Hoover Historical Center

The Hoover Historical Center serves as the heart of local history in North Canton, preserving the stories of the people, innovations, and powerful impact of The Hoover Company and the Hoover family. The Historical Center is operated through Walsh University and quickly became an integral part of the campus, as it is the only Ohio university to offer an undergraduate degree in museum studies. Housed in the former childhood home of William “Boss” Hoover and the company's original tannery, the Historical Center serves as both a historical site and a powerful teaching tool for students.

Founded in 1908, The Hoover Company became a household name through innovation in home appliances, ranging from leather goods to, most notably, vacuum cleaners. The Historical Center explores how Hoover’s success provided jobs, fueled economic growth, and shaped civic life, from worker housing and company culture to the town’s national reputation. Artifacts, photographs, and more than three dozen vacuums in the museum help illustrate how a local business grew into an international brand while remaining deeply connected to its hometown.

Today, the Hoover Historical Center continues to serve as a gathering place for learning and reflection through exhibits, programs, and special events. By preserving artifacts and stories from the Hoover Company and the family's history, the Historical Center ensures that future generations can understand how innovation, hard work, and community pride combined to shape the city they know today.