Explore the historic Daweswood House Museum, the former country residence of Arboretum cofounders Beman and Bertie Dawes, with a guided tour. 

With several rooms preserved for accuracy, take a peek into the lives of our founding family. This beautifully preserved historic home offers a glimpse into the lives, values and vision of the Dawes family, allowing you to explore how a private residence grew into a public legacy rooted in nature, generosity and community. A guided tour of Daweswood House invites you to connect more deeply with the history that continues to shape The Arboretum today. Tours will begin on the front porch of the Daweswood House Museum.

  • Daweswood House Museum tours will be available May through October, Saturdays and Sundays at 12 pm and 1 pm.
  • Guided tours run 45 minutes.
  • Tours are $5 per person. Admission must be purchased separately. Registration is required, please visit our calendar to register.

Please note, Photography and pets are not permitted inside Daweswood House Museum. This tour involves stairs. However, guests may view the lower and upper floors of the Daweswood House Museum digitally on a portable device without climbing the stairs.

Click to view our calendar and register for a tour!

 

History Center

Don't forget to visit The Arboretum's History Center, open May through October, Wednesday through Sunday from 11am - 4pm.

View past History Center Exhibits below!

2025 Exhibit - Dedicated: Arboretum Staff

2024 Exhibit - Arboretum Blueprints & Drawings

2023 Exhibit - The Dawes Family Homes

2022 Exhibit - Beman and Bertie Dawes Clothing and Accessories

2021 Exhibit - Ohio Artist Sala Bosworth, The Dawes Family Collection

2020 Exhibit - Arboretum Art

2019 Exhibit - The Dawes Arboretum Then and Now: Arboretum Firsts

2018 Exhibit - Forestry at The Dawes Arboretum: Edmund Secrest, Reforestation, Beman and Bertie's wood artifacts, and Bur Oak logo

2017 Exhibit - Tree Dedications at The Dawes Arboretum

2016 Exhibit - Education at The Dawes Arboretum: Brumback Schoolhouse, Scouts, and the Lakewood 5th Grade Program

2015 Exhibit - The Dawes Arboretum's Japanese Garden, Johnny Clem, Rufus and Ephraim Dawes and Bertie Dawes' Heise Glassware

2014 Exhibit - History of The Dawes Arboretum, Beman and Bertie Dawes, The Pure Oil Company, and Tree Dedications