Is the Paul Brown Museum a separate museum from the Massillon Museum?

The Paul Brown Museum is housed within the Massillon Museum building, occupying the second floor of the facility. While it focuses specifically on Paul Brown and Massillon's football heritage, it operates under the umbrella of the Massillon Museum. Your free admission to the Massillon Museum includes access to the Paul Brown Museum.

Why is the Paul Brown Museum located in Massillon rather than with the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Paul Brown began his legendary coaching career at Massillon Washington High School, where he revolutionized high school football and established the Tigers as a national powerhouse. Massillon honors him as a hometown hero whose innovations in the sport started in this community before he went on to coach at Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns (named after him), and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Does the museum only focus on Paul Brown's time in Massillon?

No, the museum chronicles Paul Brown's entire career, from his early days as Massillon's coach through his time with Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals. It also explores the broader history of Massillon Tigers football and its significance in the community.

Is the Paul Brown Museum a separate museum from the Massillon Museum?

The Paul Brown Museum is housed within the Massillon Museum building, occupying the second floor of the facility. While it focuses specifically on Paul Brown and Massillon's football heritage, it operates under the umbrella of the Massillon Museum. Your free admission to the Massillon Museum includes access to the Paul Brown Museum.

Why is the Paul Brown Museum located in Massillon rather than with the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Paul Brown began his legendary coaching career at Massillon Washington High School, where he revolutionized high school football and established the Tigers as a national powerhouse. Massillon honors him as a hometown hero whose innovations in the sport started in this community before he went on to coach at Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns (named after him), and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Does the museum only focus on Paul Brown's time in Massillon?

No, the museum chronicles Paul Brown's entire career, from his early days as Massillon's coach through his time with Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals. It also explores the broader history of Massillon Tigers football and its significance in the community.

Paul Brown Museum | Explore Canton, Ohio

The Paul Brown Museum celebrates the revolutionary career and enduring legacy of one of football's greatest innovators and coaches. Housed within the Massillon Museum in downtown Massillon, Ohio, this dedicated space honors the man who transformed football coaching and administration while showcasing the storied tradition of Massillon Tigers football.

Why It's Special

What makes the Paul Brown Museum unique is its intimate connection to where this football legend began his coaching career. Unlike larger sports halls of fame, this museum focuses specifically on Brown's methodical approach to coaching and the innovations he introduced that forever changed the game. From his early success building the Massillon Tigers into a national high school powerhouse to his groundbreaking career in professional football, the museum presents Brown not just as a winning coach but as a revolutionary thinker who modernized American football. The museum's location in Massillon—a community where football tradition runs deep—provides cultural context that helps visitors understand how a small Ohio town became a cradle of football innovation.

Museum Highlights

Paul Brown's Coaching Career

The museum presents Brown's remarkable journey through football history:

His transformative years coaching Massillon Washington High School (1932-1940)
His national championship season at Ohio State University (1942)
His founding and coaching of the Cleveland Browns (1946-1962)
His role in establishing the Cincinnati Bengals (1968)
His lasting influence on modern coaching methods and team management

Innovations & Contributions

Detailed exhibits highlight Brown's revolutionary approaches:

Introduction of playbooks and game film study
Development of the modern face mask
Creation of the organized practice system still used today
Pioneering of the quarterback intelligence test
Implementation of the systematic player scouting process
Breaking racial barriers in professional football

Massillon Tigers Collection

The museum honors Massillon's extraordinary high school football legacy:

Historic uniforms and equipment from different eras
Championship trophies and memorabilia
Profiles of legendary Tigers teams and players
The famous live tiger mascot tradition
The "Greatest Rivalry" with Canton McKinley High School

Interactive Displays

Engaging elements that bring football history to life:

Touch-screen stations exploring Brown's innovative plays
Audio recordings of Brown's speeches and coaching instructions
"Call the Play" interactive game using Brown's offensive schemes
Digital timeline of Massillon football history
Video compilations of historic game footage

Visitor Experience

Gallery Layout

The museum occupies the second floor of the Massillon Museum:

Chronological display following Brown's career progression
Thematic sections exploring different aspects of his innovations
Central area dedicated to the Massillon Tigers tradition
Rotating exhibit space featuring special collections and artifacts
Comfortable viewing areas for multimedia presentations

Educational Focus

The museum emphasizes educational content:

Clear explanations of football strategy accessible to all knowledge levels
Context for Brown's innovations relative to how the game was previously played
Exploration of football's cultural significance in Northeast Ohio
Connections between Brown's coaching philosophies and leadership principles
Programs for student groups aligned with educational standards

Special Features

Original artifacts from Brown's personal collection
Oral history recordings from players who played for Brown
Detailed models of stadiums where Brown coached
Collection of rare photographs documenting his career
Letters and correspondence revealing his methodical approach

Educational Programs

The museum offers programs for various audiences:

School Field Trips: Customized tours focusing on sports history and innovation
Coaching Clinics: Special sessions examining Brown's techniques
Lecture Series: Guest speakers including football historians and former players
Research Opportunities: Access to archives for serious sports historians
Youth Activities: Football-themed educational worksheets and activities

Special Events

Throughout the year, the museum hosts:

Paul Brown Legacy Day: Annual celebration of Brown's birthday
Tiger Rally: Special event before the Massillon-McKinley game
Football Film Festival: Screenings of historic games and documentaries
Book Signings: Authors of football history and biographies
Alumni Events: Gatherings of former Massillon Tigers players

Plan Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

Football season (August-November) brings special energy to the exhibits
Weekday mornings typically offer the quietest experience
Spring and summer provide an opportunity to combine with outdoor activities in Massillon
Check for special exhibition openings and related events

Tips for Visitors

Allow 60-90 minutes to fully experience the Paul Brown Museum
Combine with a complete tour of the Massillon Museum for a half-day visit
Ask about the current rotating exhibit as these change regularly
Serious football fans should check research archive availability in advance
Take time to explore downtown Massillon's football-themed public art after your visit

Nearby Attractions

While in the area, consider visiting:

Massillon Museum's other exhibits (same building)
Historic Lincoln Highway (downtown Massillon)
Massillon Tiger Stadium (Paul Brown Tiger Stadium) - 5-minute drive
Spring Hill Historic Home (10-minute drive)
Pro Football Hall of Fame (20-minute drive to Canton)

Getting There

The Paul Brown Museum is located within the Massillon Museum in downtown Massillon at the corner of Lincoln Way and First Street. Free street parking is available throughout downtown, with additional public parking lots within a short walking distance. The museum is approximately 15 minutes west of Canton via Lincoln Way (US Route 172) or State Route 21.

Historical Context

Paul Brown's influence on football cannot be overstated. He is credited with modernizing the game through systematic coaching, innovative strategies, and organizational approaches that teams at all levels still use today. Born in Norwalk, Ohio, Brown made his name in Massillon, where he compiled a 80-8-2 record with the Tigers, including six state championships and four national championships at the high school level.

His professional accomplishments include:

4 AAFC Championships with Cleveland (1946-1949)
3 NFL Championships with Cleveland (1950, 1954, 1955)
Co-founding the Cincinnati Bengals and serving as their first coach and general manager
Pioneering the West Coast Offense concepts later developed by Bill Walsh (who coached under Brown)
Mentoring numerous coaches who went on to successful careers

The Paul Brown Museum preserves this legacy for future generations, ensuring that Brown's contributions to American sports remain recognized and celebrated in the community where his legendary career began.

Paul Brown Museum