The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Historical Society’s exhibit of Lorain history opens
Pieces of Lorain’s history are open to the public for viewing at the Lorain Historical Society’s newest exhibit.
The Historical Society, 329 W. 10th St., started showcasing the exhibit Aug. 13.
A VIP preview took place Aug. 8 and an open house Aug. 11.
The exhibit is phase one of a two phase project, said Barb Piscopo, executive director of the Historical Society.
“We’re very excited because I think that the response to phase one has been really very positive from anybody that has seen it,” Piscopo said.
Now, the public can view artifacts, videos and historical information on what used to be the core of economic development in Lorain: the automotive, steel and ship building industries.
“We are looking toward Lorain’s future when we did this,” said Kaitlyn Donaldson, collections supervisor at the Historical Society. “We have these important parts of our past here that this is the building blocks for how we’re gonna grow and rebirth the city.”
The designing process for both phases began about two or three years ago, with the Historical Society working with Benchmark Craftsmen
for the fabrication of the phase one project over the past six months.
Donaldson said most of the artifacts on display are the Historical Society’s, but some, including models of the five original Lorain lighthouses, are on loan from residents.
Objects ranging from ship and car models and steelworker helmets to automotive paint and metal from the Ford plant and
even the candlestick used to christen the first steel ship ever built in Lorain, are up for viewing.
As far as planning for phase two of the exhibit goes, Piscopo said the design and plan for the exhibit are all set.
She said phase two will focus more on “the heart of Lorain,” with displays on neighborhoods, schools, entertainment, historical events and international
cultures over the years in the city.
Now, the Historical Society is just waiting the funds to be donated.
“Hopefully, people will love what they see and they’ll help us raise the $250,000 that we need for phase two,” Piscopo said.
She said an exhibit of this stature was needed to properly honor Lorain’s history.
“Lorain deserved something of this quality,” Piscopo said. “It’s a wonderful history that this community has, and we’re just thrilled that we’ve been able to make it happen.”
The exhibit can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Cost of tours are $8 for adults and seniors, $3 for children ages six to 18 and free for children younger than age 6, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.