounding communities by collecting artifacts, documents, photographs, and stories that tell the story of the area's people, industry, and culture.

Mission and Vision

MVHS’s core mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of the Mahoning Valley through public programs, exhibitions, educational outreach, and archival collections. It serves as a central resource for residents, scholars, students, and visitors interested in exploring the social, cultural, industrial, and ethnic development of the region.

Facilities and Locations

MVHS operates two main sites in Youngstown that offer complementary experiences:

1. Arms Family Museum ("Greystone")

Address: 648 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH

Building: The museum is housed in the historic Wilford and Olive Arms residence, known locally as "Greystone." Built in the early 20th century, the mansion exemplifies Arts & Crafts architectural style, featuring handcrafted woodwork, stained glass, and elegant period details.

Exhibits: The Arms Family Museum hosts permanent and rotating exhibits that highlight diverse aspects of the region’s history. Noteworthy exhibitions include:

Making an Impact: Highlighting Youngstown’s African American Community — showcasing the contributions and experiences of African Americans in the area.

Mid-Century Modern in the Mahoning Valley — exploring architectural and cultural trends from the mid-1900s.

The Anne Kilcawley Christman Hands-on History Gallery — a family-friendly, interactive gallery designed to engage visitors of all ages with local history.

Archives: Behind the museum, the Stewart Media Archives Center preserves the media history of the Mahoning Valley, including collections related to local radio, television, and newspapers, providing valuable resources for researchers.

2. Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center

Address: 325 West Federal Street, Youngstown, OH

Purpose: This facility focuses on community history and archival research.

Exhibits: The Youngstown Foundation Community History Gallery features rotating displays developed in partnership with local artists, nonprofits, and community organizations, reflecting the ongoing history and cultural diversity of the Valley.

Research Center: The Archives Research Center, located in the basement, offers access to an extensive collection of documents, photographs, maps, and other materials for genealogists, historians, and scholars.

Education: The center includes classrooms and meeting spaces used for workshops, lectures, and educational programs.

Historical Significance and Collections

The Mahoning Valley, historically a major center for steel production and manufacturing, has a complex and vibrant history shaped by immigration, industrial innovation, labor movements, and cultural evolution. MVHS’s collections reflect these themes through thousands of artifacts such as industrial tools, personal memorabilia, photographs, oral histories, newspapers, and rare documents.

The society’s holdings document:

The rise and fall of steel and related industries.

The experiences of ethnic communities (including Eastern European, Italian, Irish, African American, and others) who settled in the area.

The development of local government, education, arts, and social organizations.

Educational Programs and Public Engagement

MVHS is deeply committed to education and community involvement. Its programs are designed for schools, families, and adult learners, promoting an understanding of regional history’s relevance to contemporary life.

Some key programs include:

School Field Trips: Interactive tours and hands-on activities tailored to curriculum standards, offered at both the Arms Family Museum and Tyler History Center. These trips support history and social studies education by immersing students in local stories and artifacts.

Bites and Bits of History: A monthly lecture series providing engaging talks on various historical topics related to the Mahoning Valley.

Cultural Celebrations: Events focusing on the diverse cultural heritage of the region, such as special programs on Indian, Irish, and Czechoslovakian communities, including dinners, music, and storytelling.

Community Events: Special programs like walking tours, the "Amazing History Race," and anniversary celebrations foster local pride and participation.

150th Anniversary in 2025

In 2025, MVHS marks its 150th anniversary with a range of special events and exhibits that honor its long-standing contribution to preserving local history. These include open houses, cultural programs, interactive public activities, and expanded outreach efforts to engage new audiences.

Admission, Membership, and Support

MVHS offers affordable admission to its sites, with special rates for seniors, students, and children. Children under three and active military personnel are admitted free.

Membership levels range from student and individual memberships to preservation society levels with enhanced benefits, including:

Free admission to all MVHS sites

Invitations to members-only events

Discounts on programs and merchandise

Access to archival research assistance

Subscription to Historical Happenings, the quarterly newsletter

Membership helps support the society’s mission and ongoing programs.

Visitor Information

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, Noon to 4:00 PM

Locations:

Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Avenue

Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, 325 West Federal Street

Contact: Information and reservations for tours and programs are available via MVHS’s official website or by phone.

Summary

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society serves as the guardian of Youngstown’s and the region’s past, providing a rich, multifaceted experience for visitors and residents alike. By preserving historic buildings, curating important collections, and offering dynamic educational programs, MVHS ensures that the stories and heritage of the Mahoning Valley continue to inspire and inform future generations. Its dual-site operation, comprehensive archives, and community-focused programming make it a vital cultural institution in northeastern Ohio.