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%
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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.
Richard Muny, President
Judy Moran, Vice President
Joseph P. Kovalcheck Jr., Treasurer
Peter Hamo, Secretary
Jeanette Crislip
Stephanie Liscio
George R. Maier
Marian Redmond
Keith Fauver
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. Download the information linked below, complete the form and send it to Executive Committee, Lake County Historical Society, 415 Riverside Drive, Painesville Township, Ohio 44077.
2017 New Board Member information