MEADVILLE September 2, 2025 – The Crawford County Historical Society, the nonprofit cultural institution and Crawford County’s official county historical repository, is thrilled to announce that as part of the Society’s efforts to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Crawford County, Mount Hope: The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum will officially be open year-round for the first time in its 62 year history. The museum, the former home of United States Supreme Court Justice Henry Baldwin, and later his nephew, railroad magnate and local developer William Reynolds, will have seasonal hours of Saturdays and Sundays from 11am until 4pm starting Sunday September 7th, 2025.
“As we approach America’s Semiquincentennial, a major milestone in our nation’s story, the Historical Society is actively looking for ways to bring the history of Crawford County to as many as possible,” said Historical Society executive director Josh Sherretts. “Opening the museum to the public year round for the first time since its founding is an opportunity to do just that.”
Mount Hope, the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum in Meadville, was built as the home of United States Congressman turned Supreme Court Justice Henry Baldwin and his wife Sarah. After Baldwin’s death, it became a school briefly, before being sold to Baldwin’s nephew, William Reynolds. Reynolds’ claims to fame includes the creation of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad as well as local developments such as brick roads and indoor plumbing in Meadville.
“The history of this one building can be connected to national and international history and to a history that affects every one of us,” cites Sherretts. Major decisions – decisions about slavery, tariffs, national banking, and transportation infrastructure – were made by the people who lived in these rooms – topics we learned about in high school history classes.”
As part of the expansion of the museum’s hours, the Society is thrilled to add Claus Meiritz, a seasoned public historian, to assist in weekend tours this fall and winter as well as to engage new audiences to connect with the Historical Society as volunteers.
“Claus has a decades-long background in European and American history, adding a depth to visitor experience. We’re excited to work with him to deliver an interesting and exciting experience to every visitor who walks through our doors.”
The museum, owned and operated by the Crawford County Historical Society, will be open throughout the fall, winter, and spring on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am through 4pm with tours beginning at each hour. Admission for general tours is $5 for adults and $3 for children (5 and up). For more information on the museum, tours, events, or other Historical Society projects, please visit www.crawfordhistorical.org or call 814-724-6080.
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Josh Sherretts – Executive Director Crawford County Historical Society
869 Diamond Park
P.O. Box 871
Meadville, PA 16335