Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Ohio:
1Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve
Oregonia, OHFort Ancient is recognized as the largest prehistoric hill fort in the United States. It boasts three and a half miles of walling within a 100-acre complex. This vastness provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the grandeur of prehistoric Native American architecture. 2Allen County Museum
Lima, OHThe Allen County Museum, situated in Lima, Ohio, is a vast establishment that spans multiple buildings. These buildings house a variety of collections, making it a place of diverse historical and cultural interest. The museum's expansive area allows it to accommodate a wide range of exhibits, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of the region's history and culture. 3Ohio History Center
Columbus, OHThe Ohio History Center, located in Columbus, Ohio, serves as a history museum and research center. It is the main museum for the history of Ohio and also functions as the headquarters, offices, and library of the Ohio History Connection. This makes it a significant location for anyone interested in learning about Ohio's past. 4The African American Museum in Cleveland
Cleveland, OHThe African American Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, is a significant cultural institution founded in 1953 by Icabod Flewellen. The museum is located in a historic Carnegie Library building that is over a century old. This establishment is dedicated to educating the public about the positive contributions of African Americans to global cultures and aims to dispel distorted portrayals of black people. 5National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Wilberforce, OHThe National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is situated in Wilberforce, Ohio. The museum's mission is to document and present the diverse experiences of African Americans, tracing their history from their African origins to the present day. It is part of the Ohio History Connection and is located next to Central State University. 6Historic Roscoe Village
Coshocton, OHRoscoe Village, located in Coshocton, Ohio, is a restored town that was originally part of the Ohio and Erie Canal system. The village was first established in 1816 and was later renamed Roscoe in 1830. This historical site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the transformation of a small community into a thriving port along the Ohio and Erie Canal. 7Adena Mansion and Gardens
Chillicothe, OHThe Adena Mansion, located in Chillicothe, Ohio, is a historic house museum that was completed in 1807. It was built for Thomas Worthington, a prominent figure in Ohio's early history, by Benjamin Latrobe, a renowned architect. This mansion offers a glimpse into the past and is a significant part of Ohio's heritage. 8Columbus Historical Society
Columbus, OHThe Columbus Historical Society (CHS) is situated in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. This location is significant as Franklinton was the first non-native settlement in Central Ohio, and is surrounded by numerous historic and cultural sites. The society's office and museum building is a hub for local history and art exhibits, making it a worthwhile stop for tourists interested in the city's past. 9National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Cincinnati, OHThe National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum located in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid-19th century, used by enslaved African-Americans to escape into free states and Canada. The museum's location in Cincinnati is significant as the city played a crucial role in the history of the Underground Railroad, with many slaves crossing the Ohio River from the southern slave states to find refuge in the city. 10Finnish Heritage Museum
Fairport Harbor, OHThe Finnish Heritage Museum in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Finnish heritage and cultural traditions. The museum's mission is to educate its members and the public about Finnish culture and history. 11Garst Museum
Greenville, OHThe Garst Museum houses a variety of exhibits that provide insights into different aspects of American history. These include exhibits about Annie Oakley, Lowell Thomas, Native American culture, local military activities, pioneer life, and prehistory. Each exhibit is meticulously curated to offer a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. 12Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum
Coshocton, OHThe Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum is located in the historic Roscoe Village, a restored Ohio & Erie Canal town in Coshocton, Ohio. This general interest museum offers a unique glimpse into various aspects of history and culture, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists interested in a broad range of topics. 13Wood County Historical Center & Museum
Bowling Green, OHThe Wood County Museum, situated in Bowling Green, Ohio, is steeped in history. It stands on the original site of the Wood County Infirmary, which was also known as the Wood County Home or the Poor Farm. This establishment served as a home for the poor, mentally ill, physically disabled, and anyone in need of public assistance who were residents of Wood County. 14Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Chillicothe, OHHopewell Culture National Historical Park is a significant historical site in the United States. It features earthworks and burial mounds from the Hopewell culture, a group of indigenous peoples who thrived from around 200 BC to AD 500. These ancient structures provide a glimpse into the lives and practices of the Hopewell people, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and archaeology.- 15
Italian American Museum of Cleveland
Cleveland, OHThe Italian American Museum of Cleveland is a cultural institution situated in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. The museum emphasizes the heritage, history, identity, and traditions of the city's Italian American community. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and understand the rich cultural heritage and history of Italian Americans in Cleveland. - 16
Oberlin Heritage Center
Oberlin, OHThe Oberlin Heritage Center comprises a complex of historic sites, including the Monroe House, Jewett House, and Little Red Schoolhouse. These sites date back to the 19th century and offer a glimpse into the history of Oberlin. Guided tours of these three sites are available on a walk-in basis three days a week, and groups can book appointments for other times. This information is crucial for visitors planning their trip to the center. - 17
Ukrainian Museum-Archives
Cleveland, OHThe Ukrainian Museum-Archives is situated at 1202 Kenilworth Avenue, a location that was formerly a convent. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique setting for the museum, adding to the overall experience of the visit. - 18
German Heritage Museum
Monfort Heights, OHThe German Heritage Museum is situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States. It is a significant location that presents the contributions of German immigrants and their descendants in the Ohio River Valley and America. The museum is a representation of the long history of German-Americans in the Greater Cincinnati area, which is one of the major German-American centers in the United States. - 19
Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Museum
Cleveland, OHThe Cleveland Hungarian Museum is dedicated to protecting and preserving the history of Hungarians in northeast Ohio. It offers a unique opportunity for tourists to learn about the Hungarian community's contributions and experiences in this region of the United States. - 20
Maltz Museum
Beachwood, OHThe Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, located in the suburb of Beachwood in Cleveland, is a private non-profit institution. It is dedicated to celebrating the history of the Jewish community in Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Additionally, the museum also highlights the diversity of the human experience. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the rich Jewish heritage and the diverse human experiences that have shaped the region.