The Spirit of ’76 Museum
Dedicated to the memory of Archibald M. Willard, painter of “Spirit of ’76,” and to preserving the history of Southern Lorain County for the community that made it possible.
Plan Your Visit See Exhibits Calendar of Events
Annual Dinner Meeting
Thursday, October 8 · 6:00 p.m. · Wellington Eagles
Join us for a catered dinner, a short business meeting, and a special presentation as Carol Starre-Kmiecik portrays Cleveland news legend Dorothy Fuldheim.
Please reserve your spot by September 30.
Reserve Your Spot →
Southern Lorain County Historical Road Show
Saturday, October 4 · 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tour six participating historical societies across Southern Lorain County in a single day and collect a passport stamp at each stop for a chance to win prizes. Spirit of ’76 Museum will host an appraiser; Pittsfield features historical quilts and a quilt raffle; Penfield, LaGrange & Belden feature local history and displays; Huntington hosts an antique and arrowhead appraiser.
View Road Show Flyer →
Archibald M. Willard
Born a few miles from Wellington, Willard grew up on stories his own grandfather told of the Revolutionary War. Those stories inspired “Spirit of ’76” — one of the most recognized paintings in American history, and the reason this museum bears its name. Today the museum holds over 30 of his works alongside furniture, murals, and ephemera touched by his hand.
Our Story
Founded in 1968 by the Southern Lorain County Historical Society, the museum began with a simple need: somewhere to house the growing Alex Justice collection. A call went out to the community for artifacts, and the response was overwhelming — including eight oil paintings by Archibald Willard, entrusted to a small Ohio town by families who wanted his legacy kept close to home.
Read Our Full History →What You’ll Discover
Willard’s Legacy
Original works and reproductions by the artist behind “Spirit of ’76.”
Wellington’s Cheese Industry
Artifacts from the era when Wellington was a hub of Ohio’s cheese trade.
Railroads & Local History
How the railroad shaped Southern Lorain County.
Visit Us
Hours
Sat & Sun
1:00–3:30 p.m.
Apr–Oct
Location
201 N. Main St.
Wellington, OH
Admission
Always free.
Fully accessible.
Group Tours
By appointment — contact us
Stay Connected
Upcoming board meetings, events, and museum news — subscribe to stay in the loop.
The Spirit of '76 Museum 