RENTALS

OUR FACILITIES

The Allen County Museum is a unique venue for business meetings, art shows, speaking engagements, small concerts, annual meetings, or even private dinner parties. Guests will be delighted by engaging exhibits and unique artifacts. Whether you plan to hold your event at the museum, or offer a tour to your guests attending your event at another facility, the Allen County Museum and Historical Society is sure to be a highlight of anyone’s trip to Lima.

FOLSOM AUDITORIUM

  • Small to Medium Meetings
  • Seminars
  • Private Tours
  • Private Dinners
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Live Music/Theater
  • Small Concerts
  • Corporate Events
  • Corporate Holiday Celebrations
  • Corporate Ceremonies

MACDONELL HOUSE

Located at 632 West Market Street, adjacent to the Allen County Museum, the 1893 Victorian MacDonell House once occupied a prime location on what was known as the “Golden Block,” so named for the opulent homes and their wealthy owners – as well as a time of great economic growth and prosperity in Allen County. The Oil Boom of northwest Ohio began in 1885 in Lima. The boom brought great investment into the area, not just in oil, but in many related businesses causing unprecedented growth. At that time, the 600 block of Market Street was on the edge of town and the newly developing neighborhoods were growing along the major transportation corridors into town. Today, the MacDonell House is one of the few remaining examples of Victorian architectural elegance that once marked the Golden Block. Designed by architect Frank M. Leech and built by Lima businessman Frank Banta, the house is an example of Victorian Shingle-Style architecture. It contains three floors and seventeen rooms. The third floor was originally a billiard room but was later converted into a ballroom.

​For a unique rental opportunity in the MacDonnell House, contact Donna at 419-222-9426.

THE CHANGING GALLERY

The purpose of the Changing Gallery is to accommodate temporary exhibitions. However, the room is available outside of regular Museum hours for groups when no exhibitions or other events are scheduled. The Changing Gallery will accommodate large groups depending upon table use and seating arrangements. It has a movable partition wall to close it off from the public gallery space, a DVD player, screen, and two floor ports to accommodate laptop computers for presentations. [Please note that opening and closing of the partition wall is strictly prohibited by non-museum staff.] This exciting space is lit by the wall of windows which front the corner of Market & Metcalf Streets and has a balcony which overlooks the Shea locomotive one level below.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VENUE FOR YOUR EVENT​

Where you choose to host your event depends on the type of function you are planning. The Allen County Museum offers a unique environment immersed in history and antiques. But for this reason, it is also vulnerable. Our priority is the long-term preservation of the historical objects that have been entrusted to our care. our mission guides our decisions about what events are best suited for the Museum.

​TYPES OF EVENTS

Events may include corporate events, dinners, ceremonies, lectures, and private receptions. The Museum/Historical Society is unable to accommodate religious events, weddings, wedding receptions, parties, or any private function requiring an entrance or admission fee. We reserve the right to accept or reject any proposed function on a case-by-case basis.

​OUR MISSION

The mission of the Allen County Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Allen County and Ohio, as well as other areas of interest that will benefit the public served.

​PURPOSE

Facilities are offered for rent to serve the needs of the community, attract new audience, and raise funds in support of the Historical Society’s programs and events.

​GALLERIES AND EXHIBITS

The Allen County Historical Society has one of the finest historical collections in the state. We have an expectation that all members, and their guests, will demonstrate the utmost respect for the collections and exhibits housed within the Museum. Groups may not set up tables and chairs in gallery spaces when the Museum is open to the public. No food or drink is permitted in gallery spaces.