Stepping Inside Medina County History at Two Remarkable Historic Homes
One of my favorite ways to learn about a destination is by stepping inside the places where history happened. Museums are wonderful, but there is something different about walking through a historic home, seeing the original woodwork, imagining family gatherings around the fireplace, and getting a glimpse into everyday life from another era.
During a recent visit to Medina, Ohio, I explored two of the county’s most fascinating historic homes: the John Smart House Museum and the McDowell-Phillips House Museum. Together, these beautifully preserved properties tell the story of Medina County through architecture, family histories, artifacts, and generations of community pride.
If you enjoy Ohio history, historic homes, or discovering hidden gems beyond the town square, these museums deserve a place on your itinerary.
The John Smart House Museum Brings Victorian Medina to Life
My first stop was the John Smart House Museum, a stunning Victorian home built in 1886 that immediately catches your attention with its elegant design and historic charm.
Walking through the home’s 11 rooms felt like stepping back into the late nineteenth century. The house serves as the headquarters of the Medina County Historical Society. It is filled with Victorian furnishings carefully collected over more than a century of acquisitions, donations, and bequests.
One of the things I enjoyed most was discovering the unique local memorabilia displayed throughout the museum. Items connected to the Seville Giants and a beautifully preserved stained-glass sign from the former Longacre Furniture Store on Medina Square help connect the home to the broader story of Medina County.
The McDowell-Phillips House Is Medina’s Crown Jewel
Just a short distance away sits the magnificent McDowell-Phillips House Museum, one of the most impressive historic homes I have visited in Ohio.
Built in 1890 by R.M. McDowell, this Queen Anne Shingle-Style home stands proudly within Medina’s historic Bankers Row District. With 14 rooms and seven fireplaces, it is considered the largest historic home in Medina.
The scale of the house is remarkable, but what truly makes it special is the collection housed inside.
When the Medina County Historical Society acquired the property in 2019, it also received five generations of family artifacts, furnishings, photographs, and memorabilia. Walking through the home offers a rare opportunity to see how one prominent Medina family lived across multiple generations.
One of the most fascinating displays includes campaign banners from the late 1800s featuring Abraham Lincoln and William McKinley. These artifacts provide an incredible connection to both local and national history.
The Story Behind the Medina County Historical Society
What makes both museums even more meaningful is the organization behind them.
The Medina County Historical Society traces its roots back to the Medina Pioneer Association of 1875. The society was officially formed in 1922 with a mission to preserve and protect the history of Medina County.
Why These Homes Are Worth Visiting
Historic homes often tell stories that textbooks simply cannot. Walking through these rooms allows visitors to experience history on a personal level.
The John Smart House offers an intimate look at Victorian life, while the McDowell-Phillips House showcases the elegance, ambition, and growth of Medina during the late nineteenth century. Together, they create a fascinating journey through the county’s past.
For anyone exploring Medina County, these museums provide a deeper understanding of the people, families, businesses, and communities that helped shape the area we see today.