Museum Hours:
Saturday and Sunday 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Special tours can be arranged by calling:

George Rutherford at 814.382.7761

The former “community hall,” now the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society Museum has a rich history – dating back to 1931.

It was in 1931 that the Conneaut Lake Volunteer Fire Department proposed construction of a building to have a place for firemen to hold at least part of their entertainments so they could raise money to operate the department.

In July of that year, a public meeting was held to discuss a proposal. The building was to hold quarters for the fire apparatus, council chambers and a public hall, that could be used for many purposes.

An estimated $6,000 would be needed for materials.

By September of that year, $7,500 had been pledged and in October, the fire department voted to borrow $500 to proceed and five members of the department agreed to underwrite the loan until money could be raised to pay it back.

Council gave approval to erect the building on its property on North Third Street with the provision that title to the property remain in the name of the borough.

Construction was indeed a “community” project as residents volunteered their time and expertise to construct it. Some people chose to pledge their labor rather than money. One major selling point for homeowners was the fact their home insurance rates would be reduced with the protection from the fire department.

The building was constructed with an auditorium for basketball games, a stage for musical and other presentations, a shower room, council rooms and the fire equipment room. 

By October, construction was under way and by January of 1932, public openings were scheduled.

The building has a rich history in that it was used for exactly what was planned. But as time went on, changes occurred. The dressing rooms were turned into restrooms. Council chambers became a police department office. The fire equipment was moved to other locations.

Basketball games were moved to the new high school as were graduation and stage presentations. The community hall was also leased to the school district for its various functions.

The hall was used for numerous activities throughout the years, but until recent time wasn’t used much except on sporadic occasions.

Citing the high maintenance cost, borough council discussed demolition of the building.

In the meantime, the historical society had been founded and lobbied to have the building turned into a museum. After several months of discussions, council agreed to lease the building to the society.

Armed with state grants and their own fund-raising money, the society did some renovations, including updating the wiring, lowering the ceiling (to reduce the cost of heating the structure), painting and other renovations.

We soon started moving in display cases and exhibits. Donations of flooring improved the restrooms. After the police department moved to its new location, that office was turned into the society office and research center.

The garage now houses the Liberty the Second boat.

In 2003, a five-year lease was granted for $1 a year with the option to renew it. Several years later, council agreed to deed the building to the society. There is one provision. It must remain property of the society and can’t be sold or leased to others. Should the society disband, it will revert back to the council.

We were so happy. We not only preserved the history of the community building, but we gained a valuable museum to showcase the borough’s rich heritage.

Many visitors come in and reminisce about playing basketball, wrestling, graduating or attending bingo games in the building.

It is gratifying to know the community has the rich heritage to enjoy.