Interactive Educational Programs
Interactive educational programs at the Marion County Historical Society
At the Marion County Historical Society, we offer a variety of interactive educational programs that bring history to life. These hands-on learning experiences allow visitors of all ages to connect with Marion County’s rich past and exciting future. Join us to explore our unique educational offerings designed to educate and inspire!
The Marion County Historical Society offers a variety of hands-on, interactive education programs
Before the Mall
(Offered at Heritage Hall only)
Visit the general store at the MCHS Museum and learn about pioneer economics and village life. Learn how frontier towns came to be and the role of the general store in the community. Search the general store exhibition for all types of goods.
Roughing It – Pioneer Life
(Can also be presented at the Wilhelm-Seiter Log House at the Fairgrounds from May to October)
Pioneer life comes alive through this presentation. Tailored to the teacher’s needs and the class’s interest, topics include why the pioneers came, finding shelter, work, clothing, leisure time, and more. Hands-on activities are woven throughout the program.
They Walked This Land – Native American Life
Explore the Native Americans who once lived in north-central Ohio and learn about the lifestyle changes caused by contact with Euro-Americans. Furs, artifacts, and clothing are used to highlight aspects of daily life for Native Americans. Combine this program with “Roughing It” for a view of pre- and early-statehood Ohio.
Wild in Marion
Step back in time when bears and panthers ruled the forests of Marion County. Learn about Marion County’s once-prominent tallgrass prairies and what animals preferred the grassland to the woodland. You will see furs of animals that were native to Marion County, how they impacted the lifestyles of early settlers, and how early settlers impacted their environment.
The Little Red Schoolhouse
(Program takes place at Linn Schoolhouse, May to October)
What was a day like going to a one-room school? What did you study? Was there recess? Where is the lunchroom? What is an outhouse? Learn the answers to these questions when you visit the Linn School and recreate the school days of another era.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Education Curator, Rebecca McKinney, for further details and program pricing. We welcome public and homeschool groups. 740-387-4255 or volunteers@marionhistory.com.
Linn School House
The Linn School, built in 1897, had fallen into decay when it was rescued and restored through the partnership of two brothers, Oliver and Merle Hamilton, along with the Marion County Historical Society and Quality Masonry Company, Inc. of Marion. Now open to the public, the building is much the same as it was when the Hamilton brothers attended classes there from 1909 to 1917.
What was a day like going to a one-room school? What did you study? Was there recess? Where is the lunchroom? What is an outhouse? Learn the answers to these questions when you visit the Linn School and recreate the school days of another era. Linn School is open to the public from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on the 1st and 3rd weekends of the month from May to August, and by appointment. The Linn School is located north of Marion at 2473 Marion-Bucyrus Road (State Route 4). Call 740-387-4255 for tour information.
The Buckeye Telephone Collection
This exhibit keeps alive the memory of the items that made the telephone industry what it is today. As services and systems evolved, local telephone companies donated many items over the years. View various open-wire insulators, operator switchboards, wall-mounted magneto crank phones, maps, phonebooks, testing gear, phone booths, and much more. Have you ever dialed a rotary phone? Now is your chance.
Log Cabin & Smokehouse
The log cabin, donated by the Carl Seiter family to the Marion County Historical Society, was constructed in 1851 and then relocated to the Marion County Fairgrounds. Also at the fairgrounds is the 1832 Conrad Neidhardt smokehouse, donated by the Robert Lehner family.
Both structures have been renovated and are open by request, and annually during the Marion County Fair.
The Honorable Mary Ellen Withrow, 40th Treasurer of the United States
A Marion County Native, Mary Ellen was the 40th Treasurer of the United States. Withrow is the only person to have held the post of Treasurer at all three levels of government, local, state, and national. In addition, she is a Guinness Book of World Records holder for having her signature on the most currency. Mary Ellen Withrow’s collection of personal documents, photographs, and awards, are housed at Heritage Hall.