COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A new program in Ohio that allows a special group of elementary students to explore history for free is expanding to include more museums and historic sites across the state.
The 4th Grade History Pass program, created by America 250-Ohio, an organization commissioned by the Ohio Legislature to celebrate the United State’s semiquincentennial in 2026, has grown to include dozens of attractions in the state, according to a news release.
By downloading or printing the pass from the America 250-Ohio site, every fourth-grade student in Ohio can visit participating institutions across Ohio at no cost when accompanied by a paying adult.
“Since the 4th grade history pass launched, it has been downloaded by thousands of students across the state,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “With more than 40 different locations to explore, we hope that even more families will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn about the people and places that make our state unique.”
America 250-Ohio noted some new locations that have been added, including Canton Museum of Art, Adena Mansion and Gardens, Hancock Historical Museum and the John and Annie Glenn Museum. It also revealed that some original sites, such as the Cincinnati Museum Center, offer “new exhibits tailored for young learners.”
The complete list of 4th Grade History Pass locations from the America 250-Ohio site include:
Adena Mansion and Gardens
American Civil War Museum of Ohio
Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum
Campus Martius
Canton Museum of Art
Christian Waldschmidt Homestead/Civil War Museum
Cincinnati Museum Center
Cleveland History Center
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Fort Laurens Museum
Fort Meigs Historic Site
Garst Museum & The National Annie Oakley Center
Geauga County Historical Society & Century Village Museum
Hale Farm and Village
Hancock Historical Museum
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Historic Fort Steuben
Historic Zoar Village
Increase Matthews House
John and Annie Glenn Museum
Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society
McKinley Presidential Library and Museum
Motts Military Museum
National Afro American Museum and Cultural Center
National Road & Zane Grey Museum
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Noble County Historical Society
Oberlin Heritage Center
Ohio History Center and Ohio Village
Piatt Castle
Reeves Museum
Roscoe Village
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums
Schoenbrunn Village
Spring Hill Historic Home
Stone Academy
Sunwatch Indian Village
Summit County Historical Society of Akron
Tri-State Warbird Museum
Underground Railroad Museum (Flushing, Ohio)
Warren County Historical Society
Warther Museum
Wolcott Heritage Center
Wolcott Keeper’s House
Wood County Museum
Worthington Historical Society
“We are thrilled to introduce these new locations and opportunities for Ohio’s fourth graders, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our partners,” said Doug Preisse, America 250-Ohio Commission co-chair. “The addition of several dozen museums and historical attractions highlights our commitment to making history accessible and relevant, and to showing students how history can provide valuable insight for the future.”
America 250-Ohio explains that fourth-graders were chosen to receive this benefit because of the state’s curriculum. Children in the fourth grade study “the historical, geographical, governmental, and economic aspects of their state and nation.” Learning about Ohio’s prehistoric past to its present time gives students historical context to understand how the state and country were formed.
The pass does have some restrictions. It is not valid for student field trips, group visits, special exhibitions, planetarium shows, or other upcharge experiences. It cannot be used with other discounts or coupons and has no cash value. The pass is valid through Aug. 31, 2025.