The Western Reserve Historical Society exists to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit the possessions (and to collect and make available for scholarly research the documentation) of the diverse peoples who have made the Western Reserve and northeastern Ohio their home. In addition, the Society acts to preserve and interpret historic properties within the same region.

The Western Reserve Historical Society owns and operates the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, The History Museum, Chisholm Halle Costume Wing, and the Genealogical Library at its University Circle location; Hale Farm & Village in Bath, OH; Loghurst in Canfield, OH; and Shandy Hall in Geneva, OH.