Museum Talk: Before Dillinger There Was Gerald Chapman: The Exciting Story of Another Gangster
2025-09-28 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | 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, 2025-12-07 12:00 - 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!

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 | 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.
