Lorain Historical Society

Lorain Historical Society Preserving the history of the City of Lorain for future generations since 1981!

Hello all! My name is Madaleine Lake and I am a current undergraduate student at Thee Ohio State University majoring in ...
06/20/2026

Hello all! My name is Madaleine Lake and I am a current undergraduate student at Thee Ohio State University majoring in History. I graduated from Lorain High School in 2024, following my time as the 2023 Lorain International African-American Queen. As someone born and raised in Lorain, I am very excited to join you all for the summer!

Today is National Go Fishing Day, a perfect time to cast a line and celebrate a favorite pastime enjoyed by generations ...
06/18/2026

Today is National Go Fishing Day, a perfect time to cast a line and celebrate a favorite pastime enjoyed by generations of Lorain residents.

This ShureBite fishing lure was patented in Lorain on February 13, 1934. Beyond this advertisement that appeared in the Lorain Journal in 1930, however, the trail goes cold. Who made ShureBite lures? Where was the company located? How long were they in business?

We haven't been able to uncover much information, but perhaps someone in our community knows more. If you have information, photographs, advertisements, or fishing tackle related to ShureBite, we'd love to hear from you. Help us solve this local history mystery!

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director, Stephanie Petcavage, who will begin on June 3...
06/18/2026

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director, Stephanie Petcavage, who will begin on June 30th, replacing Barb Piscopo who recently announced her retirement. Stephanie brings more than a decade of experience in museums, collections stewardship, historic preservation, project management, and community engagement.

“As a lifelong resident of Lorain County, I am truly honored to join the Lorain Historical Society as it begins this new and exciting chapter. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, Board, volunteers, members, and community partners who have already accomplished so much for our community, while also expanding engagement, reaching new audiences, and creating meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and belong. History belongs to everyone, and I am committed to ensuring the Society remains a welcoming, visible, and vibrant resource for Lorain. And in that spirit, my first official request is simple: share with us your best stories. We are not just preserving history; we are continuing to make it.”

This autumn there will be an opportunity to meet Stephanie at the Historical Society’s Community Open House.

We are proud to support and sponsor Arianna Wysocki, a princess in this year’s Lorain International Association Festival...
06/17/2026

We are proud to support and sponsor Arianna Wysocki, a princess in this year’s Lorain International Association Festival & Bazaar.

Arianna will be proudly representing her German heritage in this year’s pageant, celebrating her family roots, and love for her city. She has been volunteering at our organization over the last several years, and we’re honored to support her in her journey.

The International festival will be held June 26th - 28th, with the pageant taking place on Thursday, June 25th at 7:00pm.

Good luck Arianna! 🇩🇪✨

The Annual Lorain Legends Golf Outing is July 18 and we are looking for HOLE SPONSORS to help make this event possible!🏌...
06/16/2026

The Annual Lorain Legends Golf Outing is July 18 and we are looking for HOLE SPONSORS to help make this event possible!🏌️‍♀️Support the legacy and history of Lorain and Lorainites who made a difference by being a sponsor or forming a team with your friends and enjoying a day on the course at Fox Creek Golf & Racquet Club.
This year, we’re proud to honor Sam Felton, a decorated war hero, as our 2026 Lorain Legend, and we'll share more about his amazing story very soon.
Purchase sponsorship & team registration: https://Loraingolf.givesmart.com

As we digitize an enormous collection of photographs taken and collected by Lorain aviator Bill Long, we're uncovering f...
06/15/2026

As we digitize an enormous collection of photographs taken and collected by Lorain aviator Bill Long, we're uncovering fascinating details about his life as an auto dealer, pilot, and operator of Lorain City Airport. One question caught our attention: What ever happened to Bill’s Curtiss Model F Seagull - the Cedar Point sightseeing aircraft known as his “flying boat”?
We knew it had been donated in 1945 and later left the collection during a downsizing project, but its whereabouts remained a mystery.

The answer led us halfway around the globe. The aircraft was acquired by Peter Jackson, the acclaimed director, writer, and producer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, carefully restored, and is now on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum in New Zealand. From Lorain to New Zealand - Bill Long’s flying boat has had quite a journey!

Photo information: [Left] left - mechanic Al Baker; right - pilot Bill Long; at Cedar Point, circa 1927; [Right] Curtiss Model F on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum

🇺🇸 Flag Day is observed each year on June 14 to commemorate the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congres...
06/14/2026

🇺🇸 Flag Day is observed each year on June 14 to commemorate the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777. While it is not a federal holiday, it is recognized nationwide as a celebration of the history and symbolism of the Stars and Stripes. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

📷️ (Cabinet card portrait of Jennie Long [1890-1965] in a Stars and Stripes costume and headpiece that says Liberty across the front, circa 1905-1910)

The Museum at the Carnegie Center and the Gift Shop are open today 10am-3pm, so stop in to check out our great artifacts...
06/13/2026

The Museum at the Carnegie Center and the Gift Shop are open today 10am-3pm, so stop in to check out our great artifacts and displays as well as all the Lorain and regional items in our gift shop. You won't want to miss our newest item, handmade pottery dipping/trinket bowls from Peppertree Pottery right here in Lorain, and featuring our beautiful Lorain Lighthouse! These are stunning additions to the gift shop and are perfect for all your summer entertaining. And don't forget The Moore House is open 11am-3pm today with the "Summer in the City" Exhibit and lots of other great things to see and do.

Stop by the Moore House (309 W. 5th Street) today 11am-3pm during Main Street Lorain’s June Second Saturday for your fir...
06/13/2026

Stop by the Moore House (309 W. 5th Street) today 11am-3pm during Main Street Lorain’s June Second Saturday for your first chance to catch our “Summer in the City” Exhibit, featuring photographs and artifacts highlighting summertime recreation in Lorain through the years. Plus, come take part in a collaborative project by decorating a puzzle piece inspired by summer memories, places, and traditions. (Moore House will also be open during the July Second Saturday.)

Our first session of summer campers explored the rich history of our community by discovering stories from Lorain’s past...
06/12/2026

Our first session of summer campers explored the rich history of our community by discovering stories from Lorain’s past, and visiting several small businesses that help make our downtown unique. Through these shared experiences, campers built new friendships, and developed a deeper appreciation for the people, places, and businesses that shape our city.
🌟 Shout out to Zelek Flower Shop, Brastina’s Nutrizen, and Lorenzo's Pizza. Your generosity, kindness, and community spirit gave our campers a week they won't soon forget!

Address

329 W 10th Street
Lorain, OH
44052

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

(440) 245-2563

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