Niles, Ohio
Preserving the History
of Niles, Ohio
The Niles Historical Society documents and preserves the history of Niles, Ohio and the Mahoning Valley. We are home to the Ward–Thomas Museum, a 14-room Victorian house museum at 503 Brown Street.
Upcoming
Calendar of Events
Open House
Sunday · 12:00–5:00 PM · Last tour at 4:00 PM
Business Meeting
Saturday · 10:00 AM · Westenfield Room
Open House
Sunday · 12:00–5:00 PM · Last tour at 4:00 PM
Family Day
Saturday · 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
News
Recent Updates
Avenue and Main Makes Generous Donations
Representatives of Avenue and Main presented two substantial donations to the Niles Historical Society at the March business meeting—one to support Society events and another for repair and maintenance of the greenhouse.
About the Society
Our Home: The Ward–Thomas House
Built in 1862, the Ward–Thomas House was the home of two prominent Niles industrial families. James Ward, who built the house, was a pioneer in the iron industry in the Mahoning Valley, building puddling plants, the Falcon Nail and Iron Company, and the Russia Mill.
The second owners, John and Margaret Thomas, came from Wales and founded the Niles Firebrick Company and later Mahoning Valley Steel. The Thomas family occupied the house until 1969, when through the efforts of attorney Clare Westenfield, it became the home of the Niles Historical Society.
The museum consists of fourteen rooms, many furnished in the style of the period. Throughout the museum, mannequins wear life-size replicas of the White House ladies’ gowns displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. The collection includes more than 5,000 items.
Explore
Discover Niles History
Browse our collections of photographs, stories, and historical artifacts from Niles, Ohio and the Mahoning Valley.
The Grounds
Five Acres of History
Also on the five-acre property are a recently restored barn and a 1924 greenhouse, as well as various gardens and numerous varieties of trees in the arboretum. Care of the house and gardens is done entirely by volunteers.
The museum is open the first Sunday of each month from 2–5 PM, with the last tour beginning at 4 PM. Group tours may be arranged by contacting the Society.
Support the Niles Historical Society
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, your membership and donations are tax deductible. Members receive our bimonthly newsletter and free admission during open house events.