BHS Holiday Closure
The Bedford Historical Society and Museum will close for the season from Tuesday, December 15 through January and will reopen on Tuesday, February 2.
Happy Holidays and thanks for supporting the Bedford Historical Society and Museum!
Message from the Director about COVID-19 & The Historical Society
Due to recent warnings and alerts regarding COVID-19, commonly referred to as Coronavirus, the Bedford Historical Society & Museum will close temporarily to the public until Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
Because of COVID-19, the BHS&M Annual Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 7 has been postponed and will be reschedule as soon as we are able. Similarily, the BHS&M Board of Trustee Meeting has also been postponed and will be reschedule as soon as we are able. Updates will be announced on our social media platforms as soon as the dates are determined.
To slow transmission of the COVID-19 and other infectious respiratory diseases (including the flu), we are following the recommendations set forth by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which suggests that all should continue to practice good hygiene habits such as:
Stay at home when you are sick
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer and then dry hands with a clean towel or air dry
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces
- Clean and disinfect “High-Touch” surfaces often (counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables).
- Call before visiting your doctor
We are also encouraging community members (especially older adults and others who are more susceptible to illness) to practice social distancing as recommended by the CDC.
Please note that the Museum’s Speaker Series scheduled for Tuesday April 2 as well as the Soupcon events scheduled for Friday, March 20 and Friday, April 17 have been postponed.
Again, please visit the Bedford Historical Society & Museum’s website and social media platforms for future updates.
Planning to visit Bedford Historical Society? Look at at our upcoming events.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
2nd Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
4th Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm (June-Aug)
Private tours are welcome by calling 440-232-0796

Are you interested in getting hands-on with history? Volunteers are an essential part of the Bedford Historical Society and we have volunteer opportunities available whatever your age or interest. For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Louise Novak, at 440-439-6150 or by email at novak.louise@gmail.com.
Learn More About Volunteering
The Bedford Historical Society extends membership to anyone with an interest in history. There are several giving levels available from $10 to $10,000. Investing in a membership will help sustain our history. Our history defines us. Our history unites us. Our communities are a good place to call home.
Ways to support
The lower level of the Old Baptist Church (now the Community Building) is available to rent. The facility has a hall capacity of 90 people. The kitchen contains two large refrigerators and two warming ovens. Fees and scheduling information can be obtained by calling 440-232-0796.
Rental OptionsOur Historic Buildings
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1832 Hezekiah Dunham House
The Hezekiah Dunham House is a brick Georgian mansion built by one of Bedford’s early settlers. The house was restored mainly by volunteer labor in…
1874 Town Hall
The 1874 Town Hall is located on Bedford Public Square at 30 South Park (Squire Place). The three story brick building is constructed in the…
1882 Wheeling & Lake Erie Train Depot
A 1920s passenger station is on display inside the historic depot. The depot is owned by the City of Bedford and the Society operates the…
1892 Old Baptist Church
The Late Gothic Revival style building has an interior Akron Plan design. Jacob Snyder was the architect of this popular design inspired by the Protestant…
- 11 Sep, 21Upcoming
Bedford Historical Society Autumn Speaker Series
Saturday, 3:00 pmThe BHS&M Autumn Speaker Series is scheduled for the second Saturday of the month in September through November. This spring these entertaining and educational talks…
18 Sep, 21UpcomingBedford Historical Society Volunteer Luncheon
Saturday, 1:00 pmSaturday, September 18 at 1:00 PM. Location to be announced.
05 Oct, 21Upcoming1st Annual Scarecrows on the Common Contest
Tuesday, 12:00 pmCome join the FUN! Anyone can register! Individuals, families, community groups, businesses and classrooms are all welcome to participate. There is even a Pooka category…
09 Oct, 21UpcomingBedford Historical Society & Museum Autumn Speaker Series
Saturday, 3:00 pmThe BHS&M Autumn Speaker Series is scheduled for the second Saturday of the month in September through November. This spring these entertaining and educational talks…
22 Oct, 21UpcomingSpirit Night by Lantern Light -A Special Members Only Event
Friday, 6:00 pmA MEMBERS ONLY EVENT A Cemetery Walk - An Immersive Tour Featuring Spirits of Bedford’s Past Are you someone who enjoys learning about history, the…
23 Oct, 21UpcomingA Spirit Walk -Saturday
All DayA Spirit Walk - An Immersive Tour Featuring Spirits of Bedford’s Past Are you someone who enjoys learning about history, the supernatural, or are…
In the news
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Notes From the Director Winter 2018
Read moreRungs from the Director’s Chair by Elmer C Schulz Once more unto the breech!… A well-known coach was once asked, “How much does college football
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Notes From the Director Autumn 2018
Read moreRungs from the Director’s Chair by Elmer C Schulz “They went to sea in a Sieve, they did, In a Sieve they went to sea:
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Notes From the Director Summer 2018
Read moreRungs from the Director’s Chair by Elmer Schulz If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a
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Notes From the Director Spring 2018
Read moreRungs from the Director’s Chair by Elmer Schulz “Brick by brick, my fellow citizens, brick by brick.” I recently recalled this quote, not from a
What our visitors saying about their experience
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Anyone interested in history Americana-style will appreciate the wonderful collection of books and memorabilia at the Bedford Historical Society.
David R. Kenney -
My grandfather, Frederick B. Morris was Bedford’s financial officer for years. When he retired, his desk was placed in the Historical Society building and they have used it all these years. So a part of my family is in that building. There is also a great display there on Richard Sedlon who lived behind my grandparents and used to have a beautiful back yard of ornate bird houses.
Linda Wozniak -
As a former Walker China employee, visiting the Bedford Historical Society Museum brings back fond memories. I still remember patterns and plates displayed there from restaurants.
Frank Houdek -
There’s so much history in that one building that there needs to be a book written about all of it! Every nook and cranny is filled with Bedford’s amazing history!
Darlene Gentile