Posts with tag 'Museums'

While modern carousels are a beloved amusement ride, they have their roots in a combat preparation exercise from the Middle Ages. Knights attempted to spear small rings hanging overhead as they galloped in a circle. Commoners eventually adapted the game with the beginnings of our current form.

Did you know that the first carousel in the United States was built in the 1840s by Franz Wiesenhoffer in Hessville, OH? Our state is still recognized as the home of many incredible carousels, including those in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870

Everyone knows that carousels are a traditional part of any respectable fair, carnival, and amusement park. Not surprisingly, Cedar Point takes their carousel game to a whole new level, with three carousels that make frequent appearances on top-10 lists. The Kiddy Kingdom Carousel, dating back to 1925 and features 52 animals, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next is the Midway Carousel, built in 1912 and operating at Cedar Point since 1946, making it the park's oldest ride. Finally, challenge family and friends to a spin on the Cedar Downs Racing Derby, one of only two racing carousels in the United States. Visit the website for hours and ticket pricing.

Richland Carrousel Park

75 N. Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902

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In honor of the ride's European origins, Richland Carrousel Park uses the French spelling of the word in its name. This delightful park features the first new hand-carved carousel constructed in the United States since the 1930s, built at nearby Carousel Works. Scenery panels on the carousel depict Malabar Farm, Richland County Courthouse, and other iconic locations and notable figures from the local area. Carousel rides are $1, with discounts for purchases of 6 or 50 rides. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Akron Zoo

505 Euclid Ave., Akron, OH 44307

Environmental education and awareness provide the theme for the Conservation Carousel at the Akron Zoo. The hand-carved figurines are likenesses of 33 animals from around the world, ranging from a ladybug and a penguin to a Komodo dragon, a peacock chariot that's wheelchair accessible, and a baby moose that contains a time capsule from 2010. Sustainable wood, repurposed concrete, and other green initiatives were incorporated in the construction of the carousel. Rides are $2 per person. Zoo admission is $14 for adults and $11 for ages 2-14. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through October 31. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Columbus Commons

160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

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In 2011, the historic City Center grounds were transformed into Columbus Commons, a 6-acre park in the midst of the beautiful downtown area. The centerpiece attraction is a hand-carved carousel with 18 charming figurines, including the OSU Buckeye horse, a frog prince, and a clown fish. Ohio Stadium and Franklin Park Conservatory are two of the hand-painted scenes decorating the canopy. Carousel rides are also a popular draw for Commons for Kids, held each Friday through August 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rides are free at all times. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220

Carousels are generally thought of as rides for youngsters. That's not the case at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where their Conservation Carousel is one of the more popular attractions during adults-only events such as Toast of the Wild. Of course, the carousel is a big hit with kids as well. Zoo members often upgrade their memberships at the prompting of their children, who like the unlimited carousel rides that are included. Standard pricing for rides is $3. Mark your calendar for 2023, when the zoo's new carousel will be installed. At twice the size of the current carousel, this version will feature 65 animals in a vintage open-air gazebo perched alongside Swan Lake. Admission ranges from $9.50-$25. The zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October 31. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065

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After viewing real birds and wildlife in person, check out colorful recreations on the Grand Carousel at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The historic 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel revolves to the sounds of a fully restored band organ that plays periodically throughout the day. Rides are $2 per person. If you want the real experience, enjoy a camel ride for $7 or a pony ride for $5. Zoo admission is $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for ages 3-9. Prices are higher for non-Franklin County residents. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. through August. Visit the website for seasonal hours.

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609

Travel to the continent of Africa on the carousel at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. The sole African carousel in the world lets you ride atop 42 exotic animals, such as giraffes, zebras, and gorillas. Artwork on the canopy showcases many of the featured animals in their native habitats. Rides are $3 per person, with passes available for multiple rides at discounted rates. Zoo admission is $24 for adults and $21 for ages 2-11, with an additional $2 charge for non-Lucas County residents. Visit the website for hours.

Merry-Go-Round Museum

301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870

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Inspiration for the Merry-Go-Round Museum came from a series of carousel stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 1988. Appropriately, the museum is housed in a former Sandusky Post Office building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to watching activities in the restoration shop, visitors can ride the museum's vintage 1939 Allan Herschell carousel as the band organ plays the classic "oom-pa-pa" sounds. The original figurines were unavailable, so the carousel is populated with pieces from the museum's collection or on loan from private collectors. Admission, including one ride token, is $6 for adults and $4 for ages 4-14. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday through Labor Day.

Round and Round

When it comes to your preferred carousel mount, do you go old-school with the horses, or do you make a dash for one of the other animals?

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 Ladies National Historic Site

205 Market Ave. S., Canton, OH 44702

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One of the only museums of its kind, the First Ladies 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 Center 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. 

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?

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? 

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. 

Loveland Castle Museum

12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140 

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.  

Elsinore Arch

1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202 

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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 44094 

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.  

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303 

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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 45223 

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. 

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. 

Glamorgan Castle

200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, OH 44601 

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. 

Landoll's Mohican Castle

561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842 

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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. 

Enjoy a Taste of Royal Living

Which of these magnificent Ohio castles is your favorite? 

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't 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?

With signs of habitation dating back to 13,000 BC, Ohio has a rich and colorful past. No matter what you learned in history books, it can't compare to seeing it with your own eyes. Whether it's a castle in Northeast Ohio, a covered bridge near Columbus, or a library in Cincinnati, a visit to these incredible sites will give you a new appreciation of our state.

Squire's Castle

North Chagrin Reservation, 2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094

If you're fascinated by the fictional royalty of Game of Thrones or real-life royalty of Queen Elizabeth and her family, don't miss Squire's Castle. Located at North Chagrin Reservation, Squire's Castle was built in the 1890s and patterned after German and English baronial castles. The gatehouse also serves as the trailhead for one of the North Chagrin's more scenic routes, and there's an adjacent picnic area that includes grills and seating. North Chagrin Reservation is open daily from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Maltz Performing Arts Center

Case Western Reserve University, 1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106

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The design and backstory of Maltz Performing Arts Center are as compelling as the events that take place inside it. Founded in 1850 as a temple for the local Reform Jewish congregation, the building has a unique heptagonal shape to fit the lot's odd configuration while approximating a circle, symbolizing unity. Thanks to the creative architecture and stunning interior, the building was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. A partnership between the Temple and Case Western Reserve University led to the creation of the Performing Arts Center, which hosts a number of concerts, lectures, and other cultural activities.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303

While many historical buildings bear the name of their original residents, that's not the case with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. "Stan Hywet" is actually an Old English term that translates to "stone quarry," which is a nod to the property's most prominent natural feature. The estate served as the home for the family of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, but they also generously opened their doors to the public for frequent community events. Hours are 10 a.m. - dusk Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults and $6 for ages 6-17.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

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Natural and man-made history combine to spectacular effect at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The 13-acre facility, located just two miles from downtown Columbus, is anchored by the John D. Wolfe Palm House. This glass greenhouse, which dates back to 1895, features 43 species of palms, including fiddle-leaf figs that were part of the original plantings. Seasonal and visiting exhibitions supplement the lush gardens and botanical biomes on permanent display. Franklin Park Conservatory is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and $12 for ages 3-12.

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

145 E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130

Do you think of art as something that requires specialized skill or talent? The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio has a mission to awaken the creative spirit in everyone. Programming includes themed exhibits, classes, workshops, and lectures aimed at making art accessible to all. Welcome the new year with the upcoming exhibit, "Hindsight: The Art of Looking Back," which is particularly appropriate for exploring the past. "Classrooms" are located in the Reese-Peters House, a Federal/Greek Revival-style home built in 1835 and widely acclaimed as the finest house in Lancaster. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1 - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Mink Hollow Covered Bridge

Arney Run Park, 2340 Meister Rd. SW, Lancaster, OH 43130

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Covered bridges, once a common sight around the countryside, have become rare but treasured relics of the past. Only about one in 10 have survived to the present day, with Mink Hollow Covered Bridge being one of the more picturesque structures. At a length of 54 feet, this charming "house bridge" boasts the longest official name of any bridge in the country: Mink Hollow over Arney Run in Oil Mill Hollow near the Borcher's Mill Covered Bridge. Dog-friendly Arney Run Park is also a great spot for hiking, photography, bird-watching, and picnicking. Park hours are dawn till dusk, 365 days a year. 

National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting

8070 Tylersville Rd., West Chester, OH 45069

Before social media and television, news and entertainment were transmitted across radio waves. The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting highlights the development and impact of radio technology, both locally and globally. Cincinnati native Powel Crosley Jr., once dubbed "the Henry Ford of radio," was the driving force behind the Bethany Relay Station, which broadcasted from the building that now houses the museum. Other attractions include displays of early wireless transmitters and a fully-equipped ham station where you can observe the workings of shortwave radio. The museum is open weekends from 1 - 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for everyone aged 16 and older. 

The Mercantile Library

414 Walnut St. #1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Established in 1835, the Mercantile Library is one of only about two dozen membership libraries that still exist in the country. Spread across the 11th and 12th floors of the building, the library holds more than 80,000 volumes on subjects ranging from contemporary fiction and poetry to travel and history. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Salman Rushdie, and Julia Child are just a few of the exciting guest lecturers who have appeared at the Mercantile. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday.

Carillon Historical Park

1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409

Kitty Hawk may be the site of their first flights, but the dreams of the Wright Brothers first took hold in their hometown of Dayton. Carillon Historical Park shines a light on the Wright Brothers and other regional pioneers of transportation and industry. The 65-acre open-air museum includes displays such as the Wright Brothers National Museum, Great 1913 Flood Exhibit, and Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship. Carillon Historical Park is open 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for ages 3-17.

Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is a Mystery

What site in Ohio is associated with a significant memory from your own past?