Every fourth grade student in Ohio will now have the opportunity to visit participating history-related museums and sites free of charge with the new 4th Grade History Pass.
The Western Reserve Historical Society, in conjunction with Ohio History Center, Cincinnati Museum Center and other history museums in Ohio, launched Ohio’s 4th Grade History Pass, a program designed to grant complimentary access to participating museums throughout the state. The program aims to cultivate curiosity in young minds in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, fourth grade curriculum centers on the initial stages of Ohio and U.S. development. Students study the historical, geographical, governmental and economic aspects of their state and nation. The foundational elements of U.S. history are introduced through the study of prehistoric Ohio cultures, early American life, the U.S. Constitution, and the evolution of Ohio and the United States. This educational journey helps students grasp the influence of historical ideas and events on the present-day shaping of Ohio and the United States.
To participate, a pass can be acquired from the America 250-Ohio website where there is an option to select a printed or digital version for download. Student must be accompanied by a paying adult. Regular admission fees apply for accompanying family members, and passes are not valid for field trips or group visits. Other restrictions may apply. Check out the comprehensive list of participating locations available here.
The project is an official America-250 project and part of Ohio’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of the United States’ semiquincentennial to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years.
“As a member of the America 250-Ohio Commission, I am honored to represent WRHS and our work to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026,” says Kelly Falcone-Hall, president & CEO, Western Reserve Historical Society. “We are pleased to lead the effort to bring all fourth-grade students to visit any participating history museum with their families, including two of our sites, the Cleveland History Center in University Circle and Hale Farm & Village in Bath Township.”
“We believe that this opportunity will inspire fourth-grade students to explore and appreciate Ohio’s history, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their roots,” says Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “We hope this program brings enthusiasm to many families and students who are interested in learning more about Ohio’s contributions to the nation’s history for 250+ years.”
Founded in 1867, WRHS is a regional history organization with seven properties across Northeast Ohio. Included in its collections are 39 historic structures – 7 of which are on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) – over 100,000 objects in its museum collections, an expansive library of published and primary source materials, an auto-aviation collection, costume and textile collection, and more. WRHS presents exhibitions, programs and experiences that tell the dynamic stories of the people of Northeast Ohio through art, documents and artifacts from a variety of collections. Through its Heritage Management Program, WRHS is a resource for corporations and organizations.