Steubenville, Ohio · Since 1973
Telling Our Stories and Saving Our Past.
Admission to the museum is free, but monetary donations are most welcome.
The Emma Carter Sharpe Zeis Mansion- Jefferson County established
- 1797
- Sharpe mansion completed
- 1919
- Rooms of history to explore
- 19
- Books in our research library
- 5,000+
Our Mission
To preserve, perpetuate, promote and disseminate the history of Jefferson County and the City of Steubenville.
Learn More 02Our Membership
A basic membership is just $20 a year — and it’s what keeps the museum and library open.
Become a Member 03Your Visit
Open Wednesdays and Thursdays, March through November. Admission is free.
Plan Your Visit
Share Your Story
Capturing the Italian American Experience in the Ohio Valley
Help us preserve your ancestors’ experiences and foster pride in your heritage by sharing your story. Your responses will contribute to a collective history for future generations.
Take the SurveyAmerica 250-Ohio
We Are Proud to be a featured site in the American 250-Ohio Program!
The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail honors the role Ohio’s waterways have played in the state’s history, and is a part of America 250-Ohio’s “Trails & Tales” Program
Learn More Now
Visit the Museum
Telling the Story of Jefferson County, OH
From March to the end of November, the museum is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Other hours and special tours may be arranged through the museum volunteer staff.
Explore the Collection
Topic Rooms
The Emma Carter Sharpe Zeis mansion holds nineteen rooms on three floors — each one dedicated to a different chapter of Jefferson County’s story.
Our Home
Our Jefferson County
Jefferson County, located in Ohio, was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, who served as Vice President at the time of the county’s establishment in 1797. Steubenville, the county seat, is our location. The Jefferson County Historical Association is housed in the three-story Emma Carter Sharpe Zeis mansion at 426 Franklin Avenue, completed in 1919. The museum contains historical artifacts from all corners of the county, preserving the memories of days long gone by. Visitors can explore antique furniture, a wide array of Steubenville Pottery, a room dedicated to Civil War records, memorabilia, a pioneer kitchen, photographs, yearbooks, and mementos from several local schools.
Jefferson county consists of two principal cities: Steubenville and Toronto, plus several villages: Adena, Amsterdam, Bergholz, Bloomingdale, Brilliant, Dillonvale, East Springfield, Empire, Irondale, Mingo Junction, Mount Pleasant, New Alexandria, Pottery Addition, Rayland, Richmond, Stratton, Tiltonsville, Wintersville, and Yorkville. There are also over fifty unincorporated communities within the county, from Alikanna and Annapolis to Rush Run, Smithfield, and Unionport. Residents around the county will surely find something interesting in one of our nineteen rooms.
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From the Archives
Membership
Love history? Join us!
Members keep Jefferson County’s history alive — the museum has no paid staff and receives no city, county or state funding.
Become a Member