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Museum
Exhibits:
Outdoor
Exhibits:
Traveling
Exhibits:
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Exhibits
help tell the story behind the artifacts. Over 30 rooms cover
historical elements from the native people of Northwest Ohio,
the Black Swamp, Oil and Gas Boom, various clothing and decorating
styles, and trends in politics and government.
Traveling Exhibits also available for your institution. |
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OHIO IN THE CIVIL WAR - TRAVELING EXHIBIT
From the American Civil War Museum of Ohio, Bowling Green, OH
On exhibit May 1 - 31, 2008. This exhibit educates and entertains the audience on Ohio’s vital role in the Civil War including: Johnson’s Island & Camp Chase prisoner of war camps and the battle of Buffington Island. Exhibit Subtitles: The War Begins, Ohio Responds, Ohio's Sacrifice, Andrew's Raiders, Prisoners of War, and From Officer to President.
Related Events:
• Civil War Tea, May 8, 2008
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DATING THROUGH THE DECADES
 Rarely seen artifacts such as wedding dresses from the Victorian age to present day and Valentines on display, plus the origin of many wedding traditions to uncover which are deeply rooted in religious traditions and which are the illusions of modern marketing. Despite being the County's Poor House from 1869-1971, the Infirmary sparked a few courtship stories of its own. In February: A special program will give you the opportunity to experience different dating rituals including a 1920s speak-easy, a sock hop and soda fountain of the 1950s, and the current trend of speed dating.
Related Events:
• DATING THROUGH THE DECADES Tours & Programs
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Spring Open House - Saturday, April 5, 2008
• "Here Comes the Bride" Wedding Tea, April 10 |
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BEAUTY & BARPER SHOP
To impare or improve? Some earlier versions of beauty products, including this 1947 permanent wave machine donated by Betty Lee Junkins, look more like torture treatments than beauty treatments. This new exhibit, which is located in the former Infirmary barber shop area, showcases the barber shops and beauty rituals through the 1900s.
Related Events:
• Spring Open House - Saturday, April 5, 2008 |
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WOOD
COUNTY IN MOTION
Follow
the timeline of Northwest Ohio from the ice age through the
Great Black Swamp and into the Oil and Gas Boom that triggered
much of Wood County's wealth, as well as the Ghost Towns.
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4-H OF WOOD COUNTY
Explore
the variety of projects from our local 4-H group.
More on the Wood
County 4-H Program. |
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SPOTLIGHT
ON ACQUISITIONS
This rotating
exhibit highlights a variety of pieces from the Historical Society's
collections. |
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NATIVE
INDIANS OF NORTHWEST OHIO
Long before
the draining of the Great Black Swamp, native men and women
made homes in the forests and swamps of Northwest Ohio. Tribes
such as the Ottawa, Shawnee, and Miami lived off the land, hunted
game with weapons made from vegetation and bones, developed
primitive tools, and practiced tribal rituals.
Made possible from a generous donation from John & Diane
Baer.
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VICTORIAN'S
SECRET
Unfold
the Victorian's Secret in this captivating exhibit. Victorian
couture is easily recognizable, but this exhibit takes a more
intimate approach. Elaborate gowns required elaborate undergarments,
true, but the working Ohio farmer's wife had a few secrets
of her own. These textiles help us interpret sexual repression
of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, gender roles and power
structures through restrictive undergarments, and the differences
between varying socioeconomic groups. |
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MEMORIES
OF THE COUNTY INFIRMARY
Visit rooms
that revisit life at the County Infirmary including the
Front Porch, Parlor, Dining
Room, Infirmary Bedroom, One-room School,
and Life at the Home.
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RESIDENTS
REMEMBERED
Nine Infirmary residents are showcased in this exhibit
which debuted at the 2004 Wood County Fair. A joint effort of
the Wood County Historical Society and the Wood County Chapter
of the Ohio Genealogical Society, each panel explains the myriad
of reasons that would necessitate people to become an Infirmary
resident. Disabilities, the Depression, and a series of misfortunes
may have brought them here, but you may be surprised at the
dynamics that followed.
(Also available as a TRAVELING
EXHIBIT. If
you would like this traveling exhibit, please contact Kelli
at 419.352.0967). |
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THE
HOMEMAKER'S GUIDE TO KITCHEN and
LAUNDRY
The advancing technology in the kitchen and laundry
realms are astonishing! See how technology and marketing styles
changed from the early 1900s to present. |
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ALUMNI & YEARBOOK EXHIBIT
Yearbooks, class photos, and high school mementos
of neighboring schools. Very popular for class reunions, holidays,
and researching family genealogy. |
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GOVERNMENT
ROOM
One exhibit marks the history of Crime and Punishment
in Wood County, including the infamous Carl Bach trial and
the Mary Bach fingers. The second exhibit in this room showcases
political memorabilia from national and local campaigns. |
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VICTORIAN
PARLOR
Extravagant and elegant, view a traditional Victorian-age
parlor. Exhibit includes Victorian hair-art, a common tradition
of weaving human hair into a memorial piece of artwork, and
a pheasant hunted by Hollywood screen star Clark Gable. |
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MEDICAL
EXHIBIT
The County Infirmary served, in part, as a hospital
ward for the elderly and infirm. On display are medical implements
used throughout the 1900s. |
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GENERAL
STORE
This exhibit replicates the classic general store
and all its amenities. |
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MILITARY
EXHIBIT
This exhibit remembers the noble men and women who
have served for their country. |
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MADAME
ALEXANDER DOLL EXHIBIT
(1923-2005)
Madame Alexander Dolls have been an American tradition
for over seventy years. Her dolls have been dressed as modern
American children, historical figures, and fictional characters.
Madame Alexander was awarded the prestigious Fashion Academy
Gold Medal for excellence in costuming for many years. Madame
Alexander passed away in 1990 at the age of 93, but the company
continues to produce collectable dolls. The collection is part
of Roz McCallister’s extensive doll collection. |
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HANDS
ON HISTORY
Visit this
hands-on exhibit for a touch-and-feel look at the equipment
that started our technological world. Exhibit includes working
telegraph equipment, a switchboard, mail sorting area, a non-electric
office stocked with typewriters and adding machines, hand-powered
machinery, and a home-tools and appliance display featuring
a Singer sewing machine. We are still
looking for donations: vintage oven, refrigerator, icebox,
hand appliances such as egg beaters, flour sifters, and various
kitchenware from 1930s - 1950s. Contact Michael McMaster,
Education Coordinator, education@woodcountyhistory.org
or 419.352.0967. |
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DECORATING
STYLES
The Arts & Crafts Room,
Hettel-Mills Bedroom, Bender Bedroom,
and Bechtel Garden Room all showcase different
decorating styles. |
EXHIBITS ON THE GROUNDS OF THE INFIRMARY
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THE ICE HOUSE
The original Infirmary Ice House, built of materials from the old county jail, still stands on the site, but now it keeps cool an exhibit about its history. Before the days of electric refrigeration, the Ice House served as a recipticle for ice blocks harvested from the nearby ponds, which preserved the meat and canned goods used to feed the Infirmary residents. A small-scale model of the Ice House, handmade by Historical Society member Herman Aufdencamp, is also on display. |
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THE CORN BARN / HORSE BARN HOUSE
One of the Infirmary's original structures, the barn houses many of the Infirmary's farm implements. |
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MENTAL
HEALTH THROUGH THE AGES
The Lunatic
Asylum, on the site of the former County Infirmary, once was a haven for the mentally
ill. Today, a poignant exhibit outlines the development of mental health practices. Each year, members of Wood County Mental Health Services compliment this exhibit with a special program and mini-exhibit. 2007 addressed eating disorders. |
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THE OIL DERRICK & BOOMTOWN DISTRICT
The discovery of oil and natural gas put Wood County on the map! See a real oil derrick on the grounds. During special events, licensed operators run the steam engine. The derrick sets on the east end of the property, in the the growing "Boomtown" District, which also houses a blacksmith shop and log cabin. |
TRAVELING EXHIBITS
Available Upon Request |
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OAK
GROVE CEMETERY (TRAVELING
EXHIBIT)
Which Bowling Green tailor provided lumber to the city’s
booming glass industry and downtown businesses? Which community-minded
women were instrumental in the development of Bowling Green’s
first Library and Hospital? Why would a professor eat makeshift
tomato soup from ketchup and hot water, and then leave his entire
estate to the University to benefit future students? These four
people, among 17 others, left their mark on the City of Bowling
Green, and are now remembered in the Oak Grove Cemetery Living
History Exhibit. The exhibit is a joint effort by the Wood County
Historical Society and the Wood County Genealogical Society.The
Oak Grove Cemetery Book, published by the Genealogical Society,
is now available.
If
you would like this traveling exhibit, please contact Kelli
at 419.352.0967. |
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WOOD COUNTY FAIR (TRAVELING
EXHIBIT)
The first Wood County Fair was held in 1851 in a grove of trees on Wooster Street (near the present City Building), but has grown into a week-long tradition of music, animals, exhibits, rides, and food. This exhibit traces the history of the many Wood County Fairs, including its demise in 1927 and its revival in the 1950s. The exhibit is a joint effort by the Wood County
Historical Society and the Wood County Genealogical Society and was debuted at the 2007 Wood County Fair.
If
you would like this traveling exhibit, please contact Kelli
at 419.352.0967. |
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WOOD COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOME (TRAVELING
EXHIBIT)
From dependent to dependable, the Wood County Children's Home served youth in need from 1908 to 1959. The original home, as well as the stately institution, both which are still visible in Bowling Green today, are a testiment to the County's duty to social welfare. Watched over for many years by superintendent Nellie Repass, the children that resided in the home share their stories. Whether unruly or unfortunate, the Children's Home helped many families stay strong. The exhibit is a joint effort by the Wood County
Historical Society and the Wood County Genealogical Society and was debuted at the 2006 Wood County Fair.
If
you would like this traveling exhibit, please contact Kelli
at 419.352.0967. |
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RESIDENTS
REMEMBERED (TRAVELING
EXHIBIT)
Nine Infirmary residents are showcased in this exhibit
which debuted at the 2004 Wood County Fair. A joint effort of
the Wood County Historical Society and the Wood County Chapter
of the Ohio Genealogical Society, each panel explains the myriad
of reasons that would necessitate people to become an Infirmary
resident. Disabilities, the Depression, and a series of misfortunes
may have brought them here, but you may be surprised at the
dynamics that followed.
If
you would like this traveling exhibit, please contact Kelli
at 419.352.0967. |
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NORTHWEST OHIO FOODWAYS TRADITIONS (TRAVELING
EXHIBIT)
The foods of Northwest Ohio may not seem particularly interesting at first, but a closer look reveals a deep-rooted history of German ancestry, Mexican influence, and pioneer struggles. This exhibit was funded by a Partnership for Community Action grant as a dual project between the Wood County Historical Society and the foodways studies of Dr. Lucy Long, department of American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University. More information about Northwest Ohio Foodways.
If
you would like this traveling exhibit, please contact Kelli
at 419.352.0967. |
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