All ethnology museums to visit in Ohio

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 20 ethnology museums in Ohio. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Ohio:

  1. Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve1

    Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve

     Oregonia, OH
    Fort 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.
  2. Allen County Museum2

    Allen County Museum

     Lima, OH
    The 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.
  3. Ohio History Center3

    Ohio History Center

     Columbus, OH
    The 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.
  4. The African American Museum in Cleveland4

    The African American Museum in Cleveland

     Cleveland, OH
    The 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.
  5. National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center5

    National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

     Wilberforce, OH
    The 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.
  6. Historic Roscoe Village6

    Historic Roscoe Village

     Coshocton, OH
    Roscoe 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.
  7. Adena Mansion and Gardens7

    Adena Mansion and Gardens

     Chillicothe, OH
    The 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.
  8. Columbus Historical Society8

    Columbus Historical Society

     Columbus, OH
    The 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.
  9. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center9

    National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

     Cincinnati, OH
    The 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.
  10. Finnish Heritage Museum10

    Finnish Heritage Museum

     Fairport Harbor, OH
    The 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.
  11. Garst Museum11

    Garst Museum

     Greenville, OH
    The 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.
  12. Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum12

    Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum

     Coshocton, OH
    The 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.
  13. Wood County Historical Center & Museum13

    Wood County Historical Center & Museum

     Bowling Green, OH
    The 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.
  14. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park14

    Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

     Chillicothe, OH
    Hopewell 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. 15

    Italian American Museum of Cleveland

     Cleveland, OH
    The 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. 16

    Oberlin Heritage Center

     Oberlin, OH
    The 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. 17

    Ukrainian Museum-Archives

     Cleveland, OH
    The 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. 18

    German Heritage Museum

     Monfort Heights, OH
    The 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. 19

    Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Museum

     Cleveland, OH
    The 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. 20

    Maltz Museum

     Beachwood, OH
    The 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.