The Arms Family Museum of Local History

Youngstown, Ohio still retains much of it historical roots. When an area is oppressed or falls upon hard times, buildings are reworked instead of torn down. People make do instead of building new. If such historic structures can just “hang in there” or are cared for long enough, some one or some group hopefully will come along, see the importance of preserving the past, and restore these beautiful buildings to their former grandeur.

The Arms Family Museum of Local History is one such place. Situated in “Greystone,” the early 20th century Arts & Crafts-style home built by the prominent Arms family, this un-heralded little museum houses a wealth of local history.

The first floor of the museum features Greystone’s original rooms, dressed in period furnishings so it feels one has just stepped back in time. The Arms family loved medieval architecture and design, as well as the natural environment.

The lower level and second floor of the home are filled with historical exhibits featuring the lives and times of past residents of the Mahoning Valley. While the first floor stays constant, the exhibits on these other levels change regularly helping visitors enjoy and understand the way of life here for different people at different times. Native Americans, Welsh coal miners, African-American freeman – all have been featured at one time.

And this would have made Greystone’s designer so very happy. It was in the first part of the 20th century when Olivia F. A. Arms (wife of Wilford P.…