Plan your visit

284 Washington Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035

Explore the fascinating stories of Lorain County's past in the graceful rooms of the Horace Starr House, home to the Lorain County History Center.

This large Italianate-style mansion, completed in 1857, is the oldest remaining residence on Elyria's Washington Avenue. The History Center has exhibit galleries, a research library, and a bookstore, all accessible by elevator.

Tours of the History Center are self-guided and admission is FREE.

From March 23 through April, the History Center will host "Celebrating 100 Years: Latino History in Lorain" at the Lorain County History Center!

This traveling exhibit explores several aspects of Latino contributions in the city of Lorain, but focuses on Vine Avenue - where churches, Latino-owned businesses, and cultural organizations were the heart of the community. It is the work of the Latino Lorain History Project, a public history partnership of El Centro, the Lorain Historical Society, and Oberlin College. It has the overarching goal of gathering and preserving the history of the Latino community in Lorain though the collection of oral histories, archival materials, and artifacts.

The exhibit at the Lorain County History Center is open Wednesday, March 23 through Saturday, April 23. Regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All are invited to special opening hours on Wednesday, March 23 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. The final day of the exhibit will be Saturday, April 23 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.

History Center Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

509 Washington Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035

Tour The Hickories and "Meet the Garfords", the family for which this beautiful house was built. Construction began in 1894 and was completed in 1896.

Guided tours take approximately 45 minutes and require the ability to climb stairs.

Tours are offered Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 1:00 PM; other times by appointment.

Tour Fees: Adults $5; Students & Children $3, Under 6 FREE; LCHS Members FREE

Contact LCHS at (440) 322-3341 or education@lchs.org to arrange for a tour.