About the Ober House

The centerpiece of the campus is the historic George Ober House at 87 East Washington Street. Constructed in 1874 by prominent Chagrin Falls businessman George Ober, the residence is an excellent example of Italianate architecture, a popular Victorian-era style characterized by decorative brackets, tall windows, and elegant proportions.

Our Permanent Exhibits

Experience Chagrin Valley History: step into the History Center Museum and explore the people, places, industries, and everyday experiences that have shaped our community. Alongside our changing, themed exhibitions, the Center features permanent exhibits that bring Chagrin Valley history to life—from local industry and community life to the contributions of residents in times of both war and peace.

Our permanent exhibits draw from the Center’s extensive collections of photographs, clothing, household objects, tools, artwork, industrial products, and personal belongings. Together, these artifacts offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who built, worked, raised families, created, and contributed to the Chagrin Valley over generations.

Admission to the Chagrin History Center is free, although donations are gratefully appreciated.

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Stories Told Through Objects

History comes alive through the things people leave behind. From products made in local mills and factories to the everyday objects found in area homes, each artifact offers a window into another time. Photographs, documents, and personal effects add the faces and stories behind the objects, helping visitors understand how work, family, community, and traditions have evolved.

Our permanent exhibits are complemented by changing, themed exhibitions that draw on the depth and variety of the Center’s collections. These special exhibitions offer fresh perspectives on familiar stories and provide opportunities to encounter artifacts that may rarely be on display.

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Remembering Past Exhibits

• 2026
  • Americana: Who We Were, Who We Are (May 24 – November 15)
  • Drawn from the Archive: Remembering Women from Chagrin Falls History (June 6 – August 28, 2026)
• 2025
  • A Few of Our Favorite Things (November 2025 – January 2026)
  • From Promenade to Prom: A Century of Celebrating Youth (May – October 2025)
• 2024
  • When We Were Young: Children’s Clothing from 1850s-1950s (April – July 2024)
  • It Takes A Village: 75 Years of Collecting (August 2024 – February 2025)
• 2023
  • Exploring Early Chagrin (September 2023 – March 2024)
  • Places, Events, and Celebrations: What We Wore (March 10 – July, 2023)
• 2022
  • The Joy of Toys (November 2022 through January 2023)
  • Finishing Touches: The Story of Wardrobe Accessories (March – October 2022)
• 2021
  • History of Chagrin Falls Park (January 30, 2021 – 2022)
  • Unveiling the Unseen: Chagrin’s Hidden Attic on Display (October 2021 – January 2022)
  • Oil Paintings by Charles Deihl & his students (May 1 – August 28, 2021)
  • Cozy & Comfortable: Quilts, Coverlets, and Bedspreads (January 2021 – April 2021)
• 2020
  • Welcome Christmas! An Outdoor Exhibit Experience (November 27 – December 26, 2020)
  • Political Campaign Memorabilia: from first to last and everything in between (September 5 – November 7, 2020)
  • Innovations: Change for the Better (February 27 – August 31, 2020)
• 2019
  • Under the Tree: A Celebration of Gifts for Children (November 29, 2019 – January 25, 2020)
  • Through Their Eyes: Chagrin Valley Veterans (May 23 – November 11, 2019)
  • Whirligigs, Whammy Doodles, and other Folk Art (March 12 – April 29, 2019)
• 2018
  • CHAGRIN FALLS: OPEN FOR BUSINESS! A retrospective exhibit on Chagrin Falls businesses (September 27, 2018 – February 28, 2019)