Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor

Did you know that by 1920, the Mahoning Valley was second only to Pittsburgh for domestic steel production? It’s a major part of our local history, and that’s why we’re proud to have an entire museum dedicated to manufacturing and the role it played for the local economy – located right in downtown Youngstown.

The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor (YHCIL) documents the history of the steel industry in the Mahoning Valley through a variety of resources:

Life-sized scenes from the mills

Recreations of company-built housing

An archives library

Local government records from six counties

Sources for genealogical research

What better place to discover local history than a museum dedicated to the 19th and 20th century working men and women? Come learn with school field trips, customized workshops and special events!

History About YHCIL

Locally known as the “Steel Museum,” the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor is operated by Ohio History Connection (which organized the Ohio Network of American History Research Centers), and is locally managed by Youngstown State University (YSU).

Ohio State Senator Harry Meshel proposed the idea of the museum in the 1970s, with a focus on celebrating the area's steel industry. Construction on the structure began in 1989. The building’s architecture was led by renowned architect Michael Graves in association with Raymond J. Jaminet and Partners. The design of the building is reminiscent of the local mills’ smokestacks and the Mahoning Valley’s robust past.

What to Do at the Historical Center?

While you’re visiting the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the area’s rich history. (Give yourself at least an hour to explore!)

You’ll find historic photographs spanning Youngstown’s labor, immigration and urban history and life-sized depictions like the permanent exhibit By the Sweat of Their Brow: Forging the Steel Valley. You can also learn about one of the largest steel companies from the past – Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company.

There are glimpses of a steel mill’s locker room and a portion of the steelworkers’ company-built homes. See for yourself how steel ingots were shaped in a reconstructed blooming mill, browse an array of artifacts or watch interviews videotaped throughout the 20th century.

Building Learning Opportunities

While the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor is open to the public, there’s a strong focus on providing students of all ages with a chance to learn about the area’s strong ties to industry and labor.

Hands-on activities about steel making are available through the Steel Museum’s educational programs: all designed for school groups, homeschooling programs and students with special needs. But, the learning doesn’t stop there! Tours for adults and people with dementia and memory loss are available, as well.

Plan a Visit That’s as Strong as Steel!

Take a trip back in time by visiting the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor. And, don’t forget our many other destinations; the Valley is loaded with museums, restaurants and nearby parks.

If you’re ready to plan your visit to the YHCIL, be sure to check out youngstownohiosteelmuseum.org for any special announcements, including hours of operation and admission rates.