Welcome

  • The Historical Village

    features several original and recreated historic buildings which traces the early history and community life of our region.

  • The 1850s Lathrop House

    is the only Underground Railroad Site in Northwest Ohio open to the public.

  • The 1915 Toledo and Western Train Engine

    along with the 1920s Wooden Caboose and original Sylvania Depot Building showcase the ties to our rich railroad past.

  • Our Archives

    is a treasure trove of items that detail the big events and everyday life of our ancestors.

  • The Heritage Center Museum/Cooke-Kuhlman Home

    is the early 20th century home and office of Dr. Uriah Cooke.

Welcome to Heritage Sylvania: Your Bridge to the Past — Your Path to the Future!  We are a non-profit, multi-site history experience located on Main Street in the heart of Sylvania’s beautiful Historic Downtown.  Take a virtual visit below.

Hours adjusted at the Heritage Center Museum. Due to the recent surge of COVID 19 cases in Lucas County, the Lathrop House and Historical Village remain closed. Click here for hours

Due to an increase in both positive tests for COVID -19 and hospitalizations, the Governor of Ohio has issued a county wide mask mandate for Lucas County effective starting July 17. Click here for more details

Click here to listen to the annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence as read by our Lathrop House volunteers.

We invite you to explore the past with us. From adult tours to student programs, classes to lectures, Community Days to Celebration of Freedom, exhibits to hands on experiences, we engage audiences of all ages.  You’ll hear the stories of the past and how those connect to our present.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Heritage Sylvania!

What’s new at Heritage Sylvania?

Heritage Sylvania awarded Ohio CARES grant

Learn More

New Main Street exhibit takes History to the Streets

Learn More

Become a member or donor today

For more information on becoming a member or donating, please click below.

Become a Member
Make a Donation

We’d like to thank our newest business member Reeb Funeral Home, located on Main Street in Sylvania, whose  goal is to ease the burden for individuals who have endured a loss and to shed a bit of light on their darkest hour.  We thank Reeb for their membership and support of our educational programs.

Support has also been provided by Ohio Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the federal CARES Act of 2020.