There’s no better way for travelers to immerse themselves in a new destination than to soak up the local way of life through its cuisine and culture. When you come to Mansfield, you can immerse yourself in some quirky local history and culture with a stop at some of the area’s unique and intriguing museum, offering collections you won’t find anyplace else on earth. You can travel back through fire service history, meet the world’s first robot and walk through lifelike biblical scenes in north central Ohio, home to extraordinary and rare museum experiences. And you can request more information or a free visitors guide here (insert email link) or by calling (800) 642-8282.
MEET MECHANICAL MEN
The world’s first robot, ELEKTRO, was built in 1937 at the Westinghouse appliance plant in Mansfield, Ohio. Built in secrecy, this 7-foot-tall, 300-pound robotic he-man was designed as the ultimate home appliance. ELEKTRO was expected to one day be able to cook, do laundry and entertain children. He could walk, talk, raise and lower his arms, turn his head and move his mouth as he spoke. Today, ELEKTRO and predecessor Herbert Televox are permanently on display at the Mansfield Memorial Museum as part of the “Mechanical Men of Westinghouse” exhibition. The one-of-a-kind display features rare appliances from the 1920s and 30s, artifacts related to ELEKTRO’s public and private life, design and engineering drawings and memorabilia. The robot even starred in the 1960s cult classic movie “Sex Kittens go to College.” The museum has two floors packed with unique artifacts, including an oddball collection of truly unusual Victorian taxidermy displays, where expired rats celebrate a wedding and dead ducks sit down to dinner.
HOT STUFF
The history of fire service are brought home at the Mansfield Fire Museum, where you can check out everything from a burgeoning bucket brigade to early horse-drawn fire equipment. Seeing a reproduction of a turn-of-the-century fire station takes you back in time as you hear the ring of an antique fire alarm. More then just a museum, you’ll find replicas of local sites, including the original City News, Coney Island Diner and an old-time drug store with an authentic marble soda fountain. The education center keeps guests informed on the latest fire safety techniques. Tours are available 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, mid-May to mid-October.
WAXING SPIRITUAL
The Holy Bible comes to life with tours of the world’s only biblical wax museum. BibleWalk features 300+ figures in 62 life-size dioramas accompanied by special effects and an audio tour. BibleWalk also features the world’s largest collection of unique American votive folk-art, comprised of large sculptures made from jewelry, hat pins, tie pins, beadwork, cuff links, collar studs, coins, and other trinkets to create enchanting biblical scenes. Rare Braille Bibles, word art, intricate John Burns Woodcarvings and a live dinner theater complete the museum’s amazing collection of artifacts and events.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
Beyond these unique museums Mansfield, Ohio offers a wealth of other unusual travel adventures, including everything from overnight ghost hunts in a haunted former state prison to world-class motorsports. Breathtaking scenery and rural and hometown experiences are complimented by hiking, biking, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing, bird watching and loads more unique adventures. Call us if you need more! 800-642-8282.