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Marcus Mote and Family
I'd like information on a historic place, person or event.
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Our research library is open Thursday & Friday, 10a-4p, by appointment only. 

Staff is also available to do research. Unfortunately, we cannot accept research requests over the phone. Please send all research related inquiries to info@wchsmuseum.org or use our contact page.  After a preliminary information search of $5, we'll be able to tell you if we have anything pertaining to your request. The cost for staff to do research is $10/hr for members and $20/hr for non-members (click here to become a member). We're sorry we cannot do research for free. The Warren County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and research is one of our means of income.
Other Research Resources:
Warren County Records (for Property Specific Questions)
Warren County Records and Archives
American Revolution Ancestor Research
Warren County Genealogical Research
I have a historic property. Can I change it?
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Ohio state law dictates the building is yours and you can do with it as you please. However, if you want access to historic property grants or to get onto (or remain on) the National Registry of Historic Places, contact our office (513 932-1817) for assistance.
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William Elmer Harmon
Who is Harmon Museum named for?
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William Elmer Harmon was a successful real-estate mogul and philanthropist from Lebanon, Ohio. For the last 30 years of his life, Harmon shared his wealth with the people of America, establishing the Harmon Foundation, Harmon Civic Trust and over 120 parks across the United States. Harmon Hall (now Harmon Museum) was built in 1913, as a recreational facility, and donated to the City of Lebanon (to learn more about the building's history, click here).

"Serving one's own people," he said, “transcends duty... and becomes a privilege."
​- William Elmer Harmon.

We are honored for our museum to carry the name of such an influential and giving man. Click here to learn more about William Elmer Harmon.
Does Harmon Museum really have the largest Shaker collection in the World?
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Yes! When Union Village closed in 1912, it was purchased by the United Brethren Church to start an orphanage. This left many of the buildings vacant until 1926 when the Golden Lamb was purchased by Robert & Virginia Jones. To furnish their newly renovated inn, the Joneses acquired much of their furnishings from these abandoned buildings. When their grandson, Sen. Rob Portman, took over the inn, with his wife, they were kind enough to donate much of "the Jones Collection" to the Warren County Historical Society. You can view a large portion of this collection in our Robert & Virginia Jones. Shaker Gallery, on the second floor.
What is the significance of your logo?

​Next time you visit Harmon Museum, look up...
The WCHS Medallion Logo comes from the gorgeous iron ceiling vent cover originally found in the 1835 Warren County Courthouse. It was hand forged by George Bundy at the Phoenix Foundry in Lebanon.
Still have a question? Feel free to call our office or reach out through our contact page.