America 250
Celebrate 250 years of American history in Hamilton County with events across our 41 branches!
The Downtown Main Library will host historical rotating exhibits throughout 2026 based on themes. Discover Ohio history every month!
About America 250
In 2026, the Library will join Hamilton County and communities across the country to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Organizations across the state will host events, exhibits, and more exploring ways that Ohio has contributed to U.S. history of 250 years.
America 250 Exhibits
January: Cincinnati Observatory
Explore the history of the Cincinnati Observatory, which houses one of the oldest working telescopes in the world. It was the first observatory in the Western Hemisphere open to the public.
February: Breweries
The arrival of German immigrants in the mid-19th century transformed Cincinnati into a brewing hub. These newcomers brought lager beer traditions and established breweries that became household names.
March: Ruth Lyons
Having grown up in Cincinnati, Ruth Lyons' radio broadcasting career began as a pianist and music librarian. She would go on to host the radio show “The 50 Club,” which then debuted on WLWT in May 1949 as the “The 50-50 Club,” which quickly became a nationwide sensation.
April: Inclines
Between 1872 and 1894, five inclined plane railroads were constructed in Cincinnati. They provided easy access to the hilltops at a time when residents of the city's overcrowded basin were eager to escape its industrial smog and cramped living conditions.
May: Music Hall
Built in 1878 and restored in 2017, Cincinnati’s Music Hall is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
June: Eden Park
Now home to major Cincinnati cultural institutions, Eden Park was originally a vineyard owned by Nicholas Longworth named “the Garden of Eden.” The land was purchased by the City of Cincinnati in the late 1860s to build a water reservoir.
July: College Homecomings
Cincinnati homecomings are a long-standing tradition and a celebration of college communities of current students and alumni.
August: Hamilton County Fair
The Hamilton County Fair, once known as the Carthage Fair, is the oldest county fair in Ohio. First held in 1820, the Fair features rides, food, and entertainment events.
Additional Exhibit Themes
Keep on the lookout for exhibits delving into Ohio history throughout America's 250th celebration. Additional exhibit themes include:
- September: Cincinnati Reds
- October: Cincinnati wine-making
- November: Disabled American Veterans
Themes are subject to change.