History

The Lawrence County Museum has certification by the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums. It is operated by the Lawrence County Historical Society, a corporation since 1925. The building in which the Museum is housed is referred to, in the Registry of Historical Homes of the Rankin District, as the Colonel George N. Gray House.

According to tax records, Elizabeth Ferguson purchased these two one-half lots in 1870 and that same year the main structure was built and valued at $2,200. The records further show that the property was transferred, on July 5, 1878, to Elizabeth Gray, wife of Col. George N. Gray. An addition, valued at $2,100, was added to the back of the house before the Gray family took up residence in December, 1878. The tower was a part of the 1878. The tower was a part of the 1878 addition. In March 1882, an attic fire damaged ceilings and roof in the amount of $1,000. When fire repairs were made, the Grays had the front bay window added. In November 1891, another addition was constructed and consisted of the back corner room (which at present houses the Museum Store) and the room directly above it. In January 1892, the veranda on the upper side of the house was enclosed and converted to a conservatory for plants.