The Portage County Historical Society was formed in April, 1951, as a non-profit educational society whose objective is "to collect, preserve and display items of historical value" relating to Portage County; to collect historical material of all kinds; and to "promote and disseminate historical information."

One of the society's goals is to encourage interest in the history of Portage County. This is achieved by the many activities of the society which includes tours of the museums and grounds for school groups and the public, a free lecture series, displays of historic items, a research library, numerous publications, speakers, and various preservation activities.

Besides the Lowrie-Beatty museum, the society's twelve acre site includes the Carter House, an early pioneer homestead; the Strickland House, an 1860's brick home: the John Campbell Land Grant Office, 1810-1811; the Mahan Barn, an 1810 New England type barn; the Ford Seed Company Museum, housed in an old photographer's studio; a restored Case Steam Traction Engine; the unique Proehl-Kline Clock Tower housing the 1882 Portage County Courthouse Seth Thomas clock and courthouse bell; a restored Log Cabin dating back to the 1830's; and various farm buildings. In addition, the Portage County Historical Society owns the site of the 1820's Mantua Glass Factory, Mantua, Ohio.