Hagen History Center
Hagen History Center
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Hagen History Center formerly known as the Erie County Historical Society is a public museum located in Erie, Pennsylvania and focuses on the history of Erie County for the past 200 years. There is also an additional campus known as the Battles Estates in Girard, Pennsylvania.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- JackofPBFLPalm Bay, Florida1,270 contributionsBeautiful grounds, interesting exhibitsThere are five exhibits to visit and they are creating two additional Erie related exhibits. We were most impressed the installation of the Frank Lloyd Wright San Francisco Office in a custom built building. There were a couple of Wright's cars to see. He had a great interest in cars which I was not aware of. There were also several galleries' of military artifacts honoring veterans and a mansion that we did not visit due to physical limitations of our friend. There is an admission cost to enter with a discount for seniors.Visited October 2021Written November 7, 2021
- Robyn5Melbourne Beach, Florida90 contributionsGreat Museum worth visitingHaving grown up in Erie, I had visited the original Erie museum years ago. It was beautiful, but blah and not memorable. Now redone as the Hagen History Center, what a difference! The extent to which they have gone to tell the story of Erie and it's history is really amazing. The individual storylines were compelling along with the historical items which added to the experience. The The Watson-Curtze mansion is magnificent. The detail in the structure, both inside and out, are testament to the craftsmen that built the home. The curated personal items offer a glimpse of what life was like at the turn of the century. Of particular interest for us, was the actual office of Frank Lloyd Wright. What an awesome acquisition of this great American architect. His foresight and designs are truly timeless. The Wood-Morrison House also provided Erie's unique contribution to our Military history. The entire Center is very well done and worth spending a couple of hours here.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 29, 2023
- AtreyaC1 contributionAbsolutely Stunning!Me and my grandmother used to visit this location every couple of months when I was younger. We recently decided that we would check it out again as it had been 3 to 4 years since last visiting. It was an amazing idea as we were stunned to see the improvement of the inside buildings surrounding the mansion! Welcoming environment, lovely interior, and precise information on Erie's history. The Watson-Curtze Mansion has always held a special place in my heart and I'm glad the Hagen History Center has used it's beauty to exhibit and educate!Visited August 2022Traveled with friendsWritten August 13, 2022
- Judie B1 contributionSo enlightening!Went the week between Christmas and New Years. What beautiful Christmas decorations in the Watson Curtze Mansion. The Hagen History Center had so many interesting historical facts about the city of Erie and its heritage. Also enjoyed the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit. Will definitely return!!Visited December 2022Written January 3, 2023
- Kathy S1 contributionGreat holiday experienceBeautiful Christmas decorations, awesome woodwork & fireplaces in the Watson Curtze Mansion. The Wood-Morris House was full of historic information about Erie that I never knew. The gift shop had many affordable items to share with family &/or friends.Visited December 2022Traveled with friendsWritten December 31, 2022
- Tim WYoungstown, Ohio51 contributionsSurprising DelightWow! What a surprising delight this center was. Essentially, three distinct settings, this facility gave a broad overview of various aspects of Erie history. The first building, which included an unexpected reconstruction of Frank Lloyd Wright's San Francisco office with accompanying artifacts and information, also featured a well done presentation of Erie's evolution from Native Americans through the influx of immigrants during the city's growth. The second building highlighted Erie's maritime and military history up to recent years. The crown jewel was clearly the well‐appointed, well-preserved Victorian Era mansion. The various volunteers stationed throughout the facility provided intriguing insights without being intrusive. This allowed for a nicely self-paced exploration of all that was offered, supplemented with details as requested. This is a very worthwhile stop!Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 4, 2023
- JeffMayville, New York3 contributionsWorth a visitFirst time here, really wondered why it took us so long! The Frank Lloyd Wright office is a must for any FLW enthusiast. Super cool. The house was beautiful and going through it at Christmas season was awesome. Jan and Tom, a couple in different parts of the tour were so much fun and we really enjoyed their personalities and knowledge. They are worth the visit alone. Also the man in the main house was great too, never got his name. Great experience, wonderful local museum.Visited December 2022Traveled with familyWritten December 4, 2022
- steel a7 contributionsEnlightening, Entertaining and fulfilling!This tour provided me with a lot of historical knowledge I was not aware of about Erie. Our tour guide Adam Macrino was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and upbeat when speaking and answering questions. Thanks AdamVisited November 2022Traveled with familyWritten November 28, 2022
- David S6 contributionsWatson-Curtze MansionI have visited this place numerous times growing up, for the first time as a school field trip over 50 years ago when it was the Erie Museum. I never forgot everything I saw there and was impressed with the planetarium behind the house in what I think was the carriage house; unfortunately the planetarium relocated to the Behrend Campus of Penn State, but I think Erie could support 2 planetariums if the carriage house were again to serve as one. The house as it is now is fine as a period house, but I think more could be done in the way of acquiring more period furnishings, installing front doors more in keeping with the style of the house, and perhaps even putting the antique kitchen to use with occasional cooking demonstrations by local chefs/cooks and then serving the food in the dining room. There used to be a model train exhibit in the basement; perhaps an elaboration of that exhibit made permanent could be placed in the ballroom on the top floor if it isn't going to be used for various social functions in Erie.Thanks for your review, David! We would love to invite back to check us out. Since your visit in 2020 we have added two new buildings and we have 11 brand new exhibits! The Carriage House now includes our gift shop, research area, reading room and library with more than 5,800 books published in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The Hagen History Center staff offices are also in the building. The Watson-Curtze Mansion also serves as our event center. The ballroom is often utilized for private events and the kitchen is unfortunately a non-working kitchen. We appreciate your suggestions, and hope to see you soon!Written September 9, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2020Written September 7, 2021
- Hola4876Lansing, Michigan931 contributionsWorth a visitVery interesting area; one regards Frank Lloyd Wright, another is on the Erie Canal, another regards history of war & local soldiers. The Watson-Curtze Museum is also a part of this Center & is a beautiful building. On the second floor, take note of the difference in the woodwork in the bedrooms of the Dad, Mom, and daughter.Visited September 2021Written October 4, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
35 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Judie B
1 contribution
Dec 2022
Went the week between Christmas and New Years. What beautiful Christmas decorations in the Watson Curtze Mansion. The Hagen History Center had so
many interesting historical facts about the city of Erie and its heritage. Also enjoyed the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit. Will definitely return!!
many interesting historical facts about the city of Erie and its heritage. Also enjoyed the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit. Will definitely return!!
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy S
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Friends
Beautiful Christmas decorations, awesome woodwork & fireplaces in the Watson Curtze Mansion. The Wood-Morris House was full of historic information about Erie that I never knew. The gift shop had many affordable items to share with family &/or friends.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim W
Youngstown, OH51 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Wow! What a surprising delight this center was. Essentially, three distinct settings, this facility gave a broad overview of various aspects of Erie history. The first building, which included an unexpected reconstruction of Frank Lloyd Wright's San Francisco office with accompanying artifacts and information, also featured a well done presentation of Erie's evolution from Native Americans through the influx of immigrants during the city's growth. The second building highlighted Erie's maritime and military history up to recent years. The crown jewel was clearly the well‐appointed, well-preserved Victorian Era mansion. The various volunteers stationed throughout the facility provided intriguing insights without being intrusive. This allowed for a nicely self-paced exploration of all that was offered, supplemented with details as requested. This is a very worthwhile stop!
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff
Mayville, NY3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
First time here, really wondered why it took us so long!
The Frank Lloyd Wright office is a must for any FLW enthusiast. Super cool. The house was beautiful and going through it at Christmas season was awesome.
Jan and Tom, a couple in different parts of the tour were so much fun and we really enjoyed their personalities and knowledge. They are worth the visit alone. Also the man in the main house was great too, never got his name.
Great experience, wonderful local museum.
The Frank Lloyd Wright office is a must for any FLW enthusiast. Super cool. The house was beautiful and going through it at Christmas season was awesome.
Jan and Tom, a couple in different parts of the tour were so much fun and we really enjoyed their personalities and knowledge. They are worth the visit alone. Also the man in the main house was great too, never got his name.
Great experience, wonderful local museum.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
steel a
7 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
This tour provided me with a lot of historical knowledge I was not aware of about Erie. Our tour guide Adam Macrino was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and upbeat when speaking and answering questions. Thanks Adam
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
6 contributions
Oct 2020
I have visited this place numerous times growing up, for the first time as a school field trip over 50 years ago when it was the Erie Museum. I never forgot everything I saw there and was impressed with the planetarium behind the house in what I think was the carriage house; unfortunately the planetarium relocated to the Behrend Campus of Penn State, but I think Erie could support 2 planetariums if the carriage house were again to serve as one. The house as it is now is fine as a period house, but I think more could be done in the way of acquiring more period furnishings, installing front doors more in keeping with the style of the house, and perhaps even putting the antique kitchen to use with occasional cooking demonstrations by local chefs/cooks and then serving the food in the dining room. There used to be a model train exhibit in the basement; perhaps an elaboration of that exhibit made permanent could be placed in the ballroom on the top floor if it isn't going to be used for various social functions in Erie.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review, David! We would love to invite back to check us out. Since your visit in 2020 we have added two new buildings and we have 11 brand new exhibits! The Carriage House now includes our gift shop, research area, reading room and library with more than 5,800 books published in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The Hagen History Center staff offices are also in the building.
The Watson-Curtze Mansion also serves as our event center. The ballroom is often utilized for private events and the kitchen is unfortunately a non-working kitchen.
We appreciate your suggestions, and hope to see you soon!
Written September 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hola4876
Lansing, MI931 contributions
Sep 2021
Very interesting area; one regards Frank Lloyd Wright, another is on the Erie Canal, another regards history of war & local soldiers. The Watson-Curtze Museum is also a part of this Center & is a beautiful building. On the second floor, take note of the difference in the woodwork in the bedrooms of the Dad, Mom, and daughter.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah L
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Beautiful exhibit in the historic Millionaires Row. We saw the Watson- Curtze museum over Christmas and the decorations were stunning. We loved the history of the house and the region . The historical expert on staff. ( Cindy ) gave us so much wonderful information and made the tour so enjoyable. We also loved the newer exhibits which included a Frank Lloyd Wright display , and an intriguing set of videos on Erie history.
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin M
Beaver Falls, PA169 contributions
Aug 2022
Surprised by the quality of this place. Great historical collection in this clean well arranged facility. Self guided tour and the displays are super clean. I'll bet most of the population of Erie has never been here and they are missing out. If you're a history buff, gotta go here.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ginni H
Pittsburgh, PA1 contribution
May 2022
The museum was excellent way to spend an afternoon. Interesting to learn of the history of Erie, PA and the Frank Lloyd exhibit gave you an wonderful glimpse into one of America's premier architects. The staff was warm and welcoming!
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy0444
home3 contributions
What is the fee for entrance?
DixieDoll11
Livonia, MI47 contributions
Adults $10. Seniors $7.50. Students & Veterans $5. Student Group Tours $3/person.
darhoffenberg
Deerfield, IL
Are the Hagen Histor Center, Watson Curtzie Museium, and Mansion open Sunday July 22?
darhoffenberg
Deerfield, IL
Are the Hagen History Center, Watson Curtzie Museum and Mansion open on Sunday, July 22?
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Claim your listingHagen History Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hagen History Center
- Hagen History Center is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Hagen History Center:
- (0.22 mi) Spencer House Bed & Breakfast
- (0.40 mi) Victoria Inn
- (0.71 mi) Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
- (0.68 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront
- (0.67 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront
- Restaurants near Hagen History Center:
- (0.17 mi) Porky's Pizzeria
- (0.23 mi) Fat Lenny's
- (0.48 mi) U Pick 6 Tap House
- (0.71 mi) Bayfront Grille
- (0.44 mi) Molly Brannigans
Hagen History Center Information
Excellent Reviews | 24 |
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Very Good Reviews | 8 |
Hagen History Center Photos | 59 |