Hagen History Center is rolling out a "pay what you wish" program for Erie County residents starting Thursday, Jan. 2.

Local residents will be allowed to pay as little as they can afford—even just a dollar or less—for full access to the museum through the end of March.

It is designed to make the museum accessible to all Erie County residents, regardless of their financial situation.

Non-Erie County residents will continue to pay standard admission prices:

  • Hagen History Members: Free
  • Adults: $12
  • Students: $7.50
  • Veterans: $10
  • Children 6 & under: Free
  • Museums for All (EBT card holders, up to 4 people per card): $3 each

The pilot program is made possible with support from financial services firm HBKS Wealth. If the program proves successful, museum officials said they plan to make it a yearly offering.

The museum offers a wide range of exhibits which showcase Erie’s history and culture. During the first week of January, visitors can still enjoy the museum’s holiday decorations, which will be removed Jan. 6.

The newest exhibits include:

  • Made You Look: A nostalgic look at Erie’s historic signs
  • 100 Years of the Erie Zoo: Celebrating a century of memories
  • Triggering History: Exploring the legacy of Erie firearms (opening in January)

It also features a variety of ongoing displays including:

  • The history of the Watson-Curtze Mansion
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s San Francisco office
  • Erie architecture
  • The "Story of Us" exhibit
  • The Curtze Legacy Room
  • Winifred Watson’s childhood room
  • Charlotte Elizabeth Battles’ story
  • Artwork by Eugene Iverd and Lester Roesner
  • Erie’s military and naval history
  • The Erie Extension Canal
  • Women’s bowling history
  • The Battle of 1812
  • A corporate identity and print advertising exhibit

Since March, the museum has opened 10 new exhibits and continues to host monthly pop-up exhibits. Even more are planned for 2025.