Arms Family Museum Exhibits
Tod Family Treasures: 19th Century Heirlooms
This new exhibit explores the Tod family legacy through their decorative arts. Family portraits, china, silver, and more will give insight into the daily lives of the Tods living in Youngstown during the 19th Century. Some pieces were gifted to David Tod during his service as U.S. Ambassador to Brazil, while others were purchased by the family.
A Tod bedroom suite recently traveled from Minnesota to make its way back to the Mahoning Valley. The Tods purchased the suite – an ornately carved walnut bed and marble-topped dressing table – from A. S. Herenden Co., a Cleveland furniture maker, sometime in the 1870s-1880s. After being used by the Tods, the suite was given to Anna Morgan King, a local friend of the family. Mrs. King passed the suite down to her niece, Anna May Morgan Curry, who subsequently passed it to her grandson, Charles P. Curry, in the late 1970s.
Hidden Gems From the Archives
This exhibit was originally on display at the Mill Creek MetroParks D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center during the 2019 Christmas season. It received much interest in that setting, prompting a carry-over to Arms Family Museum for extended public viewing. Photographic images chronicle life in the Mahoning Valley in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Views show the transformation of downtown Youngstown over decades, people engaged in the businesses and industry that helped shape the Valley, and others enjoying its seasonal landscapes and recreations.
Enchanted Evening: Formal Wear from the Jeanne D. Tyler Collection
The formal styles in the exhibit follow the trends of the period while reflecting the personal styles of the individuals who wore them. Mrs. Tyler has long been a generous supporter of civic, healthcare and educational institutions in the Valley. She has greatly enhanced the Historical Society’s collection of historical artifacts, especially costumes, having donated hundreds of pieces of clothing and accessories spanning the generations of her and her late husband’s families. This exhibit features examples of custom-made evening and formal wear worn by Jeanne Tyler and her family throughout the 20th Century.
Anne Kilcawley Christman Decorative Arts Gallery
Mid Century Modern in the Mahoning Valley
This exhibit explores the design period from the late 1940’s through the 1960’s when designers embraced technological advancements and natural forms using bold colors and streamlined edges. The exhibit highlights the 1948 Youngstown Kitchens set, pieces from the Plakie Toy company and more.
The Story of My House: Arts & Crafts Design at Greystone
This exhibit explores Greystone’s design, from conception to realization. With sketches drawn by Olive Arms, photographs of original room designs, and never before seen furniture and decorative objects, the exhibit demonstrates the Arts and Crafts influences in the Arms family home.
B.F. Wirt was a Youngstown lawyer and businessman, and served as an Ohio state senator for four years beginning in 1889. An avid traveler, Wirt amassed a unique collection of rare ancient artifacts, artwork, Asian decorative arts, as well as books, autographs and manuscripts. He intended to develop a museum for his collection, however that never came to fruition and the collection is now under the care of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. Visitors will see a variety of items including famous autographs, artifacts from the War of 1812, a Persian (Iranian) perfume bottle, Chinese embroidery and a Native American basket.
