Allen County Museum

Hot Cocoa History Day: Electricity
2026-01-17 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Warm up your winter with Hot Cocoa History Day, a free, family-friendly event celebrating the wonder of electricity!Guests of all ages can:
⚡ Discover how static electricity works through fun, interactive experiments🧲 Build a working electromagnet 🍫 Sip delicious hot cocoa while you explore the science behind everyday technology
It’s the perfect mix of learning, history, and hands-on excitement. Everyone is welcome!

Museum Talk: The Coming of the Civil War
2026-01-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Event Canceled due to weather!

Come hear Ohio Northern University Associate Professor of History Dr. David Strittmatter give a Museum Talk, “The Coming of the Civil War.” The focus of this talk will be on five key events in 1850s America–all related to the status of slavery–that set the country on the path of war. Before visiting the museum’s exhibit, “Threats of Conflict: Echoes of the Civil War,” opening the same day, hear this talk and get caught up on what led the United States to the Civil War.
Museum Talks are always free to all visitors.

Threads of Conflict: Echoes of the Civil War
2026-02-01 13:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
This exhibit explores how a divided nation faced the realities of war—on the battlefield and at home. Drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, these artifact reveal the personal stores, hardships, and hopes of those whose lives were forever changed by the conflict.

Museum Talk: "The Story of Memorial Hall" presented by Mark Billingsley
2026-02-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Hear all about how and why Memorial Hall was built in Lima, Ohio. From the idea to how the building actually functioned. Take a step back in history and look through this monumental building that tells so much about Allen County History.

Museum Talks are free to all visitors.

Museum Talk: "Heroes: Sung and Unsung" presented by Karlyn Lauer
2026-03-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Ohio
Heroes: Sung and Unsung will explore the remarkable individuals and everyday citizens of Lima during World War II. Presented by Karlyn Lauer, museum docent, and retired pharmacist. This talk will highlight the industries that kept the war effort moving, the families who sacrificed and persevered, the lively canteen that fed and encouraged traveling servicemembers, and the countless home-front contributions that shaped the community. Together, these stories reveal a city united in purpose, where both celebrated figures and quiet heroes helped win the war.

Museum Talk: The Legacy of Ohio Presidents Presented by Dr. Christine Fowler Shearer
2026-05-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Executive Director Christine Fowler Shearer examines the legacy of the Ohio Presidents and their national impact. Gain insight into Ohio’s remarkable contribution to American leadership. Learn more about Presidents William Henry Harrison, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, McKinley, Taft, and Harding.

Museum Talks are free for all visitors to attend.

The Rail Legacy: Voices, Images, Artifacts
2026-06-27 11:00 - 2026-11-15 17:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Weaving together the human and industrial story of the rails, this exhibit highlights how the railroad built commuities and connected a nation. Featuring historic photographs, artistic responses, and autentic relics of the railroad life, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how the rhythm of the rails continues to echo today.

Museum Talk: A Lasting Love: Art & Railroads Presented by Arnold Tunstall
2026-06-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Curator Arnold Tunstall explores the enduring romance of railroad imagery in art in connection with The Rail Legacy. A thoughtful look at how railroads captured the American imagery.

All Museum Talks are free for visitors to attend.

Life in America: 1940s Day 1
2026-07-24 11:30 - 16:30 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Your Mission:

Rationing & Retail: Step into our General Store! You’ll start by making your own ration books, then use your stamps to “shop” for essentials while learning how families managed during wartime shortages.

Playtime in the 40s: Discover the toys and board games that kept kids entertained long before video games! From classic wooden toys to popular 1940s tabletop games, see what “fun” looked like 80 years ago.

Dig for Victory: Roll up your sleeves at our Victory Garden. Learn how families during the war grew their own “superfoods” and take home tips on how to start your own backyard plot.

At Your Service: Visit our Servicemen’s Canteen. While we aren’t serving rations today, you can experience the atmosphere where soldiers gathered for music, morale, and a bit of home-front hospitality.

Meet the Past: Rub elbows with Historic Reenactors in full 1940s gear. Ask them about life during the war, see their equipment, and hear stories of bravery and everyday life from 80 years ago.

Plus, so much more to experience and engage with!

No registration required and free for all visitors, bring your sense of adventure! For more information, visit us at https://allencountymuseum.org/ or report to the Museum Front Desk.
We’ll see you on the home front on July 24th & 25th!

Life in America: 1940s - Day 2
2026-07-25 11:30 - 16:30 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
