FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org
Part of statewide program launched by America 250-Ohio; available through 2026
CINCINNATI – Fourth graders across Ohio will soon be able to visit Cincinnati Museum Center, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and other museums free of charge. The Fourth Grade History pass, unveiled today, is a new program for fourth grade students across the state, giving them exclusive access to select history museums free of charge. The program is being spearheaded by America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for leading Ohio’s celebrations around America’s semiquincentennial in 2026, and will cultivate curiosity in young minds ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“History is not just a past moment, frozen in time; history is the various threads of our shared cultural fabric that inform us about who we are, where we have been and where we can go,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president & CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “Museums offer a tangible, vivid learning experience that can supplement curriculum by bringing lessons to life and we’re proud to give more students access to them by partnering with America 250-Ohio on this opportunity.”
Students can redeem the free admission by presenting a digital or printed voucher available at the America 250-Ohio website. In addition to CMC and the Freedom Center, participating museums include renowned institutions throughout Ohio, including Ohio History Connection sites and Western Reserve Historical Society/Cleveland History Center. A comprehensive list of participating locations where the voucher can be redeemed is available at America250-ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass. Regular admission fees apply for accompanying family members and vouchers are not valid for group visits.
“We’re excited that this is not just a Cincinnati opportunity, but a statewide opportunity for fourth graders,” added Pierce. “The partnership with museums across Ohio will help ensure fourth graders have a robust immersion in our state’s history.”
According to the Ohio Department of Education, fourth grade curriculum centers on the initial stages of Ohio and United States development. Students in this grade 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.
“Museums are tangible, critical supplements to school curriculum,” said Dr. Amy Bottomley, director of educational initiatives at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “They can energize students, bringing lessons to life and providing a fact-based environment where they can develop and hone their critical thinking skills.”
Voucher restrictions: One voucher per fourth grade student per transaction for free Museum Admission. The voucher must be presented at the time of purchase, either as a digital or printed version. The voucher program and all vouchers will expire on December 31, 2026. Regular admission fees apply for accompanying family members and vouchers are not valid for group visits. Voucher does not include admission to featured exhibitions or OMNIMAX® films.
