YOUNGSTOWN — Visitors had a chance to explore local history as the Arms Family Museum in Youngstown held a special open house to mark Founder’s Day.

William Lawson, executive director of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, said the event was a celebration of the founding of the historical society in September 1875.

“We wanted the public to celebrate 143 years with us,” he said.

The Arms Museum and Tyler History Center opened their doors for free for the milestone. The event included guided walking tours of the historic Wick Avenue.

Several local historical societies and organizations, including the Niles Historical Society and McKinley Memorial Library and McKinley Birthplace Replica Home took part in a program showcasing items they offer to the public.

“There are people who have never heard of the Ward Thomas House,” said Ann Marie Beagle, president of the Niles Historical Society.

She said the event helps draw people from Mahoning County to visit museums and other sites in Trumbull County.

Alleman said the event allowed her “to highlight what the library and museum have to offer not only to people from Trumbull County, but other counties.”

Dr. Marcelle Wilson, site manager of the Center of Industry and Labor, said it was nice to meet other museum directors and staff and see what they offer to the public.

“We like the opportunity to promote our sites to people who may not have visited the museum. This is a reminder that we are here specializing in industry and labor of the local area,” she said.

Wilson said promoting what the area has in its rich history is a key way to showcase the area.

Dave Ragan, who handled walking tours, said the walk along Wick Avenue highlighted the many properties and homes and what they were used for in the past.

“I had people who were familiar with the history and others who just moved here and wanted to get acclimated to the area,” he said.

The walking tour was part of the “History to Go” series that told of the transformation of Wick Avenue from farm land to residential neighborhoods.

Various children’s activities were set up in the basement of the Arms Museum.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com