Special Programs & Events

Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs has been presenting historical, cultural and architectural tours for over 20 years. As an outreach association of the Cincinnati Historical Society, the docents of the all-volunteer Cincinnati Heritage Programs has unlocked doors to privately owned places generally not open to the public. All topics are thoroughly researched for accuracy.

Each month, Heritage Programs offers scheduled tours of unique sites of local or regional interest. All tours include lunch unless specified. All bus tours depart from the front of Cincinnati Museum Center. There are no refunds after the registration deadline. To register for a tour, call (513) 287-7031. Please note that payment must be received at the time of booking. For more information about the Heritage Program Tours, send an e-mail to: heritageprograms@cincymuseum.org.

Heritage Programs is committed to providing access for all individuals attending our programs, activities and events. Those needing information about alternative formats or other assistance should make that request at the time the reservation is made.

Executive Charter is the official carrier for Cincinnati Heritage Programs public tours.

Union Terminal Tours (Free and open to the public.)

Ongoing, every Saturday at 12, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.

Discover one of Cincinnati's National Historic Landmarks, Cincinnati Museum Center's home, Union Terminal. Learn details about the would-famous mosaic murals and why Union Terminal is one of the finest examples of Art Deco style. Docents provide complimentary tours every Saturday at 12, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Tours also can be scheduled for groups any time during the week at a small fee with an advance reservation.

High Steel Tours

Saturday, October 11 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Celebrate Union Terminal’s Diamond Jubilee with a climb to its “high steel.” See this National Historic Landmark’s arched steel structure above its half-dome rotunda. This tour requires more than 200 steps and climbs on ladders in dimly lit areas. No cameras or carried items are permitted on this tour. Must be at least 12 years of age; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sturdy shoes required. Attending a weekend Union Terminal Rotunda Tour, as listed on page 2, will enhance the experience of this tour.

Fee: $10 for members; $15 for non-members

Reservation Deadline for June Tours: June 3

Take Me Out to the Ballparks

Wednesday, July 30; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Immerse yourself in Cincinnati’s baseball history with visits to the Reds’ historic ballparks, led by historians from the Reds Hall of Fame. Begin at the site of the 1869 Red Stockings’ Union Grounds. At the fabled intersection of Findlay Street and Western Avenue, walk the spot where the Palace of the Fans (1902-1911) and legendary Crosley Field once stood. Visit the recreated Crosley Field at the Blue Ash Sports Complex. At Great American Ballpark, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour that includes the press box and dugout. Explore the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum filled with record-breaking memorabilia, highlights from championship eras and artifacts from the first professional baseball team.

Fee: $75 members; $80 non-members

Registration Deadline: July 23

Preachers, Politics and Profits in St. Bernard

Tuesday, September 9; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discover the town that became a springboard to global commerce, beginning with John Ludlow’s mills on the Millcreek. St. Bernard’s history includes the Bloody Run Massacre and the events that led to the 1884 Cincinnati Courthouse Riots. Tour the early Henry Nurre homestead, hosted by first-person interpreters. See Miami and Erie Canal sites and hear of Annie Oakley’s prowess when she visited the “wilds of St. Bernard.” Have lunch at 1847 Meiners Tavern. This tour involves outside walking and steps.

Fee: $45 members; $50 non-members

Registration Deadline: September 2

Octoberfair Ohio

Wednesday, October 8; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Discover harvest season in rural southwest Ohio,
traditionally a time to celebrate community and sharing the fruits of the farmers’ labors. Visit the 200-year-old Shaw Family Farm in Milford, where seven generations of farmers have celebrated the harvest. In Loveland, stop at the 1797 Rich log cabin and the 1862 Italianate home of Dr. John Law. At the Workshops of David T. Smith near Morrow, explore the 19th-century world of rural Ohio craftsmen. Enjoy lunch at the Golden Lamb, Ohio’s oldest inn and restaurant.

Fee: $80 members; $85 non-members

Registration Deadline: October 1

Tea at the William Howard Taft Birthplace

Wednesday, November 5; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The presidential vote has been counted and Cincinnati’s own William Howard Taft has been elected the 27th President of the United States. Celebrate the centennial of this occasion with a visit to the National Park Service interpretive center and a tour of the Taft home, to see the surroundings that enriched President Taft’s formative years. Afterwards, Heritage Programs docents cordially invite you to a Victorian tea to commemorate this historic event. 

Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members

Registration Deadline: October 24