America 250-Ohio, the official state commission spearheading Ohio’s celebrations of America’s semiquincentennial, recently announced the launch of the 4th Grade History Pass Plus, an expanded version of the commission’s popular 4th Grade History Pass program. Available exclusively throughout the month of July 2026, the 4th Grade History Pass Plus allows Ohio’s current fourth grade students and up to three accompanying family members to visit participating history museums and historic sites across the state entirely free of charge.
According to Cait Clark with Garst Museum, 205 N. Broadway, Greenville, the museum is participating in the 4th Grade History Pass. The grant received by the museum allows fourth-graders and up to three accompanying guests to visit the Garst Museum during the month of July. She said, “This is deeply important because of the Ohio Learning Standards that are set for fourth graders.”
The 4th Grade History Pass, launched by America 250-Ohio in February 2024, has connected thousands of Ohio fourth graders with the state’s rich history by providing free general admission to participating history-related museums and sites when accompanied by a paying adult. The new Plus program takes that mission a step further — making July 2026, the heart of America’s 250th anniversary summer, a moment for entire families to explore Ohio’s history together at no cost.
Through the 4th Grade History Pass Plus, students who have completed fourth grade in the 2025–2026 school year may visit any of the approximately 41 participating sites throughout the month of July, bringing up to three family members with them for free. The program is designed to be easy to access — passes are available to download digitally or print from America250-Ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass, and a separate 4th Grade History Pass Plus pass will be created to make it clear to both participants and sites which program applies. A full list of participating locations is available on the website.
“Fourth grade is the year Ohio students dive deep into the history of their state and their country, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when learning moves beyond the classroom and into the places where that history actually happened,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “With the 4th Grade History Pass Plus, we wanted to give families the chance to make July 2026 a month they’ll never forget — exploring Ohio’s incredible historic sites together, for free, during the most significant anniversary our nation has ever celebrated.”
July 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and America 250-Ohio has designed the month to be filled with opportunities for Ohioans of all ages to engage with history, community and celebration. The 4th Grade History Pass Plus is one of several programs timed to make July a landmark month for Ohio families. Participating sites across the state — from the Ohio History Center and Cincinnati Museum Center to the Western Reserve Historical Society, Campus Martius Museum, Fort Meigs Historic Site and dozens more — offer immersive, hands-on experiences that bring Ohio’s contributions to the American story to life.
The 4th Grade History Pass Plus is made possible through the generous support of program sponsors GE Aerospace, Nordson Corporation and Honda, whose commitment to Ohio’s communities and its future generations has helped make this expanded offering possible.
“This initiative reflects Nordson’s commitment to education and expanding access to meaningful learning opportunities for students, and we’re proud to partner with America 250-Ohio to provide Ohio’s fourth graders foundational learning experiences. A museum visit can inspire curiosity, strengthen critical thinking, and spark new interests for students and their families. There’s no better way to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary than investing in the next generation of Ohioans,” said Maria Spangler, Director of the Nordson Corporation Foundation.
Families can learn more about the 4th Grade History Pass Plus, download or print their pass, and find a full list of participating sites and locations by visiting America250-Ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass.
Pass Restrictions:
The 4th Grade History Pass Plus is valid for free general admission for one fourth-grade student and up to three accompanying family members. The pass must be presented at the time of visit, either as a digital version on a smartphone or a printed version. The program applies to students who completed fourth grade in the 2025–2026 school year. The 4th Grade History Pass Plus is valid July 1–31, 2026, only, at participating sites. The pass is not valid for field trips or group visits. Other restrictions may apply.
Students may obtain their free pass (digital or printed) by visiting the America 250-Ohio website or asking for the pass at the Garst Museum. The student must be accompanied by a paid adult general admission and must visit the museum on or before August 31, 2026.
