The 4 th Grade History Pass is a promotion to provide every 4 th grade student in Ohio with the
opportunity to visit a participating history-related museum or site in Ohio for free with a paid adult. Accompanying families pay regular admission. The program and Passs may not be used for group visit admission (other restrictions may apply). This program is part of Ohio’s celebration of the U.S. 250 th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
which will occur in 2026.

The free admission is for any Ohio 4th grader. The family members who will visit with the 4th grade student will pay regular admission for the history site they wish to visit.

Pass Restrictions:

• Free general admission for one (1) 4^th grade student with one (1) paid adult general admission.
• May not be used for group admission or field trips.
• The Pass must be shown at the time of purchase – may be shown as a digital version on a smartphone or printed version.
• No cash value
• May not be used with any other discounts or coupons
• Not valid for special exhibitions, planetarium shows, or other upcharge experiences
• 2025-2026 Pass is valid through August 31, 2026.
• Pass program and all Passes expire on August 31, 2027.

Go to america250-ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass and download the pass. When you go to a participating history museum, show the Pass on your phone or printed copy to receive one (1) free admission for the 4th grade student.

“Fourth-grade students in the state of Ohio study the early development of Ohio and the United States,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of the America 250-Ohio Commission. This program aligns with the critical age when students learn about Ohio history in school. Involving Ohio’s youngest citizens in the 250th anniversary is a priority for the Commission, and we hope students come away inspired and excited about the history of Ohio and eager to learn more.”

From the Ohio Department of Education:

“The fourth-grade year focuses on the early development of Ohio and the United States. Students learn about the history, geography, government and economy of their state and nation. Foundations of U.S. history are laid as students study prehistoric Ohio cultures, early American life, the U.S. Constitution, and the development and growth of Ohio and the United States. Students begin to understand how ideas and events from the past have shaped Ohio and the United States today.” 

The promotion will allow fourth-grade students to further explore and understand Ohio’s unique contribution to the U.S. for the past 250+ years and to see how they fit into the larger story of Ohio. We hope students will come away inspired and excited about the history of Ohio and eager to learn more.

For the 2025-2026 4^th grade students, the pass will be valid through August 31, 2026. Each year, for that school year’s 4^th graders, the pass will be good September 1 through the following August 31. The program will end on August 31, 2027.

Yes, they can be used more than once and at multiple museums or historic sites, provided they are a participating location. You will need to show a pass at each location.

Participating history museums throughout the state of Ohio, including the Cincinnati Museum Center, Ohio History Connection sites, and Western Reserve Historical Society/Cleveland History Center and Hale Farm and Village. To find an up-to-date list of participating history museums visit america250-ohio/fourth-grade-pass/

The student and their family will take the pass to the participating location of their choice and show it to the admissions desk team member for one free admission for the fourth-grade student.

It will only cover the museum’s general admission. You should plan to pay the admission fees for any extra activities such as a planetarium show, giant screen film, special exhibition, etc., they are not included in the offer.

Go to America250-ohio.org/fourth-grade pass and click on the Contact Us under “Become a Museum Partner” and put in the subject line “4^th Grade History Pass Partner” – an America 250-Ohio team member will reach out to inform you about the program and its requirements.