Posts with tag 'Things to Do'
4
9 Places Around Ohio to Celebrate Women's History Month
Every year, Women's History Month is celebrated throughout March, and Ohio is home to many fascinating historical sites that are perfect for celebrating this important month. Whether you visit the International Women's Air and Space Museum in Northeast Ohio, the Ohio Statehouse Museum Ladies' Gallery in Columbus, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, or one of many other destinations around Ohio, you have endless opportunities to explore women's history close to home. Start your journey with these nine places to celebrate Women's History Month in Ohio.
International Women's Air and Space Museum
1501 N. Marginal Rd., Ste. 165, Cleveland, OH 44114
Located in Cleveland at the Burke Lakefront Airport, the International Women's Air and Space Museum is certainly a must-see Women's History Month destination. Throughout aviation and space exploration history, women have taken to the skies to explore new frontiers. In addition to famed female pilots like Amelia Earhart and astronauts like Sally Ride, this museum explores the many contributions made by women who didn't achieve the same level of fame. The International Women's Air and Space Museum also explores the vast impact made by women on the science, engineering, and advancement of aviation throughout history.
Oberlin College
173 W. Lorain St., Oberlin, OH 44074
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Oberlin College has been a place of many firsts, championing the rights of women and all people throughout its long history. It was the first college in the United States to offer undergraduate degrees to women in a coeducational program in 1841, and the first to adopt a policy allowing people of color to attend college in 1835. The beautiful, historic campus is a great place to explore for Women's History Month, with exhibits where you can learn more about the college's history of advocating for the rights of everyone to have an education, some of the best on-campus museums in Ohio, and plenty more to experience as you tour Oberlin College.
Upton House and Women's Suffrage Museum
380 Mahoning Ave. NW., Warren, OH 44483
Harriet Taylor Upton was an important figure in the Women's Suffrage movement in Ohio, and the Upton House has been preserved as a museum to share the story of her life. One room within the home has been converted into a Women's Suffrage museum, exploring the contribution made by local suffrage advocates, including Upton, Phebe Sutliffe, Elizabeth Hauser, and Zell Draz. Tour the museum with the help of one of the expert volunteers at the Upton House, or explore on your own.
First LadiesĀ National Historic Site
205 Market Ave. S., Canton, OH 44702
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One of the only museums of its kind, the First LadiesĀ National Historic Site tells the inspiring stories behind the women who have been First Lady throughout American history. Learn more about how the role of the First Lady has evolved and how First Ladies have found unique ways to make their own important historical contributions. In addition to the museum located in Canton, you can take a tour of the childhood home of Ida Saxton-McKinley right next door.
Ohio Statehouse Museum Ladies' Gallery
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215
Ohio was one of the earliest states to ratify the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote. A few years after the amendment was ratified, six women were elected to the Ohio General Assembly. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Ladies' Gallery explores the contributions made by those six women and the more than 150 women who have since served in the state legislature. This is one exhibit you won't want to miss when you tour the State Capitol.
Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Throughout history, female artists have shaped culture, shared stories, advanced women's rights, and inspired millions through their artwork. The Columbus Museum of Art is a great place to explore the work of female artists throughout history and learn more about the contemporary artists still working to champion women's rights in the present day. Visit the museum to explore various exhibitions from women artists or attend one of many events that celebrate women's creativity. All Columbus Museum of Art tours during Women's History Month will also be themed around women artists.
National Annie Oakley Center at the Garst Museum
205 N. Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331
Annie Oakley was a legendary sharpshooter, prolific performer, and beloved figure during her time. She achieved fame with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and was one of America's first female superstars. But her personality goes far beyond those notable achievements, and the National Annie Oakley Center at the Garst Museum is dedicated to providing a comprehensive look at her fascinating life. The Garst Museum features more than 35,000 square feet of exhibit space and over 300,000 artifacts, many of which are housed in the National Annie Oakley Center.
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
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Many of the locations on our list are dedicated to specific women or groups of women who have made important contributions to our shared history, but what about all of the less famous women who have shaped Ohio history? The Cincinnati Museum CenterĀ is the perfect place to learn more about the many regular, everyday women who may not be famous but still made their mark by living, working, and advocating for women's rights in Ohio. Discover unique exhibits on the first all-female spacewalk, the fight for women's rights throughout history, and Cincinnati's inspiring female artists.Ā
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
2950 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
A literary master with a complex legacy, Harriet Beecher Stowe was a fascinating figure who impacted American history. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located in Cincinnati, is dedicated to sustaining her legacy and educating future generations on her social impact. Visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe House to learn more about her legacy, participate in dialogue about social issues, and find inspiration for positive change.
Shaping Ohio History
What stories will you discover and share during Women's History Month this year?
2
How Sweet It Is: 8 Maple Syrup Farms Around Northeast Ohio
Did you know that maple syrup, like wine, has a specific flavor derived from the geographic area where it's produced? Maple syrup is a Northeast Ohio tradition that predates statehood, and the product is regarded as some of the finest in the country.
Maple tree sap starts running in February, making this a prime time to enjoy syrup and maple-flavored foods. Whether you participate in Maple Madness or conduct your own driving tour, check out the delicious products from these great maple syrup farms and shops.
KC Maple Syrup
16350 Hart Rd., Montville, OH 44064
In 1988, the fledgling run at KC Maple Syrup resulted in a half-gallon of syrup from the sap of about 20 trees. Continued expansion led to the addition of a sugarhouse in 1994. Now their first-class operation includes 450 taps, a 30" x 8' evaporator, and a reverse osmosis (RO) unit for water filtration. All the hard work at KC Maple Syrup was rewarded when they took first place at the 2010 Geauga County Maple Festival. You can even get maple-flavored doggie treats so Fido won't feel left out.
Seldom Seen Farm
10055 Madison Rd., Montville, OH 44064
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Family-owned Seldom Seen Farm is one of the more recent additions to Northwest Ohio's maple syrup network. In 2008, Kevin and Morgan HolyĀ purchased the property and turned their maple syrup hobby into a business. While KevinĀ hopes to give up his day job someday, heĀ continues to work for local government as an equipment operator while Morgan cares for their two kids. That day may come sooner rather than later, as Seldom Seen Farm is the reigning champion of the Geauga County Maple Festival.Ā Order online or visit the farm Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. by appointment only.
Mowry Maple Farm
3736 State Hwy. 13, Lexington, OH 44904
While Mowry Maple Farm celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, it was originally known for cattle. About 10 years ago, third-generation family member Richard and his wife Carol became intrigued with maple syrup production on the recommendation of a friend, who loaned them supplies. Now maple syrup has become the farm's biggest claim to fame. Experiment in your own cooking with products such as BBQ rub, hot pepper butter, savory herb-maple blend, maple sugar and cinnamon, and habanero-infused syrup. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday.
Ma & Pa's Gift Shack
15161 Main Market Rd., Burton, OH 44021
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Originally built in the 1820s, Ma & Pa's Gift Shack is just as cozy and charming as the name implies. The shelves in the rustic log cabin are filled with syrups, butters and spreads, and otherĀ maple products made on-site. Warm up with a cup of maple coffee after one of Ma & Pa's popular sleigh rides when the ground is snow-covered. Ma & Pa's is also known for its wooden lamps and furniture carved out of hickory. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are required for sleigh rides.
Messenger Century Farm
17098 Messenger Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
The Messenger family began producing maple syrup in the mid-1800s. While Bill and Dee Belew purchased Messenger Century Farm in 1992, it remains a family-run operation, with three generations of Belews involved. State-of-the-art, "green" equipment replaces buckets and horses, but the original Messenger sugarhouse remains standing as a tribute to the earlier days. Be sure to returnĀ in July, when you can pick your own blueberries. The Messenger country store is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sugarbush Creek Farm
13034 Madison Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062
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How appropriate that Sugarbush Creek Farm had their first sap boil of 2022 on February 14, the "sweetest" day of the year.Ā While the current farm was established in 1992, trees on the property have been tapped for more than 200 years. The sugarhouse is on the same spot as the original, but it was rebuilt to modern standards using wood sustainably harvested from the farm. Thanks to another update, the entire operation can be monitored on a smartphone app. Sugarbush Creek Farm is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.
Richards Maple Products
545 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024
Maple salad dressing and maple bacon coffee? Those are only two in the remarkable assortment of items found at Richards Maple Products. Located in Geauga County since 1910, the shop truly seems to live up to its boast of "the world's largest variety of maple products." Surprise family and friends anywhere in the country with a gift box, basket, or crate filled with syrup, cookies, condiments, spreads, and other maple-flavored goodies. Subscription programs are available on a monthly or quarterly schedule. Store hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp
14590 E. Park St., Burton, OH 44021
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As the first settlement in Geauga County, dating back to 1798, Burton is a quiet community full of history and charm. The town square is modeled after New England's iconic village greens, and maple syrup is such a part of local tradition that the Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp is operated by the Chamber of Commerce. Syrup produced each spring is used to make maple candy throughout the year. The Log Cabin also serves as the town's information center. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.
Sweet or Savory?
Blending sweet and savory flavors is one of today's popular food trends. Do you enjoy maple with bacon, hot sauce, and other savory items, or are you a purist who sticks with maple syrup?
23
Visit These 8 Castles Around Ohio
Whether you're a historical enthusiast, a lover of fantasy fiction, or an admirer of ambitious architecture, the timeless mystique of castles is impossible to deny. Visiting them is the highlight of many people's European vacations, but did you know there are some you can visit a little closer to home?Ā
Ohio has many castles and castle-like structures spread out across the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas. Some are historical buildings, while others were constructed a bit more recently. Here are nine of the most distinctive Ohio castles and some background information on what makes each unique.Ā
Loveland Castle Museum
12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140Ā
Boy Scout leader Harry Delos Andrews created Loveland Castle Museum (sometimes called Chateau Laroche) as a hangout spot for his scout troupe (also called the Knights of the Golden Trail, or KOGT). Construction reportedly began in 1929 using materials fetched by Andrews and the 100-strong group of boys who made up the KOGT at the time. It was finally completed more than 50 years later and is now open to visitors.
Play a few games using the handmade chess, checkers, and puzzle sets scattered around the property, listen to a ghost story from one of the Knights on duty, or picnic in one of the many designated spots around the property. However you choose to spend your time here, this castle is sure to make you feel like a kid again. Ā
Elsinore Arch
1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202Ā
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Also known as Elsinore Tower, this small Cincinnati monument was built in the 1880s as a pumping station for nearby Eden Park. The arch's design was inspired by Hamlet's Elsinore Castle, though it was replicated on a much smaller scale; there are only a handful of rooms in this building, and all of them house the equipment needed to run the waterworks. Because it is so small yet still so visually impressive, this is an excellent spot for a quick outing on a trip to the city - you'll see some history up close and get a great photo opportunity as well!
Squire's Castle
2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094Ā
Squire's Castle is not actually a castle at all, but rather a gatehouse for a castle that was never completed. The building dates back to the 1890s and is designed according to English and German baronial styles of the time. The structure has been remodeled slightly over the years to reinforce its structural integrity: its upper two floors have been removed and its basement filled in with concrete. Visitors can wander around the inside of the building, enjoy walks on the nearby trails, or eat a meal at the picnic area just outside the stone structure. Ā
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303Ā
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Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was constructed in 1915 by F. A. Seiberling, one of the founders of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The property was named after an Old English phrase meaning "stone hewn." Built in the Tudor Revival style, this Northeast Ohio estate includes 65 rooms and 70 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds.
Self-guided indoor tours are available for those who want to take a closer look at the remarkable interior finishes and architecture. Outside, you will find the hall's PlayGarden, a verdant paradise for kids. From bug catching and butterfly watching to geocaching, young visitors will always find something to do at this historic site.
Cote Bonneville
4795 Chapel Ridge Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223Ā
Cote Bonneville was built in 1902 by Napoleon DuBrul, a cigar mold mogul originally from Quebec, Canada. This privately-owned 6-acre gated property features a towering stone manor built in the Romanesque Revival style. The stately castle-like home is part of the Cincinnati Preservation Association's annual Raeburn Estate House tour each spring, but even the outside of this incredible structure is well worth a visit.Ā
Ravenwood Castle
65666 Bethel Rd., New Plymouth, OH 45654
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Ravenwood Castle may look like a historical castle, but it was actually built less than 30 years ago in 1995. Inspired by English and Welsh castles from the 12th and 13th centuries, its original builders hoped to create a place where fans of medieval-themed popular culture could gather for a fun, immersive experience. They even built a tiny medieval village next to the castle to create a more immersive experience for their guests. In addition to grand occasions like weddings and formal events, this location is frequently used for recreational activities like board games, conventions, murder mysteries, and scavenger hunts.Ā
Glamorgan Castle
200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, OH 44601Ā
Glamorgan Castle was designed by Willard Hirsch for Colonel William Henry Morgan in 1904 and named for his ancestral home in Wales. Over the years, this gorgeous property has served as an Elk lodge and the corporate headquarters for Alliance Machine; it currently serves as the administrative building for Alliance City Schools, as well as a backdrop for local events like plays, weddings, and even car shows. For those interested in getting a better look at the castle's interior, there are guided indoor tours available every Friday afternoon.Ā
Landoll's Mohican Castle
561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842Ā
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If it's a fairytale atmosphere you're after, look for the fanciful peaks of Landoll's Mohican Castle on the horizon. This impressive edifice was built by Jim Landoll, founder of the famous Landoll Publishing Company, in 1997. There were no floor plans or blueprints to guide the construction process; every room was built one at a time according to Landoll's vision. The castle was finally completed and opened for business in 2002. Twenty years later, this one-of-a-kind building is a well-loved hotel and restaurant and an extremely popular wedding destination. You can even go on ghost hunts in the cemetery on the castle's grounds.Ā
Enjoy a Taste ofĀ Royal Living
Which of these magnificent OhioĀ castles is your favorite?Ā
18
On the Menu: 9 Cincinnati Bars for Hard Seltzer
Fizzy, often fruity, and just a little bit sweet, hard seltzer is quickly becoming a favorite drink among those who prefer a lighter flavor profile when indulging. Cincinnati seltzer lovers are in luck: The city is home to some of the most popular hard seltzer producers in the state, and many of its bars serve at least one brand. The following nine bars are some of the best places to enjoy a happy hour hard seltzer in and around Cincinnati.Ā
Sundry and Vice
18 W. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, OH, 45202
Full of gleaming glass and sophisticated wood paneling, Sundry and Vice is a small old-fashioned bar with a classy, almost academic atmosphere. Its front window looks almost like a curio cabinet. Inside, patrons can sit atop the tall leather-covered bar stools and order drinks with captivating names like the Clover Club, the Jade Effect, and the Miracle Finnish.Ā
In addition to their cocktail menu, Sundry and Vice also serves a pair of highballs made with classic New York Seltzer. You can choose from either mezcal mixed with Root Beer seltzer or vodka mixed with Peach Soda seltzer.
March First Brewing
7885 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249Ā
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Named for the day Ohio was founded (March 1, 1803), the March First Brewery is extremely proud of their state and heritage. This company produces the locally beloved Astra Hard Seltzer line of products, which was named to celebrate Ohio's under-recognized contributions to the field of space exploration. Ā
You can visit the brewery and stop by the on-site bar to sample a few flavors of Astra seltzer drinks, including Bomb Pop, Red Cream Soda, and Crush. March First also serves plenty of food to accompany their drinks, including sandwiches, chips, and delicious fresh pizzas straight from the stone ovens of their pizza kitchen.
Fowling Warehouse
2940 Highland Ave. #230, Cincinnati, OH 45212Ā
Part bar and part bowling alley, Fowling Warehouse might just be the best place in Cincinnati for hard seltzer lovers. In spring 2021 they hosted Cincinnati's very first Seltzer Fest, a celebratory exhibition with nearly a hundred different types of hard seltzer from local and national brands on tap. Ā
Fowling Warehouse also offers a wide selection of hard seltzer from local partners year-round. One particularly fun menu offering is their Mystery Seltzer, an order which will get you one random can of hard seltzer from a selection of over 30 flavors. This can be a fun way to get your hard seltzer fix without limiting yourself to the same old standby flavors you always go for.
The Rooftop (Braxton Brewing Company)Ā
27 W. 7th St., Covington, KY 41011
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Prefer to sip your drinks in the cool, refreshing night air? The Rooftop is an open-air bar that has recently opened on top of the Braxton Brewing Company building. With 5,000 square feet of space and plenty of on-site amenities to enjoy (including lounge-style seating, umbrellas and canopies, a grassy lawn area, and more), this establishment offers a relaxed setting and an incredible view of Cincinnati's skyline. Ā
The Rooftop's extensive drink menu includes four flavors of VIVE hard seltzer, including Sunrise Punch and Southern Punch. The fruity profiles of these picks matches perfectly with the bar's breezy atmosphere. Be sure to visit when the weather is good for the best possible experience!
Woodburn BrewingĀ
2800 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206Ā
Woodburn Brewing is a modern bar with a deep respect for its historical roots. The company chose to use phoenix iconography in its branding to celebrate the resurgence of Ohio's brewing culture in recent years. Now, they have become an integral part of this thriving sub-culture. The owners have gone the extra mile to create a diverse entertainment experience to complement their enticing array of drinks. The bar regularly hosts events like trivia nights, live performances, and even yoga classes on the premises.Ā
On top of their artisan beer, this bar also serves several flavors of Astra hard seltzer, including Pink Lemonade and Baja Blast. They also offer Blackberry Breeze hard seltzer from Ohio's own FigLeaf Brewing Company.
The Comfort StationĀ
793 E. McMillian St., Cincinnati, OH 45206
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Thanks to its offbeat location, The Comfort Station is one of the most distinctive bars in the Cincinnati area. The building was originally built as a public restroom and bathhouse back in the early 1910s and was recently converted into a commercial bar space by the same team that founded Sundry and Vice, another bar on this list. Patrons still enter the bar using the original Women's room door, an excellent touch that makes your visit feel unique from the moment you walk in.
This bright and intimate bar is all about fostering connections, and patrons are encouraged to bring outside food and stay a while if they want to. As for drinks, most are handcrafted cocktails that you won't find anywhere else. For instance, the bar's signature Mass Communicatin' hard seltzer cocktail blends the fruity flavors of strawberry and citrus with more complex notes of ginger and amaro.
Samuel Adams Cincinnati TaproomĀ
1727 Logan St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom is a relatively recent addition to the Samuel Adams Brewery, but it has already grown a considerable local following. With both indoor and outdoor spaces for mingling and a growing clientele, this is an up-and-coming social spot for the city's younger crowd. Ā
The bar's menu is largely focused on promoting their fresh-brewed Samuel Adams beer, but they also offer some Truly Hard Seltzer (one of the other brands owned by their parent company, the Boston Beer Company) and other drinks. Try a few different options as you relax in one of their leather-upholstered armchairs or admire the rustic barrel wall that pulls together their dark wood dƩcor.
Anjou
2804 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
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Anjou is a very new bar that the owners decided to open after seeing so many of their favorite hangouts close during the 2020 pandemic. While it is still working to establish itself as a recreational venue, its bright, airy atmosphere gives it a unique appeal that should help it to stand out from the local competition.Ā
Anjou serves Braxton Brewing's VIVE Dragonfruit and Mango hard seltzers as part of their lineup of local beers and spirits. The light fruity taste of these drinks goes perfectly with the cheery surroundings, but make sure you don't visit too late ā the bar's doors close by midnight at the latest.
Millions CafĆ©Ā
3210 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226Ā
If you preferĀ a casual atmosphere while you're out on the town, Millions CafĆ© is the place for you. This modest-looking dive bar serves an impressive selection of hard seltzers from both local and national brands, including Astra, Truly, and White Claw. Ā
You can sip your drink while listening to music from the live DJ, participating in the bar's weekly trivia night, or just chatting with your fellow patrons. This bar is known to be very laid-back, so it's a great hangout spot for people who don't usually spend much time in Cincinnati's nightlife scene.
Get Your Fizzy OnĀ
Which Cincinnati bar will you be sipping hard seltzer at next Friday night?Ā
9
Black History Month: Explore These 9 Places Around Ohio
Ohio is filled with amazing destinations where you can explore history of all types, including some excellent museums and fascinating historical sites that highlight Black history. With places like the Cleveland African American Museum in Northeast Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center near Columbus, there are so many informative, inspiring places to visit during Black History Month in February. Today, we're going to take a closer look at 9 of the best places to explore all around Ohio for Black History Month this year.
John Mercer Langston Historic Home
207 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074
John Mercer Langston was a fascinating figure in African American history and a trailblazer who achieved many firsts as a Black man. He was the first known Black elected official in the country and the first Black congressman elected from Virginia. John Mercer Langston spent more than a decade living in Oberlin during the mid-1800s, and his historic residence has been preserved to the present day. You can still visit the home today, and it has been included on the National Register of Historic Places.
The African American Museum of Cleveland
1765 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
One of the earliest independent museums on African American history and culture, the Cleveland African American Museum was founded by Icabod Flewellen in 1953. It moved to its current location in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood in 1984 and has continued its mission ever since. That mission is to raise cultural awareness, provide education about Black history, organize community events, and exhibit artifacts that tell stories about the African American experience. The museum is currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, with fundraising underway to reopen full-time in the future.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Located in downtown Cincinnati since it first opened in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an award-winning museum and educational center that tells the story of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network that helped escaped slaves reach free territories, and quite a few of the destinations on our list played a role in the Underground Railroad. Along with helping share the Underground Railroad story, this museum also works to pay tribute to all who worked to abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people. There are also some great virtual programs available for Black History Month and all year long if you can'tĀ make it to the museum in person.
John Parker House
300 N. Front St., Ripley, OH 45167
One of two destinations on our list located in Ripley, a small town southeast of Cincinnati along the Ohio River, the John Parker House is both a museum and the current home of the John P. Parker Historical Society. As a young man, John Parker escaped from slavery and dedicated his life to helping other slaves reach freedom. He was an inventor and was also very active with the Underground Railroad. The museum is open from Friday through Sunday during select times of the year, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.
John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Rd., Ripley, OH 45167
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Also located in Ripley is the John Rankin House, one of the most active stops along the Underground Railroad in Ohio. The home of Reverend John Rankin was built in 1825 and was home to Rankin, his wife Jean, and their 13 children. The home, which overlooks the Ohio River, was recently restored and includes many unique artifacts from Rev. John Rankin's life as an abolitionist. You can stop by for a guided tour to learn all about this fascinating figure, his family, his work as an abolitionist, and his role in helping escaped slaves reach freedom.
Paul Laurence Dunbar House
219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St., Dayton, OH 45402
2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of celebrated African American author and poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar, who spent many years living in Ohio. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is now a museum and cultural center, where you can learn all about the prolific writer who produced 20 books, including novels, poetry, and short stories during his short lifetime. He purchased this home for his mother in 1904 and lived there with her while he produced some of his final literary works. The home is also the location of the Dunbar Literary Circle, which meets on the second Sunday of every month.
National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce, OH 45384
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Dedicated to helping visitors learn more about African American contributions to history and culture in America, the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center is an excellent place to visit during Black History Month. Exhibits scheduled to run through 2022 include Rhythm of Revolution, Queens of the Heartland, Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics, African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory, and more. There are also many permanent exhibits, including more than 8,000 artifacts.
John Gee Black Historical Center
48 Pine St., Gallipolis, OH 45631
Housed in the John Gee African Methodist Chapel, which held church services for nearly 200 years from its founding until its final service in 1997, the John Gee Black Historical Center is a cultural and educational center. The center works to preserve the culture, tradition, crafts, art, and music of Black Americans in southeast Ohio. In addition to the many exhibits on display, the John Gee Black Historical Center often hosts lectures where you can learn more about Black history and culture.
King Arts Complex
835 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203
Art, music, and culture play such a vibrant, vital role in telling the story of Black history. The King Arts Complex includes galleries that showcase painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and decorative arts. Many events are happening at the King Arts Center all year long, including the Heritage Music Festival, First Tuesday Tea, and a wide variety of youth arts education programs. The King Arts Complex is a place where you can learn about the many contributions that African Americans have made to the culture of Ohio and of the entire country.
Remembering the Past Makes for a Brighter Future
Whether you visit during Black History Month or at any other time of the year, all of these museums tell important stories that deserve to be heard. Which places will you explore to get in touch with history in Ohio this year?
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