Exploring the Hagen History Center in Erie

A collage highlighting exhibits and buildings at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a vibrant red 1950 Crosley Hotshot, representing Frank Lloyd Wright’s love of automobiles. The top-right image displays a detailed model of the USS Michigan, a historic iron-hulled warship significant to Erie’s maritime heritage. The bottom-left image captures Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's sword and telescope from the early 1800s, artifacts connected to the War of 1812. The bottom-right image features the museum's main campus, with the Thomas B. Hagen History Center sign in the foreground and the historic red-roofed buildings, including the Wood-Morrison House, visible in the background.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Hagen History Center in Erie, you’re in the right place!

A display at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring portraits of prominent Erie County residents alongside beautifully crafted woodwork and stained glass. The exhibit, located on the upper floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion, showcases detailed wooden railings and historic artwork, providing a glimpse into the legacy and influence of the county's notable figures. The stained glass and intricate paneling add to the opulent atmosphere of the mansion’s interior.

The Hagen History Center is a museum that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore over 200 years of local history through engaging exhibits and incredible architecture.

Exhibit panel at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, detailing Erie’s role in the War of 1812. The display explains how Captain Daniel Dobbins was ordered by President James Madison to build a fleet for the U.S. Navy on the shore of Presque Isle Bay, with supplies such as timber, iron, and cannons brought in from Pittsburgh. A historical map of Erie Harbor during the Battle of Lake Erie and a portrait of Captain Dobbins are also included on the panel, providing context for the construction and protection of the fleet in 1813.

From the grandeur of the Watson-Curtze Mansion to the immersive displays in the New Exhibit Building, there are four buildings worth of artifacts and exhibits to explore here.

An elegant library room inside the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring rich wood paneling, built-in bookshelves, and an intricately carved fireplace. The room is adorned with decorative molding on the ceiling, a large area rug, and framed artwork, including a portrait above the bookshelves. Warm lighting from table lamps adds to the inviting atmosphere, and an open doorway provides a glimpse into another beautifully furnished room, highlighting the mansion’s refined architectural details and luxurious interior design typical of the late 19th century.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Hagen History Center is located at 356 West 6th Street, Erie, PA 16507.


The museum hours are as follows: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday Noon – 5 pm | Closed Monday.

Sign displaying the hours of operation for the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The center is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with closures on Mondays. The sign features gold lettering on a dark background.

Admission fees for the Hagen History Center are as follows: Adults $12 | Students $7.50 | Veterans $10.00 |Children 6 & Under FREE.

Exhibit at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, showcasing tools and artifacts related to farming, lumber, and grape cultivation in the region's early days. The display includes antique agricultural tools, a mannequin dressed in period attire, and informative panels detailing Erie County's land use and farming industry. A large black-and-white mural in the background illustrates historical farm life, highlighting the impact of agriculture on Erie’s development and economy.

Parking is free in a large lot adjacent to the Visitor Center.

The parking lot at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, with several parked vehicles and a sign directing visitors to purchase tickets at the Visitor Center located in the Carriage House. The lot is surrounded by greenery, including trees and hedges, with a view of a historic brick building in the background. The setting provides convenient access for visitors to the museum, which celebrates over 200 years of Erie County’s history across multiple buildings on the property.

What You’ll See at the Hagen History Center

Named after benefactor Thomas B. Hagen, who grew up nearby, the center encompasses four distinct buildings, each with its own set of exhibits.

The exterior view of the Thomas B. Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring a well-manicured lawn, colorful landscaping, and a prominent stone sign with the museum's name. The historic brick buildings and distinct architectural styles of the center’s complex are visible, including a castle-like structure with a rounded turret. An American flag flies in the background, adding a patriotic touch to this cultural landmark dedicated to preserving and sharing Erie County’s rich 200-year history.

The Watson-Curtze Mansion

The Watson-Curtze Mansion, a 24-room marvel built in 1891, stands out with its Richardsonian Romanesque style, intricate stained-glass windows, and mosaic tilework.

The front view of the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, showcasing its grand architecture with a stone exterior, red-tiled roof, and prominent chimneys. The mansion features rounded towers, large windows, and intricate stone detailing, reflecting its late 19th-century design. The well-kept grounds, with a central walkway flanked by manicured hedges and lantern-style lights on stone pillars, enhance the stately appearance of this architectural landmark, now part of the museum complex dedicated to preserving Erie County's history.

Inside the mansion, visitors can explore opulent rooms adorned with intricate woodwork, marble fireplaces, and stunning stained-glass windows.

A grand room inside the Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring a large marble fireplace with intricate woodwork and decorative tile panels above the mantel. The space is adorned with dark wood paneling, a coffered ceiling, and a richly patterned red and navy area rug. An ornate chandelier and classic wall sconces add to the elegance of the room, while doorways lead into other lavishly decorated rooms, providing a glimpse of Victorian-era opulence in this historic home.

The mansion’s dining room reflects the lavish lifestyle of Erie’s elite in the late 19th century.

An ornate dining room inside the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring a large, elegantly set table with a fringed tablecloth and leather chairs. The room is adorned with rich wood paneling, intricate murals on the walls, and a beautifully carved fireplace with stained glass accents above it. A grand chandelier hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the space and highlighting the mansion's opulent Victorian-era design and attention to detail.

Guests can also explore the richly decorated parlor, where the ornate furnishings evoke the elegance of a bygone era.

An elegant parlor inside the Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, showcasing ornate Victorian decor. The room features rich red damask wallpaper, a large patterned area rug, and decorative plasterwork on the ceiling with a crystal chandelier. Antique furniture, including a chaise, armchair, and side tables, is arranged thoughtfully throughout the room. Large windows allow natural light to illuminate the space, highlighting the mansion’s luxurious style and intricate architectural details, which reflect the opulence of the late 19th century.

Originally the home of paper manufacturer Harrison F. Watson and later purchased by Frederic Felix Curtze, this 15,000-square-foot mansion now houses several exhibits.

A beautifully restored Victorian-era bedroom inside the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, showcasing a meticulously carved wooden bed with a lace coverlet, period furniture, and a display of historical attire. The room features rich woodwork, ornate details on the fireplace mantel, and elegant green drapery framing the windows, providing a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Erie's affluent past.

On the second floor, visitors can explore Erie’s rich brewing heritage through the “Erie’s Beer Making Past” exhibit, which features artifacts from local breweries, vintage labels, and brewery memorabilia.

A display at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring vintage memorabilia from the local Koehler Brewing Company, including two six-pack carriers of Koehler beer with retro designs and slogans. The exhibit also showcases a certificate from the Erie Brewing Company, along with historical documents related to the brewing process and industry in Erie County. This collection highlights the region’s brewing heritage and the branding styles of mid-20th century beer packaging, offering a glimpse into Erie’s local beverage industry history.

In another part of the mansion, the “Celebrating Erie’s Sporting Heritage” exhibit showcases jerseys, photographs, and memorabilia from Erie’s history in sports like hockey, baseball, roller derby, and soccer.

A display of Erie Otters hockey memorabilia at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring three mannequins dressed in various team jerseys and uniforms. The exhibit includes jerseys in white, navy, and orange, representing different eras of the team’s history. One mannequin also wears a helmet, and another has a cap with the Erie Otters logo. Framed photos of former players and team snapshots hang on the wall behind the display, highlighting the community's connection to the local hockey team and the team's evolution over the years.

The Wood-Morrison House

The Wood-Morrison House, built in 1858 by Dr. William Maxwell Wood, offers a glimpse into Erie’s military history.

The Wood-Morrison House at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a historic brick building with an elegant ironwork porch and steps leading to the front entrance. To the left of the house, an American flag flies on a tall flagpole, and in the background, the sandstone Watson-Curtze Mansion with its red roof is visible, along with other museum buildings. The neatly maintained lawn and garden landscaping add to the historic charm of this museum campus.

Dr. Wood, who served on the USS Michiganthe U.S. Navy’s first iron-hulled warship—helped to shape Erie’s maritime legacy.

A military history exhibit at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring a detailed scale model of a historic naval ship encased in glass. The display includes interpretive panels titled “Freshwater to Saltwater,” which discuss the ship's transition from service on the Great Lakes to operations in the ocean. The surrounding exhibit area features informational text and additional historical artifacts related to naval and military history, all presented in a well-lit, organized setting that highlights Erie’s maritime heritage.

Today, this renovated 5,000-square-foot house houses exhibits that chronicle Erie’s military contributions and honor the local men and women who have served in various conflicts.

An exhibit panel at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, titled "Erie Guards the Lakes," detailing the role of Erie and the U.S. Navy in protecting American interests on the Great Lakes throughout the 19th century. The display includes an illustration of the USS *Michigan*, a steam-powered warship with sails, patrolling the lake, and a historic photograph of sailors who served on the *Michigan*. The panel highlights Erie’s contributions to naval history, including Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet and the assembly of the innovative iron-hulled *Michigan* warship, marking Erie's significance in Great Lakes defense.

One exhibit here honors Colonel Strong Vincent, a Civil War hero from Erie County who played a critical role in the Union’s victory at Gettysburg.

A museum exhibit at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring artifacts related to Colonel Strong Vincent, including his Civil War-era sword and scabbard. The display includes a portrait of Vincent in his military uniform, alongside a biography detailing his life, leadership, and heroic actions during the Battle of Gettysburg, where he defended Little Round Top. Additional personal items and memorabilia from Vincent's military service complete the exhibit, offering visitors a glimpse into the legacy of this local Civil War hero.

Artifacts and documents highlight Vincent’s bravery and his lasting impact on both Erie and national history.

A detailed biography exhibit of Colonel Strong Vincent at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, highlighting his life and military achievements. Born in Waterford, Pennsylvania, Vincent was a Harvard graduate and practiced law in Erie before joining the Union Army during the Civil War. He served as Colonel of the 83rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (PVI) and was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General by President Lincoln for his heroic defense of Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg. The display describes his leadership in key battles, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and ultimately Gettysburg, where his famous order to "Don't Give an Inch!" inspired his troops before he was mortally wounded.

The New Exhibit Building

The Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit on the first floor of the New Exhibit Building immerses visitors in the legendary architect’s world, featuring a meticulously recreated version of his San Francisco office.

A recreated office space inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, showcasing Wright’s architectural plans and drawings spread across drafting tables. Large windows provide natural light, illuminating the detailed sketches and concept drawings on the walls, which illustrate Wright’s visionary designs. Shelves filled with books and small stools create a workspace that reflects Wright’s dedication to innovative architecture and his meticulous attention to detail. The etched glass window bearing Wright's name emphasizes his lasting influence on design and architecture.

Here, visitors can see his original desk, surrounded by architectural sketches that reflect his groundbreaking ideas in organic architecture.

A close-up view of a drafting table in the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring an architectural drawing with geometric designs and landscaping elements. The table is equipped with drafting tools, including triangles and a T-square, capturing the meticulous process behind Wright’s architectural planning. A red desk lamp illuminates the workspace, highlighting Wright’s attention to detail and innovative design approach that harmonized buildings with their surroundings. The setting provides insight into the creative environment Wright would have used for his iconic architectural work.

Adding to the exhibit’s allure, Wright’s 1950 Crosley Hotshot, a sleek red sports car that embodied his unique aesthetic, is also on display, showcasing his appreciation for innovative design in all aspects of life.

A vibrant red 1948 Crosley Hotshot convertible on display at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, showcasing its connection to renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The car sits in front of an exhibit dedicated to Wright, with historical photos and information about his architectural legacy. The exhibit combines automotive and architectural history, illustrating Wright’s influence on 20th-century design.

Wright’s love for cars was an extension of his design philosophy, viewing vehicles as functional works of art that complemented his vision for modern living.

An exhibit panel at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, detailing Frank Lloyd Wright’s passion for cars, specifically his 1950 Crosley Hotshot roadster in signature Cherokee Red. The display describes how Wright owned 85 cars over his lifetime, viewing them as extensions of his architectural philosophy. The panel includes drawings of the Crosley and mentions Wright’s habit of taking apprentices on road trips in his Crosleys. A map highlights nearby sites of Wright's architectural work in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, including Fallingwater and the Martin House, inviting visitors to explore his regional legacy.

The second floor features photos, artifacts, exhibits that celebrate the people and industries that have shaped Erie County over the years.

An exhibit panel at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, describing the history of grape cultivation in the Erie region. The panel explains how Lake Erie’s climate, which prevents frosts in late spring and early fall, makes it ideal for viticulture. Commercial grape farming began in 1857, leading to seasonal employment and the establishment of the Welch’s Grape Juice Company in 1893, which later expanded to Erie County. The display includes a vintage crate label from Prospect Park Fruit Farm Co., illustrating the vibrant grape industry that developed in North East, Pennsylvania, a hub for grape production and processing.

Marx Toys played a significant role in Erie’s economy, employing thousands of local residents and producing some of the most beloved toys of the 20th century.

An exhibit panel at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, detailing the history of Marx Toys, a renowned toy company founded in New York City in 1919. The display highlights the company's growth into one of the largest toy manufacturers worldwide, with two factories located in Erie and Girard, Pennsylvania. The panel describes the company’s early products, including mechanical tin toys and electric train sets, and its later success with plastic toys like Rock’em Sock’em Robots (1964) and the Big Wheel tricycle (1969). An accompanying black-and-white photo shows workers on the assembly line at the Erie factory in 1937, capturing the scale and impact of Marx Toys in the region and beyond.

One of their most iconic creations, the Big Wheel tricycle, became a favorite for generations of children and a best-seller across the country.

A display of a classic Marx Big Wheel tricycle at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. This iconic children’s toy, with its large front wheel and low, sturdy frame, features the familiar "Big Wheel" logo on the front fork. The bright yellow handlebars and red seat showcase the bold design that made this toy popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The exhibit highlights the nostalgia of childhood play and the significance of Marx Toys, a well-known toy manufacturer with historical roots in Pennsylvania.

The Rock’em Sock’em Robots, with their distinctive red and blue battling figures, brought playful competition into homes and solidified Marx Toys’ reputation as a leading toymaker.

A display of the classic Rock’em Sock’em Robots game by Marx Toys at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The iconic red and blue plastic robots, named Red Rocker and Blue Bomber, stand inside a miniature boxing ring, ready to "battle" as players press levers to control them. This nostalgic toy, introduced in the 1960s, is a well-known example of Marx Toys' innovative and entertaining designs that captivated children. The vibrant colors and simple mechanics make this game a memorable piece of toy history showcased in the museum's collection.

Among the exhibits related to local figures, visitors can view Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s sword and telescope, significant artifacts from the War of 1812, commemorating his victory at the Battle of Lake Erie.

A museum display at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's naval officer’s sword, scabbard, and belt from around 1810, as well as an English telescope inscribed and presented to Perry by his friend General William Henry Harrison. The exhibit includes a historical illustration of General Harrison and his staff at the Battle of the Thames, with Perry depicted among them. This display honors Perry’s contributions during the War of 1812, highlighting the personal artifacts and tools that were part of his distinguished naval career.

The Carriage House Visitor Center

The Carriage House Visitor Center serves as the entry point to the Hagen History Center and offers a gift shop, research area, and reading room.

The visitor center at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, housed in a historic sandstone building with red shingled roofs and round towers, reflecting classic architectural design. The building features an arched entrance with a red awning marked "Visitor Entrance," inviting guests into the museum. In the landscaped foreground, a bronze bust of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry sits on a pedestal surrounded by greenery, enhancing the historic atmosphere of the center. Outdoor seating and paths lead visitors toward the entrance, offering a welcoming space to begin exploring Erie County’s rich history.

Visitors can browse publications on Erie’s history or find unique souvenirs in the gift shop to commemorate their visit.

The gift shop at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring an array of unique items related to local history and Frank Lloyd Wright, including books, art prints, mugs, and decorative pieces. The space is warmly lit with tall windows and shelves filled with carefully curated gifts, including Erie-themed souvenirs, historical memorabilia, and educational kits.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Hagen History Center is both educational and inspiring, providing insight into the region’s rich past.

A bronze bust of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry on a stone pedestal outside the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The pedestal bears Perry's name and his famous quote, "We have met the enemy and they are ours," commemorating his leadership in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The sculpture is set amidst a landscaped area with greenery and an American flag flying in the background, symbolizing Perry's contributions to American naval history.

Each building offers a distinct perspective on Erie’s history, from architecture and industry to sports and military service.

Exhibit at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, titled "Boiler and Engine Capital of the World," detailing Erie’s industrial growth in the late 19th century. The display highlights how Erie County became the third-largest industrial center in Pennsylvania, fueled by local resources and an influx of skilled immigrants. Photos and advertisements illustrate the area's prominent industries, including steam engines and boilers from Nagle Engine and Boiler Works, along with a list of significant Erie-based companies that contributed to the region’s economy.

Whether you’re an Erie native or a visitor, exploring the Hagen History Center connects you to the community’s heritage and the people who built it.

Display case at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring portraits of Captain Daniel Dobbins and his wife, significant historical figures in Erie’s maritime history. The exhibit includes artifacts such as an early 19th-century musket, navigation instruments, and personal items related to Dobbins’ naval career.

Nearby Attractions

Presque Isle State Park in Erie is Pennsylvania’s most-visited State Park, with over 4 million people a year venturing onto this sandy peninsula that arcs out into Lake Erie.

Scenes from Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania.

The Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens are home to more than 400 animals and 600 species of plants from around the world.

Exploring the Erie Zoo in Erie Pennsylvania.

Asbury Woods in Erie is a 234-acre park offering 5 miles of hiking trails, a Nature Center, and year-round outdoor recreational opportunities.

A collage of four photos taken at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows a dirt trail winding through a forest with early autumn foliage. The top right image captures a person walking a dog along a wooden boardwalk, surrounded by vibrant trees in shades of green and orange. The bottom left image depicts a serene section of Walnut Creek, with rocky banks and tall trees showcasing the beauty of fall colors. The bottom right image highlights the Asbury Woods Nature Center sign, framed by colorful autumn leaves and a bright blue sky, welcoming visitors to explore the park and its trails.

Exploring the Historic Lighthouses of Erie, PA takes you on a detailed tour of all three nautical landmarks, with maps, photos, historical accounts, and driving directions.

The Erie Land Lighthouse is 49 feet tall.

Erie Bluffs State Park is an “unpolished gem” along the shores of Lake Erie, featuring 90-foot bluffs, one mile of shoreline, and five miles of trails, making it a top spot for fishing and hiking in northwestern PA.

A collage of four photos showcasing the natural beauty of Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County, PA. The top left image shows a hiker in an orange vest overlooking Lake Erie from a high bluff, with trees and a cloudy sky framing the view. The top right image captures two hikers on a rocky beach, standing among driftwood as they observe the waves of Lake Erie. The bottom left image offers a close-up of smooth stones and driftwood on the shoreline, with waves gently washing over the rocks under a dramatic sky. The bottom right image features the Erie Bluffs State Park entrance sign, mounted on a stone base with trees and a red vehicle in the background, welcoming visitors to the park. The collage highlights the park's scenic bluffs, rugged shoreline, and tranquil wooded areas.

Schaefer’s Auto Art in Erie is a roadside attraction featuring quirky sculptures made from repurposed car parts and industrial scrap metal.

A collage of four sculptures from Schaefer's Auto Art is displayed. The top left image shows a black Volkswagen Beetle transformed into a giant spider, with long colorful legs made from metal pipes, positioned in a grassy field with a pumpkin nearby. The top right image features a two-headed dinosaur sculpture made from rusted metal parts, with a blue humanoid figure and the spider sculpture visible in the background. The bottom left image highlights a large yellow and black striped bee sculpture made from scrap metal, with vehicle headlights and a grill forming its face. The bottom right image shows a yellow helicopter sculpture, constructed from industrial parts, sitting in front of autumn foliage with a black helmet resting on one of its wings. These eclectic and creative sculptures are set against the backdrop of trees and grassy lawns, showcasing the unique charm of this roadside attraction.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!


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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.