Bus Tour: Glass City Garters, Gambling, Gangsters and Gin explores Toledo's notorious past
We are now taking reservations for tours in 2025. These bus tours review the history in Toledo of gangster battles, gambling, rum running, and prostitution in the first part of the 20th century. We explore the history of how Toledo became a haven for gangsters from other cities, how Toledo was key in bootlegging, and why prostitution was legalized! Click here to reserve your spot!
Featured articles, audio, and videos
A recent feature in The Blade highlights the Toledo History Museum's mission and plans for the future. Read this interview with Museum president Donna Christian Rehfeldt and vice-president London Mitchell.
Hittin’ the Town: Glass City Garters, Gambling, Gangsters and Gin Bus Tour (13abc.com)
After being on display at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, the canoe is back on exhibit at the Toledo History Museum. Click here for more information.
Did you know the first successful test of dispatching police vehicles by radio happened in Toledo in 1921? Follow this link to read the story about another first for Toledo.v
Aviator Paul Rinaldo Redfern was trying to make history as the first pilot ever to fly nonstop from North America to South America. Click here to read Lou Hebert's account of this nearly 100-year-old mystery.
Written by Lou Hebert, the true life story behind one of the biggest Post Office robberies in history. And, it happened in Toledo. Click here to read.
It was 1887. Albert King was appointed to the Toledo Police Department. His life offers an insight into the lives and experiences of Blacks in Toledo at the turn of the century. Read his story by Shirley Green.
London Mitchell's podcast interview with Barbara Floyd on her in-depth book on the history of the University of Toledo. Click here to listen.
Here is the story of a man they called Toledo's "radio wizard" written by Lou Hebert. Click here to read.
As we look forward to the 51st annual Old West End Festival learn more about the history and culture of this premier Toledo neighborhood in this audio interview with Associate Professor of History at BGSU, Douglas Forsythe. Click here to listen.
Click here to watch the story on WTOL-TV
The Sight Center has prepared 100 short videos to recap its 100-year history. Click here to visit the Sight Center YouTube channel.