Best Keep Secret in the Firelanpt

I have just been exposed to what is probably the best kept secret in the Firelands' area. Did you know that there was a museum at the Ohio Veteran's Home? Yes there is. It is a war museum with displays from all wars back to the civil war. The displays of the WWII, Vietnam, and Korea bring back memories of the past for those old enough to remember the days that the US were involved in in each. Much of what is there is uniforms and equipment. But there are also letters and personal accounts from soldiers in the field. Right now there is a two room display dedicated to Johnson's Island, the former Civil War POW camp. It is complete with models of the camp and buildings as well as numerous photos from the Island. Several stories of the time are related on the walls and in individual displays.
I was with a large group and didn't have time to really dig into as much as I would have liked but one thing that truly is a gem is the library. Built with donations of material, from ever since the OVH was begun in 1888, there are many documents that are of incredible historical significance. A friend of mine who has spent time at the museum showed a bookcase full of bound volumes that are full of letters, official and personal, collected and organized, from the Civil War Era. They are locked up behind glass to protect them but I'm sure access can be arranged for the true Civil War buff. The library takes up two of the large rooms on the second floor and would take a life time to get tired of. This is an amazing asset to the Firelands' area.
Of course, as with many historical sites, the museum is in danger of being closed. Not immediately but it's future is endangered as the administration of the OVH lacks the foresight to see the value of having a museum on site. After all, their business is providing a home for veterans, not running a museum. There will also always be a threat of the property becoming too valuable to keep protected as a historical site. Mainly because it does have a long frontage on US 250 right across from one of the growth areas of Erie County.
I recommend that you visit the site soon and support it. This will guarantee that you get to see it and your attendance may help to preserve the museum as it will show community interest.
The museum can be accessed from US 250 and there is parking right in front of it. The hours are 10-4 daily. It is closed on Thursday and Friday.