SPECIAL EVENT

Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry: Free for Members or included with All Museums Ticket | Location: Union Terminal

Join us as we explore all things 1950s at Union Terminal!

Travel back in time to the era of sock hops, poodle skirts, greasers and muscle cars.

1950s Day is a nostalgic dream

From poodle skirts and sock hops to greasers and muscle cars, 1950s Day is a nostalgic dream. Join us as we explore all things 1950s at Union Terminal: vintage cars, fashion, music, French-inspired meals, space exploration, civil rights, changes in the workforce and more!

After the Depression and World War II, the 1950s were a time of growth. New jobs were taking off, especially those in science, technology and health. For some, the GI Bill fueled rapid neighborhood development and educational opportunities. But opportunity and this idyllic lifestyle didn’t impact everyone equally. Women found themselves torn between careers and working inside the home, and suburbs and government policies created economic disparity. The shifting decade laid the foundations for the Civil Rights Movement.

This year's 1950s Day activities include:
  • Classic cars
  • Costume contest
  • Live music
  • Free Rotunda Tours led by Cincinnati Heritage Programs
  • Tower A Tours led by Cincinnati Heritage Programs (additional ticket required)
  • KidSPACE activities
  • WMKV Radio
  • And more!
Nourish 513 Lunch Special:

Beef Manhattan – $14.99
Roasted top round steak with mashed potatoes and gravy over Texas toast

Vehicles:
  • 1938 Chevrolet Business Coupe
  • 1947 Ford Coupe
  • 1947 Ford Thunderbird
  • 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Coupe
  • 1951 Chevrolet COE
  • 1951 GMC Surburban
  • 1951 Chevrolet Bel Air
  • 1952 Crosley Super Station Wagon
  • 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air
  • 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air
  • 1954 Nash Metropolition
  • 1955 Chevrolet Station Wagon
  • 1955 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 1955 Oldsmobile Coupe
  • 1955 Buick Century
  • 1956 Harley Davidson FL Police
  • 1957 Chevrolet Pick Up
  • 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
  • 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Wagon
  • 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
  • 1957 Chevrolet 2-Door Post
  • 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code
  • 1957 Chevrolet Pick Up 3100
  • 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
  • 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air
  • 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk
  • 1959 Cadillac Deville
All Museums Ticket

Includes Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and The Children’s Museum.

Adult (13+): $24.25 $19.50
Senior (60+): $17.00 $12.50
Child (3-12): $17.00 $12.50
Member Adult: FREE
Member Child: FREE

BUY TICKETS

Looking for a way to share your story or your organization’s story at 1950s Day? Please email Gwen Elliott at Gelliott@cincymuseum.org for an application.

Visit Tower A

Cincinnati Heritage Programs invites you to visit Union Terminal’s Tower A, the command center for the daily 216 trains that brought thousands of travelers safely in and out of Union Terminal. Today, the room overlooks the active intermodal yard which brings cargo containers to our region.

DISCOVER MORE

View the full 1950s Day activities schedule

VIEW THE SCHEDULE

Not sure what to wear?

View the full 1950s Day dressing guide.

VIEW THE GUIDE

Special Programming

All Dolled Up: Fashion-Inspired Design with Rebecca Shakespeare Armstrong

1 to 3 p.m. | History in the Making Classroom, Cincinnati History Museum

Get ready to stitch in style! Join local artist and fashion designer Rebecca Shakespeare for a fun, hands-on sewing workshop. Whether you're a beginner or brushing up on your skills, you'll learn simple hand and machine sewing techniques to bring your creative designs to life.

Share your experience by tagging us @cincymuseum and using #CMC1950sDay.