52nd Annual Christmas Tree Festival
2024-12-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-06 10:00 - 20:00, 2024-12-08 12:00 - 17:00 UTC | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
The Allen County Museum’s 52nd annual Christmas Tree Festival is Wednesday, December 4, 2024 thru Sunday December 8, 2024 from 10 AM to 5 PM with special hours on Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 12 to 5 PM.
This glorious holiday tradition is a partnership between the Allen County Museum, Allen County Master Gardeners and the Johnny Appleseed Park District. It features more than 100 trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses and organizations. There are plenty of activities, including everyone’s favorite, Evergreen, the Talking Tree. Don’t miss learning about Christmas in Mexico in the Childrens Discovery Center either!
Continue the tradition and be sure to bring your family to visit this year’s Christmas Tree Festival!

52nd Annual Christmas Tree Festival
2024-12-07 10:00 - 17:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
The Allen County Museum’s 52nd annual Christmas Tree Festival is Wednesday, December 4, 2023 thru Sunday December 8, 2023 from 10 AM to 5 PM with special hours on Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 12 to 5 PM.
This glorious holiday tradition is a partnership between the Allen County Museum, Allen County Master Gardeners and the Johnny Appleseed Park District. It features more than 100 trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses and organizations. There are plenty of activities, including everyone’s favorite, Evergreen, the Talking Tree. Don’t miss learning about Christmas in Mexico in the Childrens Discovery Center either!
Continue the tradition and be sure to bring your family to visit this year’s Christmas Tree Festival!

ACHS Annual Meeting & Museum Talk on "Noah's Ark"
2024-12-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Ohio
ACHS’s Annual Meeting will be held as well as a Museum Talk on Grosjean’s “Noah’s Ark” given by Rick Balbaugh, Mark Billingsley, and Herb Lauer. Likewise, the opening of the next temporary Curious By Nature: The Art of Charley and Edie Harper.

Hot Cocoa History Day
2025-01-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Come spend a chilly January day with the Allen County Museum, sipping hot cocoa and munching cookies. Kids can learn about early pioneer history through an interactive story about Aurelia McCullough, travel with a replica Conestoga, and build a log cabin out of Lincoln logs. There will be time to play with pioneer toys and even make a yarn doll. Enjoy yummy cookies and hot cocoa throughout!
Free event, stop in anytime between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on January 18, 2025.

Museum Talk & ACHS Annual Meeting
2025-01-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Ohio
ACHS’s Annual Meeting will be held as well as a Museum Talk on Grosjean’s “Noah’s Ark” led by Rick Balbaugh, Mark Billingsley, and Herb Lauer. Likewise, the opening of Curious By Nature: The Art of Charley and Edie Harper will be that day.

Curious by Nature: The Art of Charley and Edie Harper
2025-01-26 14:00 - 2025-04-20 17:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Curious by Nature examines the work of Charley and Edie Harper. Comprised of 76 prints and 5 original paintings from the Springfield Museum of Art’s permanent collection, this exhibition provides a comprehensive look into the quirky, whimsical worlds of the artists. Complimenting these paintings and prints, the Allen County Museum will showcase some of the taxidermy animals in its collection, as well as some on loan from the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District.
This exhibition is organized by the Springfield Museum of Art.

Museum Talk: The Flora & Fauna of Allen County presented by Dan Hodges
2025-02-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Ohio
Join a naturalist, Dan Hodges from Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park Distric, at the Allen County Museum to highlight the exhibition, “Curious By Nature,” which displays the works of Charley and Evie Harper. Their art often focuses on nature and Ohio’s nature in a beautiful style. We’ll discuss their subject, the flora and fauna of Ohio, specifically what we can find close to home!
This museum talk is done in connection to the museum’ temporary exhibition “Curious By Nature: the Art of Charley and Edie Harper.”

Museum Talk: The Wild Side of Charley and Edie Harper
2025-03-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Ohio
In connection to the museum’s temporary exhibition Curious By Nature: the Art of Charley and Edie Harper, Herb Lauer will be sharing more information about Charely Harper’s life and inspiration. Herb Lauer is a docent at the ACM, retired art teacher, and knew Charley Harper.

Museum Talk: Lima Locomotive Works Presented by Wayne York
2025-04-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Learn more about Allen County’s Lima Locomotive Works from Wayne York on April 17, 2025, at 6 p.m. York is on the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society board and works in management and civil engineering. As a railroad historian, York will bring the story of Lima Locomotive Works alive and undoubtedly teach us a little more about this vital part of Allen County History.

Mother & Daughter Tea at the MacDonell House
2025-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | MacDonell House, 632 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
A Mother-Daughter Tea will be held at the MacDonell House on May 3, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 p.m., the doors will open at 1 p.m., in support of the Allen County Museum. Guests will enjoy time in the Victorian House and a special presentation. A scrumptious menu of both sweet and savory items will complement the tea selection.
Order Tickets

From Fields to Facades: Ohio Landscapes
2025-05-10 13:00 - 2025-07-27 17:00 | Ohio
Join us for From Fields to Facades: Ohio Landscapes, an exhibtion showcasing contemporary Ohio artists as they explore the state’s diverse, rural, urban, and industrial environments. Through a variety of perspectives and techniques, these artists capture the evolving landscape—blending nature with industry, memory with place—to reveal the every-changing character of Ohio.

Museum Talk: Allen County’s Brush with the Gangster Era: The Sarber & Dillinger Story
2025-05-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Allen County had a few brushes during the gangster era because of its location between Chicago and New York, but none are more memorable than the Saber & Dillinger story. Hear Karlyn Lauer, an ACM docent, spin the tale of Dillinger’s escape from Allen County Jail. She will give the background on the gangster crew and Sarber, the sheriff, and explain what happened after the jailbreak. It will be an engaging museum talk highlighting one of the most captivating stories of Allen County History.

Museum Talk: Ottawa River Presented by Lydia Archamo
2025-06-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Hear from the Ottawa River Coalition’s Executive Director Lydia Archambo about the Ottawa River and its place in our community. Archambo will share about what the nonprofit is up to, the updates that are going on at their facility, and their newest project “Tired of Tires.”

This Museum Talk is free for all visitors.

Discovery of Decades: The 1930s Silver Screen Gala
2025-07-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Spring & Main, 147 S Main St., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Step into the spotlight at Discovery of Decades: The 1930s Silver Screen Gala, an immersive evening that pays homage to the iconic films, fashion, and flair of 1930s Hollywood. Guest are encouraged to dress in vintage-inspired evening wear—think tuxedos, satin gowns, feathered accents, and finger waves—as they walk the red carpet and pose for photo ops.
Once our guests arrive at the third floor of Spring & Main, they will step into a venue that is transformed into a grand art deco ballroom with vintage film reels, golden statuettes, and mood lighting reminiscent of old movie theaters. Throughout the night, short clips of 1930s cinematic masterpieces will play, accompanied by soundtracks from the era—reminding everyone of the enduring legacy of the this transformative film decade.
Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner provided by Casa Lu Al, themed cocktails, a silent auction and basket raffle, and other surprises.
Tickets no longer for sale.

Life in America: 1930s - Day 1
2025-07-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Step Back in Time at the Allen County Museum!Say, folks! Ever wondered what life was like back in the good old 1930s? Well, grab your hats and gather the whole family—you’re invited to the Allen County Museum for a swell time you won’t soon forget!Get hands-on with the eats, playthings, and pastimes that made the decade swing.Rub elbows with notable figures from history and soak up the sights and sounds of a bygone era.Best of all? It’s absolutely free! So hop in your jalopy and head on down—fun for young and old alike awaits!
This event is free for all ages!

Life in America: The 1930s - Day 2
2025-07-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801

Unveiling the Past: Highlights From Our Collection
2025-08-23 11:00 - 2025-11-09 17:00 | Ohio
This exhibition is drawn from the Allen County Museum’s expansive and richly varied permanent collection. The compelling display features artifacts of national and international significance, alongside everyday objects that once played a role in the lives of local families, educators, business owners, and farmers. Together, they offer a powerful reflection on the interconnected stories that shape our shared history. Unveiling the Past will open on August 23, 2025, and be open atthe Allen County Museum until November 9, 2025. Come see objects highlighted in a new way and some that have not been on display in decades. Unveiling the Past will honor the many individuals and families who, over the past century, have generously contributed their time, expertise, and resources to help shape a museum that captures both the distinctive character of Allen County and its place within a broader global context.

Museum Talk: Civil War Letters from Allen County Soldiers
2025-08-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Hear from Ohio Northern University History student Jacob Wagner all about Allen County Civil War soldier’s letters. These letters are from the collection of the Allen County Archive. Wagner analyzed their correspondence and will tell us about what these soldiers wrote home about, primarily focusing on the political atmosphere of the Civil War. Come and enjoy learning more about Allen County’s own Civil War veterans and what they wrote home about.
This lecture is free for all visitors.

Celebration of Our Shay's 100th Birthday!
2025-09-21 13:00 - 17:00 | Ohio
Celebrate with us for a whole day centered on our Shay Locomotive’s 100th Birthday! Cupcakes, activities, and so much more.

Museum Talk: Before Dillinger There Was Gerald Chapman: The Exciting Story of Another Gangster
2025-09-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Ohio
Before the gangster era of Dillinger, Gerald Chapman and his associates ran amok in the 1920s. Hear about Chapman and his gang’s escapades during the prohibition era, with some crime sprees taking place in Allen County. Learn why Gerald Chapman was dubbed the first “Public Enemy Number One” from David Bailey, local historian and Chapman expert.

National Fossil Day
2025-10-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Join us at the Allen County Museum to celebrate National Fossil Day and discover the fascinating fossils found right here in our region! In partnership with a professor from Ohio State University at Lima, the museum will be buzzing with hands-on activities for all ages—dig for fossils, create fossil-themed crafts, and explore learning stations that showcase everything from towering dinosaurs to delicate shells.
The Children’s Discovery Center will be open throughout the event, offering interactive stations designed to spark curiosity and excitement.
Special programs include:

Hands-on fossil presentation (2:05–2:35 p.m.): Get up close with real fossils and detailed recreations you can touch and explore, learning about fossils significant to northwest Ohio—including Ohio’s two official state fossils.

Guided fossil tour (2:40–2:55 p.m.): Walk through the museum’s fossil section and uncover the stories behind different specimens.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to step into the ancient world, connect with local history, and celebrate the wonders preserved in stone.
This event is free!
Have your kiddos color one of these pages beforehand, at the museum, or at the event to get a fossil.*
Isotelus Trilobite Ancient Devonian Reef or Mastodon
*One fossil per child and while supplies last, and the coloring page must be brought to or colored at the event.

Museum Talk: Highlights from Unveiling the Past
2025-10-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Join the Allen County Museum staff and volunteers as they dive into the fascinating stories behind their favorite artifacts in Unveiling the Past: Highlights From Our Collection. From the quirky Col-R-Tel Color Converter to the beloved Sandy Horse from the local Bargain Center, discover the surprising, fun, and unique history hidden within the museum’s permanent collection.
Free event!

Museum Talk: Allen County Titans of Industry
2025-11-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801
This Museum Talk will focus on some of Allen County’s notable industrial leaders. Hannah Bergstedt, ACM’s Public Engagement and Learning Coordinator, will highlight some of the figures this year’s ACM newsletter has featured. Learn about key figures such as J. W. Van Dyke, Senator Calvin Brice, and Easter Straker.
This event is free for all visitors

53rd Annual Christmas Tree Festival
2025-12-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00 | Ohio
The Allen County Museum’s 53rd annual Christmas Tree Festival is Wednesday, December 3, 2025 thru Sunday December 7, 2025 from 10 AM to 5 PM with special hours on Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 12 to 5 PM.
This glorious holiday tradition is a partnership between the Allen County Museum, Allen County Master Gardeners and the Johnny Appleseed Park District. It features more than 100 trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses and organizations. There are plenty of activities, including everyone’s favorite, Evergreen, the Talking Tree. Don’t miss learning about Christmas in Germany in the Childrens Discovery Center either!
Continue the tradition and be sure to bring your family to visit this year’s Christmas Tree Festival!
