Cultural Resources on Campus
Cultural resources on campus
In addition to the McDonough Museum of Art, Youngstown State has a wealth of cultural resources available on campus, including the Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum, The Rose Melnick Medical Museum, the Ward Beecher Planetarium, and the Youngstown Historical Center for Industry and Labor. Most of these resources not only serve the campus community but also the broader region and local educational institutions.
Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum
The product of a generous donation from a local family, The Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum showcases high quality specimens from around the world. Conveniently located on the campus of Youngstown State University, the museum lies within walking distance of several local points of interest. Stop in for a minute or an hour, by yourself or with a group, during open hours or by appointment; the Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum is here for the education and enjoyment of the community!
The Rose Melnick Medical Museum
The Rose Melnick Medical Museum is dedicated to the collection and preservation of materials that document the history of medicine, including dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy, especially as it relates to Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, from the 18th century to the present. It supports Youngstown State University’s mission to enrich the cultural environment, create diverse educational experiences, and engage the surrounding community.
Ward Beecher Planetarium
The Ward Beecher Planetarium opened in December 1967. In accordance with Ward Beecher's wishes that the sciences benefit young people, the planetarium has always been free and open to the public. In its over 50 years in service to the Mahoning Valley, the Ward Beecher Planetarium serves as a YSU astronomy classroom, a premium field trip destination to area schools, and an immersive, unique educational experience for the public.
Youngstown Historical Center for Industry & Labor
The Youngstown Historical Center for Industry & Labor features hundreds of photographs representing labor, immigration, and urban history. Objects on display range from workers’ tools and clothing to hundreds of photographs, some more than 30 feet long. Life-sized scenes—including a mill’s locker room, part of a company-built house, and a blooming mill, where steel ingots were shaped for further processing—help visitors understand steelmaking and the lives of steelworkers.