History buffs especially should be glad to know May 20 is International Museum Day, meaning most museums have something special going on, or at the very least that it’s a good excuse to check out the historical gems near you.

Eight Erie County attractions will be open from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. today with free admission in celebration of the day, including the Edison Birthplace Museum and Milan Museum.

More locally, some Huron County museums have plans of their own. Here’s a list of some area museums worth checking out:

• Firelands Historical Society, 4 Case Ave. will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It features a special bicentennial exhibit on the second floor and a new Native American mural in the Young building. 

• Willard Area Historical Society will be holding a special day of historical events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Willard including a special visit of 75 people from BNO Historical Society. The depot, box car, caboose and museum rooms will be on display for all to enjoy. 

• New London Area Historical Society, 13 E. Main St., New London, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Edison Birthplace Museum, 9 N. Edison Drive, Milan, will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission.

• The Spirit of ‘76 museum, 201 N. Main St., Wellington will have special extended hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the second floor will showcase an armed forces exhibit of military items and apparel perfect for celebrating the nation’s and county’s rich military history.

• Milan Museum, 10 Edison Dr., Milan will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission and special activities, including paint your own version of a folk art masterpiece. Projects will be hung in a gallery.