Medina County Historical Society planning $1.2M History Center expansion

The Medina County Historical Society faces a common challenge among collectors: finding a suitable place to store and display their treasured possessions. Its two properties, the John Smart and McDowell-Phillips house museums, lack large areas for special exhibits and events, and their attics are full of items with no place to go.

An answer was found in the backyard of the McDowell-Phillips House. When the society acquired the house in 2019, it promised donors to develop the grounds to accommodate its growing membership and artifacts. A small barn was renovated, but a larger one at the rear of the property was in poor condition and had to be removed. In its place will soon stand the Medina County History Center, a multi-use building with barn-style architecture to complement the house.

“With this expansion, we look forward to increasing our history space by an impressive 3,000 square feet,” MCHS president Brian Feron said in a letter to members. “This will unlock exciting new opportunities to display and expand our collection, allowing us to more fully showcase the rich tapestry of Medina County’s past.”

More than 40 members met on the porch of the McDowell-Phillips House, 205 S. Prospect St., on Sunday, Aug. 10, to view design plans and learn more about the project. They were delighted to hear that half of the $1.2 million fundraising goal had been reached. Feron also announced an aggressive plan to open the History Center next year as part of the county’s America 250 celebrations.

The building will be surrounded by landscaped grounds with large covered outdoor gathering areas. Inside, there will be additional large spaces and a catering kitchen. The MCHS board is working with a local builder to design an economical, low-maintenance, ADA-compliant building. It will include additional space to display the growing historical collections and artifacts. There are tentative plans to designate an area for Medina County military history. The basement will feature archival storage and a donation receiving area.

A landscaped and lighted parking area is part of the plan. Additional parking for 30 cars will be available on the lot the society owns on Blake Avenue, which will undergo improvements. Feron said the city plans to repave the road and add a sidewalk on the museum side. He anticipates the History Center will increase Medina tourism and further establish the city as a destination.

Feron encouraged county corporations, businesses, and individuals to help meet the fundraising goal. “Together, we can make this vision a reality and inspire future generations to cherish and celebrate our shared heritage.”

Suggested donation levels and naming rights are available. Interested donors should call Feron at 330-310-7584 to schedule a confidential appointment and tour of the grounds, plans and construction details. Donations can be made at www.medinacountyhistoricalsociety.com.