Who We Are

The Lorain County Historical Society (LCHS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization, open to any person or group who supports LCHS’s mission.

Since 1889, the Lorain County Historical Society has preserved and shared the history of Lorain County through exhibits, programs, and tours. Located in Elyria, Lorain County’s seat, LCHS is the only local history organization that serves the entire county.

LCHS operates two museums. The Lorain County History Center, with free admission, is a hub of Lorain County history education. Located in the restored Horace Starr House, this museum has galleries, a research library, and LCHS’s business office. The Hickories was built 1894 – 1896 for Elyria entrepreneur Arthur Garford and his family. Through guided tours of The Hickories Museum, LCHS honors Garford’s spirit of innovation and connects Elyria and Lorain County to greater stories of American history.

Mission

The Lorain County Historical Society collects, preserves, and shares the history of Lorain County, Ohio to educate and inspire present and future generations.

Vision

To be a respected hub of learning about history, where all people are encouraged to discover and develop a passion for the past, engage in relevant study and educational experiences, and make history a meaningful part of their lives.

Values

LCHS believes that historical understanding is critical to creating a better world. We are dedicated to best practices, guided by professional organizations in our field. Our work will be informed by our beliefs and commitments to excellence in:

• Stewardship and Service
• Integrity and Sustainability
• Diversity and Inclusion (LCHS Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Statement)
• Collaboration and Innovation