It’s a holiday tradition! Visit our beautifully decorated mansion and campus.
During our ever-popular Victorian Holidays weekend, we have substantially reduced admission, thanks to our sponsor Erie Federal Credit Union.
Hagen History members and Erie Federal Credit Union member admission rates for members are $3 per person for adults, families are $15, and children six and under are free.
For nonmembers admission for adults is $5 per person, families are $20, and children under six are free. For all EBT card holders who have up to 4 people per card are $3.
The centers hours for Dec. are Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Dec. 7 from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. The decorations for the holiday will remain up until Jan. 5.
Big changes are underway at Hagen History Center as the museum begins a major expansion to bring visitors even more exhibits and experiences. Construction crews are currently reconfiguring spaces, and as part of the project, the Permanent Exhibit Building—home to the Frank Lloyd Wright office and The Story of Us—will be temporarily closed for the winter season.
Despite the closure, the museum remains open. Guests can still explore the Watson-Curtze Mansion, Wood-Morrison House, and Carriage House, all featuring new and rotating exhibits. During construction, admission is reduced to $8 per person, with discounts for veterans ($7), students ($6), and free entry for children under six.
To enhance the visitor experience, Hagen History Center has introduced the Bloomberg Connects app, making it the first museum in the region to offer this free digital guide. Available on smartphones and tablets, the app provides interactive tours, behind-the-scenes content, and accessibility features such as screen reader compatibility, adjustable fonts, and multilingual support. Visitors can preview exhibits from home or use the app during their visit.
The guide includes highlights like, Watson-Curtze Mansion Victorian-era rooms and exhibits, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Office with Architectural insights, Wood-Morrison House with military and naval history, the Erie Extension Canal with historic waterway artifacts, and the Story of Us, Erie’s 200+ year history
Memberships are also on special offer through December 18—buy or renew one and get a second at half price. Members enjoy unlimited visits, guest passes, discounts, and more. For details, call 814-454-1813.
Back by popular demand, the Wassail & Winter Warmers Class will return to the Yellow House on December 9, offering guests a festive evening of flavor and tradition. Hosted by the talented team from Full Circle Winery, the event will teach participants how to craft cozy winter beverages while enjoying the winery’s signature charcuterie.
Each guest will take home a spice sachet and recipe cards to recreate the experience at home. Seating is extremely limited — only two spots remain — so early registration is encouraged.
The Wassail event is part of a broader celebration at the Hagen History Center, where several exhibits are currently on display.
Hand-Picked Exhibit. Rare artifacts from the archives, including the flag that draped Abraham Lincoln’s casket, an Erie-made electric peanut roaster, and a child-sized coach from the Hamot family.
Erie’s Founding Families. Explore the legacy of the Colts, Sanfords, and Spencers in shaping Erie’s early commerce and education.
Saint Vincent Hospital at 150 Years. A tribute to the hospital’s growth since its founding in 1875.
Sisters of St. Joseph at 165 Years. Highlighting their contributions to education, healthcare, and community service.
The Story of Us, Erie Polonia. Curated by historian Bobby J. Sulecki, this exhibit delves into the history of Erie’s Polish churches and neighborhoods. Open through January 30 at the Wood-Morrison House.
For more information or to register for the Wassail class, visit the Hagen History Center website.
Holiday decorating begins Nov. 17. If interested in joining the team of volunteer decorators, any interested parties can email info@hagenhistory.org.
The decorating take place over multiple days and at varying times. Volunteers can sign up for as little or as much time as they wish.
Copper Carriage’s Stephanie Hunt leads the team and will contact members after emails are received.
The Yellow House in Girard is available for anyone in the community to stay in. Built in 1857, this beautifully restored home features a cozy two-bedroom apartment complete with a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living room, modern bathroom, and WiFi.
Nestled on more than 120 acres of farmland and forest, the property offers peaceful hiking trails and plenty of space to unwind. And while it feels like a secluded retreat, you’re just a short walk from Girard’s Main Street and minutes from the beaches of Lake Erie.
There are still dates available in November. There is an option to reserve for 2026, but many weekends are already sold out.
From Dec. to April 1, the Yellow House is closed (except for special History Center events).
Thanks to Erie Apparel, visitors can now find a variety of locally themed items, including mugs, glassware, sweatshirts, and T-shirts. For design enthusiasts, the shop features an impressive selection of Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired products, such as socks, mugs, books, tiles, aprons, puzzles, plates, and even stained-glass pieces.
More unique items are on the way, making this the ideal time to shop for a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one—or yourself. Stop by the Hagen History Center gift shop to explore these distinctive offerings and bring home a piece of Erie history and design.
Ever wondered about the history of your home or a loved one’s property? The Hagen History Center is making it easier to uncover those details with its new Historic Property and Land Research Program, available through the Center’s Library and Archives.
The program offers multiple levels of research, starting at $250, and can provide information such as the year a home was built, title history, years of ownership, property descriptions, purchase and sale prices, and even details about past residents and their occupations.
“This is a great gift idea for history enthusiasts or anyone curious about their home’s story,” said Center representatives.
For more information or to request research, contact info@hagenhistory.org.