Catawba Island Historical Society

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Port Clinton, OH
Catawba Island Historical Society

We're open for visitors:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 10am to 4pm
Every second and fourth Saturday of the month 10am to 4pm

To preserve, protect, promote and provide access to the artifacts, relics, documents and information related to the rich history of Catawba Island, Ohio. *Please note our SATURDAY HOURS are the 2nd and 4th Saturday each month

08/28/2026

📸 Flashback Friday: Prime Lake Erie Real Estate for a Bargain Price!

Take a look back at the early days of Catawba Island’s West Beach development! This early 20th-century plat map shows the original layout when these scenic lots were first hit the market.

The most eye-catching detail? The choicest lots—sitting right on the bluff in Rock Ledge with sweeping, unobstructed views of Lake Erie—could be yours for just $1,600. Imagine securing prime Catawba waterfront property for less than the price of a modern laptop! Of course at that time $1600 was still quite an investment!

Piece of Local History: This detailed map captures the foundational era of residential growth along West Beach and Rock Ledge.

New Museum Addition: We are thrilled to share that this original map is currently being framed and will soon be on display at the CIHS Museum at Union Chapel.

Be sure to stop by Union Chapel during your next visit to see this fascinating snapshot of Catawba history up close!

08/21/2026

Rollin’ Through Summer at Gem Beach 🛼✨

If you grew up spendin’ summers on Catawba Island, chances are you spent at least a few breezy evenings gliding across the wooden floor of the famous Gem Beach Roller Rink!

Souvenirs like this retro metal car tag were hugely popular during the mid-20th century —turning every car trip back home into a rolling advertisement for Lake Erie’s favorite vacation spot.

Gem Beach was a hub of summer action...The roller rink, the cool lake breezes, the dance hall, beach, and penny arcade. From daytime skating sessions to music and open-air summer nights, it was the place to be for generations of kids and teenagers.

Who remembers skating at Gem Beach?
What songs take you right back to that wooden floor? Share your favorite memories in the comments below! 🛼👇

Donation courtesy of the Hanko Family

08/18/2026

Special visitor alert! 🚗 A huge thank you to this fantastic couple who drove all the way from Ironton, Ohio, to visit us in their totally unique, custom auto. We love seeing one-of-a-kind rides parked out front! 🙌✨

08/14/2026

Summer Days at Gem Beach

Take a look back at standard summer uniform we believe from the late 1940s! 🏖️

This vintage snapshot captures a group of young beachgoers hard at work building sandcastles along the shores of Gem Beach on Catawba Island. Notice the matching classic wool-knit trunks and similar hair cuts.

☀️Gem Beach has been a beloved summer staple for generations of locals and visitors alike. Whether sculpting towers in the sand or splashing in the Lake Erie waves, the joy of a warm Catawba summer never changes.

Does your family have history at Gem Beach? 🏷Tag a friend or share your favorite throwback Lake Erie memories in the comments below!🔽

Photo courtesy of the Catawba Island Historical Society Archives.

08/12/2026

⚓ Tonight's the night! Don't let our final After Hours get away! ⚓

Skip the usual Wednesday routine and join us tonight for our final After Hours: Gone Fishing at the Museum! We are keeping the doors open late one last time so you can reel in some mid-week fun.

⏰ Tonight: AUG 12 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM

📍 Where: CIHS Museum at Union Chapel

🎟️ Admission: Open to all!

Bring your sharpest tracking skills because our fish scavenger hunt is officially on! 🐠 Hunt for hidden cutout fish across the gallery exhibits, test your luck, and reel in some fun small prizes. 🏆

Whether you're here for the friendly competition or just to stroll the museum at twilight, we can't wait to see you tonight! 🎣

08/10/2026

Cast a wide net with your Wednesday night plans! 🎣 In just 48 hours, we are staying open late for our final After Hours: Gone Fishing event of the season.

If you are looking for a fun, casual mid-week outing to wrap up the summer, this is your perfect catch. Come explore the exhibits from 4:00 – 7:00 PM this Wednesday, August 12, at the CIHS Museum at Union Chapel.

The Main Event:
Our museum-wide fish scavenger hunt is ready for action! 🐠 Hidden cutout fish are scattered throughout the galleries. See how many you can track down—successful fish-finders walk away with fun prizes! 🏆

Tag your favorite museum buddies below and make it a date! 👇

08/07/2026

Summer Days at Catawba 📸

Summertime on Catawba Island has always been about family, sunshine, and making memories that span generations. This week’s takes us back to a classic Catawba tradition—the Barnum Family Summer Reunion, held back in the good old days!

From crisp lake breezes to endless afternoon laughter, this snapshot captures the timeless spirit of Catawba summers. Photo donated by Don and JoAnn Rhodes.

What are your favorite memories of vintage Catawba summers? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

08/05/2026

🎣 Hooked on History? Reel in Our Final Summer Late Hours! 🎣

Looking for the perfect mid-week catch? Mark your calendars for next week! Join us for our final After Hours: Gone Fishing event at the Museum. Join for a fun night out before summer winds down, we've got something for everyone.

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, August 12

⏰ Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM

📍 Where: CIHS Museum at Union Chapel

Come enjoy an evening of exploration, community, and a little bit of friendly competition!

🐠 What's the Catch?
We’ve hidden cutout fish all around the gallery! Test your tracking skills with our museum-wide Scavenger Hunt. Cast a wide net, explore the exhibits, and see how many you can spot. Small prizes will be awarded to our successful fish-finders! 🏆

08/05/2026

🚜 A exciting new addition to our collection!

Yesterday was a big day at the museum as we officially moved and placed an old Orchard Sprayer into its new home.

A massive thank you to the Black Swamp Conservancy for donating this incredible piece of local agricultural history to us. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CI Township Staff for their assistance and Dr. Rick Thomas, who expertly managed the entire process—from securing the donation to overseeing its final placement.

Stop by the museum soon to check it out in person! 🌾🏛️

07/24/2026

🍑 Baskets full of sweet summer sun!
Nothing beats a fresh local peach, and our community has been perfecting the harvest for a very long time!
Take a look back at the early 1940s with Danbury Township peach grower Edwin Bredehoft. This wonderful snapshot shows Edwin leading his wagon into town, completely loaded down with baskets of fragrant, sweet-smelling peaches fresh from the orchard.
Before modern shipping and trucks took over, this was how the best of the peninsula's fruit made it to local tables. 🧺✨ ☀️ Did your family ever grow peaches or work the local orchards? Share your memories of the harvest season with us in the comments!

Address

5258 E Porter Street
Port Clinton, OH
43452

Telephone

(419) 967-5363

Website

https://catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com/

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