Museum of Erie County History

The Museum of Erie County History is housed in the Erie County History Center, which was once the Bonnell Block building.

As State Street developed commercially during the early nineteenth century, real estate became an ever-important trade.  In 1839, Joseph and James Bonnell, new arrivals to Erie, purchased the parcel of land north of the Cashier’s House from Thomas G. Colt for the sum of $5,200.  The Bonnell brothers immediately engaged James and William Hoskinson to construct a three-story commercial building along the State Street frontage.  Upon completion, the building was leased to the firm of Kellog and Clark, dealers in groceries, dry goods, hardware and sundries.

The real estate boom in Erie was short lived, however, and the Bonnell brothers were forced into bankruptcy and disappeared from the Erie area in 1842.  Later that same year, the Sheriff deeded the northern two-thirds of the building, adjacent to the Cashier’s House, to Carson Graham, reserving the remaining portion until it was purchased in 1843 by John and James Van Nostrand.  Numerous changes in ownership occurred for both sections of the building until the late 1900’s.

Prior to hosting the administrative headquarters of the Erie County Historical Society, the complex was utilized by the Heyl Drug Company.

The administrative offices of the Society moved into the renovated building in 1992 and it has been the headquarters of the Society since.

For even MORE information, join us for a tour of the Museum of Erie County History