Niles Historical Society Home Page

Built in 1862, the Ward Thomas House was the home of two prominent Niles industrial families. James Ward, who built the house, was a pioneer in the iron industry in the Mahoning Valley. He built puddling plants, Falcon Nail and Iron Company and the Russia mill for manufacturing steel. The second owners were John and Margaret Thomas who came to this country from Wales. The Thomas family founded the Niles Firebrick Company and later, Mahoning Valley Steel. The Thomas family occupied the house until 1969 when the property was deeded to the City of Niles. Through the efforts of Clare Westenfield, a local attorney, the house became the home of the Niles Historical Society.

The house is now a museum consisting of fourteen rooms, many furnished in the style of the period, some with furniture owned by the Thomas family and donated to the museum. The museum collection has more than 5000 items, including many from the two families. Throughout the museum, mannequins wear life size replicas of the White House ladies’ gowns displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C..

Also on the five acre property are a recently restored barn and a 1925 green house as well a various gardens and 56 varieties of trees in the arboretum. Care of the house and gardens is done by volunteers and the house is decorated appropriately for each season.

Proceeding from the back porch of the Ward-Thomas house, a walk-way leads to a secondary building. This building is used as a workspace for the greenhouse. The first Sunday of each month the Thomas House is open to the public from 2 - 5 pm. The last tour begins at 4:00 pm and ends at 5:00 pm. Additional guided tours may be arranged by contacting the Niles Historical Society or calling: 330.544.2143.


Join the Niles Historical Society and Help Preserve Niles’ History The Niles Historical Society mission is to preserve and promote Niles history and share that history with the community. Click here to join or renew your Niles Historical Society membership. Calendar of Events November-December 2023 Open House November 5, 2023 2–5 PM, last tour begins at 4 PM McKinley Christmas December 2, 2023 Tour Sites: McKinley Memorial Library popcorn, live music, kids craft, tours, scavenger hunt National McKinley Birthplace Museum Santa, cookies/cocoa, kids Christmas stories, scavenger hunt, tours Ward–Thomas Museum Tours (downstairs) coco/treat, kids Christmas Stories, scavenger hunt Von Isley Estate (Nutcracker Themed) kids Christmas Stories scavenger hunt, cider and donuts Transportation will be provided Snacks, Tours, and Entertainment 12–4 PM Festival of Trees Month of December McKinley Birthplace Museum Tours of the Ward-Thomas Museum for groups will be scheduled as requested. We have frequent requests for private tours from those visiting the area, various organizations and church groups. Please call Sandy (330) 652-8329 or Anna Marie (330) 719 -5716 to schedule a tour. A membership drive is currently being held. The yearly membership drive is underway with fees of $20 for individuals, $30 for families, $50 for patron level, $100 for businesses and organizations and $500 for life memberships. Memberships support the society's programs and includes the bimonthly newsletter. For more information call: Sandy at (330) 652–8329 or Anna Marie at (330) 856–8274. Please leave a message and we will contact you. Newsletter: The Society will gladly publish stories of the accomplishments of current or former residents of Niles. Contact: Anna Marie Beagle ambgeb@aol.com	Tour the Buildings and Garden Ward-Thomas House 1924 Green House Memberships Available: The yearly membership drive is underway with fees of $20 for individuals, $30 for families, $50 for patron level, $100 for businesses and organizations and $500 for life memberships. Memberships support the society's programs and includes the bimonthly newsletter. Gift Ideas: Society memberships may be obtained for $20.00 an individual and $30.00 for a family. $50.00 for a Patron, $100.00 for a business, and $500.00 for a life-time membership. All are welcome to join. Members receive the newsletter six times/year and free admission to the Ward-Thomas Museum when open on the first Sunday of the month. Gifts with a Niles' History connection. Click on link below: Try one of the many Niles Historical books. Books vary in price. Sample of book content 'A Pictorial History of the Buildings of Niles Ohio' Over 200 pages and 400 high resolution photographs To order your book call: Sandy at: 330.652.8329 Niles Historical Society Office at: 330.544.2143 or Email Us Price: $40.00 local pickup or $45.00 shipped To save on shipping costs, all of the listed books are available for purchase at any Ward-Thomas Museum open house. Shipping/Mailing costs are $5.00 for each book ordered. Please make checks out to: Niles Historical Society Send your name, address and phone number, and check to cover costs to: Niles Historical Society P. O. 368 Niles, Ohio 44446 Thank You