Upcoming Tours
Heritage Programs is pleased to present the following tours in celebration of America 250. Join us as we say "Happy 250th Birthday"!
Visit Tower A
July 18, 2026 and August 22, 2026
Tour Times:
10:30 to 11:15 a.m. (JULY 18 – SOLD OUT)
Noon to 12:45 p.m.
1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
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.
Please note: There are approximately 35 steep steps to Tower A. This tour is not accessible. No selfie sticks or tripods permitted.
Price: $10 Members; $15 Non-Members
Registration deadline: If spaces are still available, guests can register day-of event!
Age limit: 10 and older; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking: Standard parking rates at Union Terminal apply.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum
Saturday, August 1, 2026
10 to 11:30 a.m.
The world’s only collection of ventriloquist dummies has called Ft. Mitchell, KY home since 1973. As an aficionado of ventriloquism, Mr. W.S. Berger’s original collection of 100 has grown to over 1200 dummies. Learn about the many ways the “Illusion of Life” has brought smiles and laughs to people of all ages. All “eyes” will be on you, as you learn how this creative entertainment style has been around for centuries and continues to be popular all over the world. This museum is only open certain times of the year so take this opportunity to join with Heritage Programs on this unique tour.
Please note: This tour meets at Vent Haven Museum at 33 West Maple Ave. in Ft. Mitchell, KY.
Price: $30 Members; $45 Non-Members
Registration deadline: Jul 27
Age limit: 12 and older; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Mark your calendar! This tour goes on sale July 9 at 9 a.m.
Exhibit Tour of “Equal to Any in the City:” Ball and Thomas Photographs 1840s-1870s
Saturday, August 8, 2026
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
AND
Saturday, September 26, 2026
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Heritage Programs invites you to celebrate America 250 with an interpretive walk through Cincinnati Museum Center's specisal exhibit “Equal to Any in the City:” Ball & Thomas Photographs 1840s–1870s.
During the 1850s, when Cincinnati was a hotbed of clashing opinions on slavery, African American entrepreneurs Ball and his brother-in-law, Alexander Thomas, became rockstars of early 19th century photography. People sought out the talented duo, In 1855, paying the equivalent of $85 in today’s dollar to have their photograph taken.
On this 90-minute walk through “Equal to Any in the City:” Ball & Thomas Photographs 1840s–1870s, Arabeth Balasko, Curator of Photographs, Prints, & Media, discusses how J.P. Ball, a free man of color, became a world-renown photographer capturing some of the most influential people of his time.
Arabeth Balasko details how she cares for the Cincinnati Museum Center’s J. P. Ball and A. S. Thomas Photographic Collection, the most complete collection of the duo’s work in the world, comprised of daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, carte de visites, tintypes and early versions of printed photos – and why these items are so special and significant to the history of American photography.
Please note: This tour will have low light conditions in the exhibit.
Price: $20 Members; $20 Non-Members
Registration deadline: August 3 for August 8 tour. September 21 for September 26 tour.
Age limit: 12 and older; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking: Standard parking rates at Union Terminal apply.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Mark your calendar! This tour goes on sale July 9 at 9 a.m.
