COLUMBUS – Fourth-grade students who visit the Ohio History Center will receive a one-time free admission to the Ohio State Fair when they present the 4th Grade History Pass, with a paid adult admission.
This is the second year for the promotion, sponsored by America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for leading Ohio’s commemorations for America’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
The promotion runs from July 23 to Aug. 3.
“As we head into 2026, we’re proud to again offer students and their families the opportunity to deepen their connection to Ohio and each other through visits to the Ohio History Center and the Ohio State Fair,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio.
“Not only will they have an opportunity to explore exhibits such as Indigenous Wonders of Our World—The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks and try classic carnival rides, but they’ll also have fun while doing so!”
America 250-Ohio at the fair
America 250-Ohio will host a booth at the Ohio State Fair in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, presented by the Ohio Soybean Council, with the theme of “A Birthday Party for America.”
Featured activities at the booth will include a fun photo op, games, crafts, and more. Students and their families are encouraged to stop by and record a special birthday message that will be used in America 250-Ohio communications in the coming year.
To participate, students can acquire a 4th Grade History Pass from the America 250-Ohio’s website. There is an option to select a printed or digital version for download.
Regular admission fees apply for accompanying family members, and passes are not valid for field trips or group visits. To take advantage of the combined offer of the Ohio State Fair and Ohio History Center, fourth-grade students and their families must purchase their admission at the Ohio State Fair entrance, located outside of the Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave. The facility’s three flag poles mark the gate.
During the Ohio State Fair, admission purchased at the Ohio History Center/Ohio State Fair gate is valid for both the Ohio History Center and the Ohio State Fair experiences. Visitors will receive an Ohio State Fair handstamp that provides admission to both venues. Please note that the Ohio History Center/Ohio State Fair gate is only open from 10 am to 5 pm. Other restrictions may apply.
History pass restrictions
One history pass per fourth-grade student per transaction for free general admission. Must be accompanied by a paid adult general admission.
The pass must be presented at the time of purchase, either as a digital version on a smartphone or a printed version. The program is for fourth-grade students for the 2024-2025 school year.
The pass is valid through August 31, but can only be used at the Ohio State Fair during the 2025 dates: July 23 through August 3.
Each school year on September 1, the pass for the fourth-grade students of that school year will be available and valid through the following August. The program will end on August 31, 2027.
About American 250-Ohio
In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years.
Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio legislature created the Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH). It launched on March 1, 2022.
The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is to “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). For more information, visit America250-Ohio.org.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.