YOUNGSTOWN Museum receives continued accreditation

The historical society was founded in 1875.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Arms Family Museum of Local History, owned and operated by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, has been awarded accreditation, a rare honor that it has held since 1977.
The American Association of Museums voted to continue the museum's status, certifying that MVHS meets the high standards of the museum field, manages its collections responsibly and provides a quality public service.
"We hope the people of the Mahoning Valley share our pride in having earned this prestigious honor," said Bill Lawson, director of MVHS. In Ohio, only eight historic sites, museums and houses are accredited, he said.
Only about 10 percent of museums nationwide are accredited.
"We are preserving the community's memory," Lawson said. "It's very important that people are not only aware of their past but also proud of it."
Founded in 1875, the local historical society works to have a larger-community focus and diversity-minded exhibits, said Liz Nohra, assistant director of MVHS.
Collections and exhibits
The museum has an extensive collection of items from Youngstown's past, including furniture, artwork, clothing, photographs and diaries.
An exhibit now at the museum is "What's Cookin': Cultural Diversity in Local Foodways." Children can explore the history of Youngstown's food business with a hands-on "ethnic deli" and "ethnic grocery store." Adults can see a video and pictures of specialty food stores from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.
Coming in early December is an exhibit called "Wedding Traditions" that will follow traditions of transportation, dresses, parties, food and the "cookie table" down through the generations.
The Arms Family Museum of Local History is at 648 Wick Ave. and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Additionally, MVHS operates an archival library at the museum site, which is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.