Lake County Historical Society originally preserved President James A. Garfield’s home.
From 1938 until 1983 a version of the Lake County Historical Society maintained President James A. Garfield’s home in Mentor, Ohio. In 1983, the National Park Service assumed operation and we moved operations to Shadybrook in Kirtland, Ohio. The site included a museum, living history village, and research center. In 2007, the Lake County History Center was created through a purchase of 8-acres from Riverside High School and the former 30,000 sq.ft. Lake County Home. Today, we offer a wide range of changing exhibits, programs and workshops for both adults and youth, site rentals, special events, publications, and outreach programs.
Originally founded in 1938, we believe in providing the best historical and educational experience for residents and visitors.
The Lake County Historical Society is committed to ensuring, through our collections, research library, educational outreach activities and publications, the preservation of Lake County historical records and cultural traditions and to use Society resources and partnerships to engage the community, assess changing needs and be a responsible advocate for the local arts and culture community.
Museum Operations 70%
Education 40%
Library 25%
Collections 85%
Special Events 51%
Interpreters 100%
Lea (pronounced Lee) is responsible for the general management, fundraising, daily operations overseeing programming, community events and the strategic direction set by the LCHS Board of Directors. Her background dovetails well with the requirements of the position. For twelve years prior to her appointment as LCHS Director, Lea was the Director of Communications for the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. She has also worked as a journalist in radio, television and print. More recently, she served as Governor General of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Other experiences include serving on the Board of the Urban League New Orleans, Development Director for the New Orleans Symphony and marketing for the Historic New Orleans collection. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, along with an education degree, and Masters with honors from Eastern Illinois University. Lea has deep roots in Lake County. Her husband, Ron Filson, is from a third generation family from Leroy Township. Lea considers it an honor and a privilege to help Lake County residents preserve and learn their local history.
Lynn Vandevort began working at the History Center in 2010 after working as the Grant Program Coordinator for the College of Southern Maryland. She is known nationally for her architectural drawings and has her Bachelors Degree from Frostburg State University. Lynn has overseen the development of the museum collections database and the creation of the Online Collections. She has lived in Lake County for 17 years.
Tonya Busic was hired in 2012 to join the History Center. Tonya has developed new youth education programs and has updated the Pioneer School Program. She is a very active member of the Lake County community and is a resident of Mentor.
Judy Hempel, President
Josh Pennock, Vice President
Joseph P. Kovalcheck Jr., Treasurer
Kathy Lupold, Secretary
Keith Fauver
Dick Frey
Rev. Gerald Kalb
Elizabeth Komar
David Lamiell
Marian Redmond
Mark Wise
Emeritus:
Margot Baldwin
Dick Purmal
Karen Sawitke
Become a Member of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of community leaders with a passion for local history. They are dedicated to preserving our history through our museum collections and exhibits, our adult and youth education programs, our Pioneer Village, and our many community activities held on site as well as throughout the whole of Lake County. If you are interested in serving on the Lake County Historical Society Board, email your resume to the Executive Committee at LFilson@LakeHistory.org.