Greatest Generation

On display December 21, 2008 - April 5, 2009

“The Greatest Generation” exhibition, curated by Alexandra Nicholis and Christopher Craft, will open to the public on Sunday, December 21, 2008, and continue through February 5, 2009. Its photographs and artifacts will depict the 1930s pre-war period, the World War II years, and post-war America of the 1950s.

Massillon Museum Curator Alexandra Nicholis says: “In an age when people talk to one another less and less, with brevity of conversation resulting from emailing, text messaging, and busy schedules, the Museum saw a real need to capture the stories of individuals who helped shape this country over the past half-century. Chris Craft, Museum Assistant, had the idea to recognize this group of individuals as ‘The Greatest Generation.’ Through artifacts, clothing, photographs and oral histories, the Museum staff will attempt to represent the history of Massillon during the 1930s-50s, both from civilian and military perspectives.”

In anticipation of the upcoming exhibition, “The Greatest Generation,” Archivist Mandy Pond invites World War II veterans to record their memories for preservation in the Massillon Museum’s archives.

“Everyone in The Greatest Generation has a story to tell, from everyday activities to harrowing struggles,” Pond says. “We want to make sure that those stories are preserved for future generations to learn from and to enjoy.”

Veterans may call Pond at the Museum, 330-833-4061, to make an appointment. During the interview, she will ask questions, but particiants are invited to bring notes and introduce special stories that they wish to record. Bringing special photographs or objects to the meeting sometimes helps inspire meaningful dialogue. Each interviewee will receive one CD of the recorded conversation; another copy will be preserved by the Massillon Museum. All veterans are encouraged to participate at no charge.

Jody Hawk: "Local Allegories: Stories of Massillon"

April 18 - May 24, 2009
Exhibit opening Saturday, April 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

The artist interviewed Massillon women to assimilate their stories and create a storybox reflecting each subject. Each storybox is deconstructed as a digital composite and displayed as a photographic print above the real box. Viewers hear each woman's voice— as she shares her interior strength—while viewing—within each box—reproductions from the Massillon Museum's photography collection as well as items on loan from the women whose stories are represented. Hawk’s installations assemble each voice into a visual allegory.

Victorian Parlor

March 1 - April 20, 2009

Enhance your visit with the Victorian Parlor Hunt! Click here to download the PDF.

The Massillon Museum’s second floor permanent collections exhibition area will include a Victorian parlor during the month of March, which has been designated as western Stark County’s time to focus on The Big Read. The book selection for this year is Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, which is set during the last years of the 19th-century, The Victorian era.

Visitors can expect to see Victorian furniture, an Oriental rug, and decorative arts reflecting the lifestyle of Massillon’s industrialists and bankers who lived on historic Fourth Street and East Main Street, during the town’s wealthiest era, the late 1800s. “A look at the Victorian parlor can help provide a context for readers who are trying to imagine the setting of The Age of Innocence,” said Massillon Museum Executive Director Christine Shearer, who spearheads The Big Read. The story takes place in New York City, where Massillon’s socialites often visited to keep up with the times.

Paul L. David Sports Gallery

Sports photographs, uniforms, and equipment show sports throughout the past century.

Curiosity Cabinet

See the "Pease Museum"- objects donated by Dr. Abraham Per Lee Pease. These items were the first objects on display at the Massillon Museum when it opened in 1933.

Pioneer Kitchen

Explore the kitchen of a pioneer family. This exhibit is based on the Massillon Museum's exhibit from the "old Museum" when we were housed alongside the Massillon Public Library.

Local History: Massillon and Museum Timeline

Read all about Massillon history, Massillon Museum history, and world events on our 48-foot timeline. Dates and facts are supplemented by photographs and a free cell phone audio tour.

Hear former Massillon Museum curator Albert Hise speak about the history of the Museum:

Call our free cell phone audio tour: 866-418-0753

Or download the MP3 file

The Immel Circus Gallery
Don't forget about the Immel Circus!! It's always on display at the Massillon Museum. Click here for more about the Immel Circus.