America 250-Ohio is proud to offer Ohioans the following “Signature Programs” to help you explore this theme. These carefully crafted experiences and programs shine a spotlight on Ohio’s many contributions to the American story over the past 250 years and beyond.
Explore our Music “Mini” Trail, a section of America 250-Ohio’s Creativity Trail and learn all about music history around the state!
From February to October 2026, enjoy this statewide celebration showcasing Ohio’s contributions to America’s film industry and movemaking!
To be announced soon!
Learn more about Ohio’s many contributions to the American music scene with these additional resources.
Honoring the Legacy of Black Musicians from Ohio by Mayor Sharetta Smith* (America 250-Ohio Blog)
James Brown Makes History at King Records in Cincinnati (OHC)
The Dantes and the Garage Rock Sound of 1960s Ohio (OHC)
Celebrating Ohio’s Jazz Icons during Black History Month (OHC)
Benjamin Hanby: A Life in Music (Ohio Memory)
Cleveland Recording Company (Cleveland Historical)
Cleveland Public Hall’s Rock and Roll Roots (Cleveland Historical)
How Akron Became ‘the New Liverpool’ of Punk Music (Midstory)
Cleveland Ohio and the Rise of Gospel Blues (Western Reserve Historical Society)
Stories from the Anne Grimes Collection of American Folk Music (Book by Anne Grimes)
Small Town, Big Music: The Outsized Influence of Kent, Ohio, on the History of Rock and Roll (Book by Jason Prufer)
Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Roots (Book by Deanna R. Adams)
Smoky, Sweaty, Rowdy, and Loud: Tales of Cleveland’s Legendary Rock & Roll Landmarks (Book by Mike & Janice Olszewski)
Songs at the Center featuring Eric Brace, Peter Cooper, and Thomm Jutz (Songs at the Center)
Songs at the Center featuring Beth Nielsen Chapman, The Accidentals, Kim Richey, and Maia Sharp (Songs at the Center)
Songs at the Center featuring Livingston Taylor (Songs at the Center)
From singers to actors to comedians and beyond, Ohio has been home to some of America’s most beloved entertainers.
Hollywood on the Cuyahoga Exhibit Teaser (Cleveland History Center)
The King from Ohio: Clark Gable (Ohio Memory)
“The Popularity of Marguerite Clark” (Ohio Memory)
That’s Amore: A Son Remembers Dean Martin (Book by Ricci Martin)
The Dean Martin Association Podcast (Spotify)
Bob Hope: A Life in Comedy (Book by William Robert Faith)
Bob Hope: 50 Years of Hope Exhibit (National Museum of the United States Airforce)
Ohio’s Comedian: Paul Lynde (Ohio Memory)
Flipping Through the Funny Pages: Celebrating Ohio Cartoonists (Ohio Memory)
Celebrities with Columbus Connections (Experience Columbus)
Entertaining Ohio (WOSU Public Media)
Ohio has long been at the center of music movements, with Cleveland being known as the birthplace of the term “rock and roll.”
Check out the Ohio Music “Mini” Trail to learn about the stops and sites that celebrate Ohio’s rich music history.
