Niles Historical Society

04/12/2026

Looking for something unique to do this afternoon?

We’re open today from 2–5 PM, with the last tour beginning at 4!

Step inside the beautiful Ward-Thomas House Museum and experience a piece of local history. While you’re here, don’t miss the next four stunning gowns in our First Lady series—each one telling its own story of style, culture, and the women who wore them.

It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon—come explore with us!

03/09/2026

It’s finally starting to feel like spring outside, but at the Ward-Thomas Estate, it’s been spring inside our greenhouse all winter long. 🌱

Our historic greenhouse — the only remaining wood and glass greenhouse of its kind left in the state — has been quietly keeping plants thriving even through the coldest months. Stepping inside feels like a little preview of the season ahead.

The Ward-Thomas House is open for tours the first Sunday of every month from 2:00–5:00 PM, with the last tour beginning at 4:00 PM. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s a wonderful way to experience a piece of local history… and maybe enjoy a little early spring while you’re there.

We hope to see you soon!

03/04/2026

Vendors!

⭐️We're getting ready for another amazing
Ward-Thomas House Summer Market on June 28th from 12-4PM and we'd love to have you join us!

If you're a local maker, boutique, baker, or small business, this is your sign to apply! Our market is all about sunshine, community, and supporting local!

Spots fill quickly — apply now and come spend the day with us!

https://forms.gle/2BYRMDBPegWNxSLU6
Email: [email protected]

02/02/2026

In 1862, James Ward built the Ward-Thomas House right here in Niles. Winters then were no joke—and this home was designed to handle them, with seven fireplaces throughout the house to keep every room livable. Families relied on constant wood fires, heavy quilts, thick curtains, and plenty of layers to trap the heat. Daily life literally revolved around staying warm.

Today, we have furnaces, space heaters, heated blankets… but I have to wonder if those seven fireplaces didn’t make for a cozier kind of winter.

How are you staying warm during this cold snap? 🔥

01/04/2026

We are open today for tours from 2-5 PM!

12/08/2025

🎄✨ The Ward-Thomas House was part of the annual McKinley Christmas, and it was such a magical day! ✨🎄

If you couldn’t make it out, here’s a peek at all the festive fun you could enjoy:

🍪 Cookies & hot chocolate
🎲 Games
🏠 A cozy tour of the historic house
⛄️ Count the Snowmen challenge
🖍 Coloring pages for little artists
🎨 Craft kits and gifts for kids to take home

It was a wonderful way to kick off the season, and we loved seeing the community come together to celebrate! ❤️

11/26/2025

✨🎄 Holiday magic is officially underway at the Ward-Thomas House! 🎄✨

The full Christmas transformation is coming soon… but we couldn’t resist getting a head start! The first tree is already up, and she is absolutely stunning!

Stay tuned—more twinkle lights, greenery, and holiday charm are on the way. ✨

11/07/2025

Big News! 🚪

The historic Westenfield Room — once the estate’s old carriage house — just got a brand-new door! It was carefully chosen to fit the building’s original style, keeping its charm and history alive while giving it a fresh update.

It’s amazing to see these small changes breathe new life into such a special place. Next time you’re on the grounds, take a peek — the carriage house is looking better than ever!

10/26/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Night at the Museum event last night! We hope you had as much fun as we did!
Thank you again to the McKinley Memorial Library for collaborating with us on this program!

10/13/2025

WOW WOW WOW!!!
We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to this FABULOUS event!

To our vendors - thank you for sharing your time, talents, and goods with us! We loved having you and we hope to see you again at future markets!

To everyone who donated to All About The Pawz Dog Rescue, took time to tour the Ward Thomas House, or supported our vendors - thank you so much!

To the Niles Historical Society board and volunteers - thank you for opening the house for tours so we can continue to share our history with all our visitors!

Last but certainly not least, thank you so much to Brittany and Laura - not only for the planning and ex*****on of this incredible event, but also for everything you do for the historical society. We quite literally could not do it without you!

10/13/2025

We were so happy to have supported such an amazing cause at our market yesterday!
THANK YOU for your incredible support and donations, and congratulations again to Scooter Hargate for winning the booze wagon!

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Fall Market at the Ward-Thomas Estate and Greenhouse and donated supplies to the rescue!

Together, you helped raise an incredible $2,600 for All About the Pawz! 🐾

A huge thank you to Brittany for organizing the event, Jess for working the table, and all of the amazing volunteers who gave their time to make it such a success.

And congratulations to Scooter Hargate for winning the booze wagon! 🎉