The museum grounds house a restored 1890s train station relocated to the site.
Benjamin Faurot, the original owner of the mansion, is credited with discovering oil in Lima in 1885.
The collection features extensive records and artifacts from the Lima Locomotive Works, known for the famous 'Super Power' steam engines.
The museum preserves the personal effects and history of the local Shovel and Crane industry, once a major regional economic driver.
The facility maintains a dedicated 'Children's Discovery Center' area separate from the historical exhibits.
The Allen County Museum, operated by the Allen County Historical Society, features extensive exhibits on the region's industrial and cultural heritage. The site is anchored by the Victorian-era Benjamin Faurot mansion, preserved as an example of 19th-century domestic architecture. The museum holds a significant collection of artifacts related to the Lima Locomotive Works, which was once a global leader in steam locomotive production. Exhibits also cover regional pioneer life, natural history, and the impact of the early oil boom in Northwest Ohio. The facility houses a comprehensive research library and archives documenting local genealogy and industrial history. The museum grounds include outdoor exhibits, including historic transportation equipment and a replica of an early settler cabin.
The exterior facade of the Victorian mansion during the golden hour.
Prioritize the Locomotive Works gallery if you are interested in industrial history.
Check the archives website before visiting if you are conducting specific genealogical research.
Allow extra time to tour the interior of the Victorian mansion, which is distinct from the modern museum wing.
Do not rush through the mansion; many visitors underestimate the volume of historical items inside the period rooms.
Closed on Mondays.
