Mother & Daughter Tea at the MacDonell House
2025-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | 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.
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From Fields to Facades: Ohio Landscapes
2025-05-10 13:00 - 2025-07-27 17:00
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
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
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
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, 2025-12-07 12:00 - 17:00
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!

Hot Cocoa History Day: Electricity
2026-01-17 13:00 - 17:00 | 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
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.
