Wood County Museum

Education On The Road: The Bowling Green POW Camp During WWII
2025-02-12 12:15 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Walbridge Senior Center, 705 N Main St, Walbridge, OH 43465, Walbridge, 43465, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over The Bowling Green POW Camp – WWII
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE WALBRIDGE SENIOR CENTER*
The Bowling Green POW Camp – WWII
Learn details, and dispel some legends, about the WWII era Prisoner of War Camp that was within the city limits of Bowling Green.
Program Date: February 12, 2025
Program Time: 12:15PM
Program Location: Walbridge Senior Center – 705 N Main St, Walbridge, OH 43465
Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: The Bowling Green POW Camp During WWII
2025-02-13 12:15 - 13:00 | Wayne Senior Center, 202 E Main St, Wayne, 43466, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over The Bowling Green POW Camp – WWII
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE WAYNE SENIOR CENTER*
The Bowling Green POW Camp – WWII
Learn details, and dispel some legends, about the WWII era Prisoner of War Camp that was within the city limits of Bowling Green.
Program Date: February 13, 2025
Program Time: 12:15PM
Program Location: Wayne Senior Center – 202 E Main St, Wayne, OH 43466
Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: Black Swamp Stories - Part 3
2025-02-18 12:45 - 13:30 | Perrysburg Senior Center, 140 W. Indiana Avenue, Perrysburg, OH, 43551, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over Black Swamp Stories – Part 3!
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE PERRYSBURG SENIOR CENTER*
Black Swamp Stories – Part 3: Learn the location of the mysterious Dutchman’s Deadening, the most iconic barn in Wood County, and John Chapman’s gift.
Program Date: February 18, 2025
Program Time: 12:45PM
Program Location: Perrysburg Senior Center – 140 W Indiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: History Roundtable
2025-02-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Rossford Senior Center, 400 Dixie Highway, Rossford, OH, 43460, United States
Join Mike McMaster for a History Roundtable!
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE ROSSFORD SENIOR CENTER*
History Roundtable: An informal gathering sharing stories together. Host Mike McMaster will begin with a prompt, you prepare to share your own story
Program Date: February 21, 2025
Program Time: 10:00AM
Program Location: Rossford Senior Center – 400 Dixie Hwy, Rossford, OH 43460
Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: History Mystery Road Trip 2
2025-03-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Wood County Committee On Aging, 140 S Grove St, Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over History Mystery Road Trip 2.
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE WOOD COUNTY COMMITTEE ON AGING*
History Mystery Road Trip 2: Take a virtual road trip to a few of Wood County’s historic locations. Can you identify the story behind the places we will go?
Program Date: March 3, 2025
Program Time: 11:00AM
Program Location: Wood County Committee on Aging – 140 South Grove Street Bowling Green, OH 43402
Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: Mike’s Favorite Things Part 3
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Grand Rapids Senior Center, 23019 Kellogg Rd, Grand Rapids, OH, 43522
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over his favorite museum artifacts.

*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE GRAND RAPIDS SENIOR CENTER*

Mike’s Favorite Things Part 3: learn about some of Mike’s favorite museum artifacts and the stories behind them.

Program Date: March 4, 2025Program Time: 12:00PMProgram Location: 23019 Kellogg Rd. Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: History Mystery Road Trip 2
2025-03-05 00:15 - 13:00 | Pemberville Senior Center, 220 Cedar Street, Pemberville, OH, 43450
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over History Mystery Road Trip 2.
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE PEMBERVILLE SENIOR CENTER*
History Mystery Road Trip 2: Take a virtual road trip to a few of Wood County’s historic locations. Can you identify the story behind the places we will go?
Program Date: March 5, 2025
Program Time: 12:15PM
Program Location: Pemberville Senior Center – 220 Cedar Street Pemberville, OH 43450
Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: The Irish Invasion!
2025-03-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Port Clinton Public Library, 310 Madison St, Port Clinton, 43452, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over the Irish Invasion!
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE PORT CLINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY*
The Irish Invasion! Learn how Irish nationals conducted military operations from American soil.
Program Date: March 6, 2025
Program Time: 6:30PM
Program Location: Port Clinton Public Library – 310 Madison St, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Cost: FREE!

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day
2025-03-07 10:00 - 16:00
Come out to the Wood County Museum for free Museum admission every first Friday!
Free make & take craft on Free First Friday Days!
March Make & Take Craft: Lucky Grab Bags
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit Bowling Green, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau. With support from The Willows at Bowling Green.
Exhibits currently on display are:
“For Comfort & Convenience: Public Charity in Ohio By Way of the Poor Farm”
“The Mary & Carl Back Story”
“Chasing the White Rabbit: An Historical Look at American Mental Health” (inside Asylum)
“A Clean Bill of Health: Societal Response to Communicable Disease” (inside Pest House)
(Regular admission $7, always FREE for members).
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit Bowling Green, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau. With support from The Willows at Bowling Green.

Education On The Road: Mike’s Favorite Things Part 1
2025-03-12 12:15 - 13:00 | Walbridge Senior Center, 705 N Main St, Walbridge, OH 43465, Walbridge, 43465, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over some railroad history.

*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE WALBRIGE SENIOR CENTER*

Mike’s Favorite Things Part 1: learn about some of Mike’s favorite historical objects and the stories behind them. Part 1 is rich in railroad history!

Program Date: March 12, 2025Program Time: 12:15PMProgram Location: Walbridge Senior Center – 400 Dixie Highway Rossford, OH 43460Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: Mike’s Favorite Things Part 1
2025-03-13 12:15 - 13:00 | Wayne Senior Center, 202 E Main St, Wayne, 43466, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over some railroad history.

*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE WAYNE SENIOR CENTER*

Mike’s Favorite Things Part 1: learn about some of Mike’s favorite historical objects and the stories behind them. Part 1 is rich in railroad history!

Program Date: March 13, 2025Program Time: 12:15PMProgram Location: Wayne Senior Center -202 East Main Street Wayne, OH 43466Cost: FREE!

Tea & Talk Series: Willow Run Rosies - A Labor of Love
2025-03-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN – CALL 419-352-0967 TO PURCHASE!

“Willow Run Rosies – A Labor of Love”
How did the mothers, daughters, sisters, and girlfriends of men sent to war during WWII, with little experience, step onto assembly lines and turn the U.S. into the “Arsenal of Democracy”? Discover the extraordinary history of Michigan’s Willow Run B-24 Bomber Plant, the iconic story of Rosie the Riveter, and the powerful impact of women on the American home front in the 1940s.
Presented by “Rosie” in authentic period costume, this program will have you laughing, crying, chanting, and cheering as you witness the Can-Do teamwork that shaped America’s wartime success—and continues to inspire young people worldwide today!
About the Speaker:
Wendy Zielen grew up in upstate New York but became a lifelong Michigander when she met her husband at the University of Michigan. Currently, she is the Executive and Development Director for Bendix Academy, a small nonprofit organization in Brighton Michigan that teaches toolmanship through mentorship. Wendy enjoys utilizing her industry expertise to promote worthy youth advocacy, underserved communities, environmental sustainability, and historical preservation causes. She especially enjoys sharing the inspiration for the Willow Run story and Rosie the Riveter’s Can-Do spirit!
Each monthly tea & talk starts with a catered luncheon, warm tea, and a unique presentation over a topic of interest. Reservations are required and are due the Friday before each tea. All Ticket Sales are Final. Tickets are final sale & non-refundable. Handicap accessible facilities. Groups Welcome.
Price: $25/Museum Members, $30/Non-Members, $30/Gluten Free/Vegan Meal

Education On The Road: Mike’s Favorite Things Part 3
2025-03-14 12:15 - 13:00 | Rossford Senior Center, 400 Dixie Highway, Rossford, OH, 43460, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over his favorite museum artifacts.

*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE ROSSFORD SENIOR CENTER*

Mike’s Favorite Things Part 3: learn about some of Mike’s favorite museum artifacts and the stories behind them.

Program Date: March 14, 2025Program Time: 12:15PMProgram Location: 400 Dixie Highway Rossford, OH 43460Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: Black Swamp Stories - Part 4
2025-03-18 12:45 - 13:30 | Perrysburg Senior Center, 140 W. Indiana Avenue, Perrysburg, OH, 43551, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over Black Swamp Stories – Part 4!
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE PERRYSBURG SENIOR CENTER*
Black Swamp Stories – Part 4: Learn about the last war in Wood County, or was it?
Program Date: March 18, 2025
Program Time: 12:45PM
Program Location: Perrysburg Senior Center – 140 W Indiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: History Roundtable
2025-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Rossford Senior Center, 400 Dixie Highway, Rossford, OH, 43460, United States
Join Mike McMaster for a History Roundtable!
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE ROSSFORD SENIOR CENTER*
History Roundtable: An informal gathering sharing stories together. Host Mike McMaster will begin with a prompt, you prepare to share your own story
Program Date: March 26, 2025
Program Time: 10:00AM
Program Location: Rossford Senior Center – 400 Dixie Hwy, Rossford, OH 43460
Cost: FREE!

Education On The Road: Missionaries of the Maumee
2025-03-27 18:30 - 19:30 | Walbridge Public Library, 108 N. Main St., Walbridge, OH, 43465, United States
Join Mike McMaster as he gives an education program over Missionaries of the Maumee.
*THIS IS EVENT IS AT THE WALBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY*
Learn about the early Missionaries of the Maumee River Valley and the work they did; it’s not what you think. But were they overshadowed by a more talented woman?
Program Date: March 27, 2025
Program Time: 6:30PM
Program Location: Walbridge Public Library – 108 N Main St, Walbridge, OH 43465
Cost: FREE!

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
2025-04-01 - 2025-04-30 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Join the Wood County Museum for the 5th Annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt!

From April 1-30, find all 10 egg signs and collect the clues to win a prize. Signs will be “hidden” all around the Museum grounds, all 50 acres!

This is an egg hunt that is for both kids and adults, everyone is welcome to participate!

You can pick up your “passport” book inside the Museum during open hours, or at either of the information kiosks on the grounds (visitor parking lot or behind the building by the Herb Garden).

Once you find all the egg signs and fill out the clue answers, bring your completed passport back to the museum front desk during open hours (10AM-4PM) to claim your prize.

We hope you have fun and learn a little bit of our history while hunting for clues!

This is a FREE community event.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsors: Sleek Academy & All About the Kids Learning Center.
Sign Sponsors: Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ted Bowlus – Podiatrist, St. Aloysius Catholic School, Susan & George Winters, CedarCreek Church, The Morning Show BG, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church & Academy, Lanny & Marcia Traber, Betco, and The Wells Family.

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day
2025-04-04 10:00 - 16:00
Come out to the Wood County Museum for free Museum admission every first Friday!
Free make & take craft on Free First Friday Days!
April Make & Take Craft: Easter Slap Bracelets
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit Bowling Green, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau. With support from The Willows at Bowling Green.
Exhibits currently on display are:
“For Comfort & Convenience: Public Charity in Ohio By Way of the Poor Farm”
“The Mary & Carl Back Story”
“Chasing the White Rabbit: An Historical Look at American Mental Health” (inside Asylum)
“A Clean Bill of Health: Societal Response to Communicable Disease” (inside Pest House)
(Regular admission $7, always FREE for members).
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit Bowling Green, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau. With support from The Willows at Bowling Green.

Tea & Talk Series: Signed, Sealed, Delivered - The 6888th WAC
2025-04-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered: the 6888th WAC”
Discover the remarkable story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first Black Women’s Army Corps (WAC) unit sent overseas during World War II. Tasked with organizing and delivering millions of pieces of undelivered mail, these 855 women transformed postal operations in the European Theater, ensuring that Americans serving overseas received critical morale-boosting letters from home.
In addition to their logistical success, the women of the 6888th faced unique challenges. They confronted racism and sexism both within the Army and in society at large while also battling for respect and recognition as soldiers in the WAC. Their service went beyond the well-known Double Victory campaign for civil rights and democracy abroad, achieving what can be called a “Triple Victory”.
This lecture will explore the creation of the 6888th, the challenges of segregation, the influential individuals and organizations advocating for their deployment, and their groundbreaking accomplishments in Europe. Join us to learn about these trailblazing women’s lasting impact and legacy.

About the Speaker:
Molly Sampson is a dedicated World War II historian and museum leader, currently pursuing a master’s degree in WWII Studies at Arizona State University. Her research emphasizes the confluence of gender, social, and military history by focusing on the Women’s Army Corps in World War II. Outside of conference presentations such as the RAF Museum Conference, the Society for Military History Annual Meeting, and the James A. Barnes Conference, Sampson has also had the opportunity to share her research through the exhibition “The Triple Victory of the 6888th” and as a consultant on the Tyler Perry film “Six Triple Eight”. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Sandusky Area Maritime Association, Sampson oversees the operations of the Maritime Museum of Sandusky.

Each monthly tea & talk starts with a catered luncheon, warm tea, and a unique presentation over a topic of interest. Reservations are required and are due the Friday before each tea. All Ticket Sales are Final. Tickets are final sale & non-refundable. Handicap accessible facilities. Groups Welcome.
Price: $25/Museum Members, $30/Non-Members, $30/Gluten Free/Vegan Meal

Demonstration Day: Spring Blacksmithing
2025-04-19 09:00 - 14:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
On Saturday, April 19th, The Wood County Museum will host a Demonstration Day featuring the Northwest Ohio Blacksmiths Association as they keep the art of blacksmithing stoked in heart of Wood County with an Open Forge Demonstration from 9 AM – 2 PM. Watch seasoned blacksmiths or try your hand at this lost art.
The Demonstration Day is free to attend. The museum will be open from 12PM – 4 PM on Saturday, April 19th with regular admission, $7 for adults, with discounts for seniors, veterans and children. The Museum is handicap accessible with an elevator, handicap restrooms, and ample parking in the visitor lot as well as behind the museum (south side). The south elevator entrance is also behind the museum.

Ribbon Cutting & Open House for "We'll Meet Again: Remembering World War II"
2025-04-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
NEW EXHIBIT AT WOOD COUNTY MUSEUM
“We’ll Meet Again: Remember World War II” to showcase Wood County Veterans.
The Wood County Museum is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibit, We’ll Meet Again: Remembering World War II on April 24, 2025. The exhibit will showcase over 40+ uniforms of Wood County Veterans. It can be argued World War II is one of the most romanticized eras of the 20th century, while defining a generation. We’ll Meet Again: Remembering World War II, challenges the romantic notion of war through the exhibition of objects used by service men and women from Wood County, Ohio coupled with of the era film and first-person audio experiences.
This exhibit was sponsored by Ohio Humanities and made possible with support from: Bowling Green Manor, VFW Post 1148 Edwin & Irma Wolf, Anonymous, Mike & Terri Marsh, Lybarger Grim American Legion Post 441, Angels In Arms, Phipps, Shevlin, and Hebeka Family Dentistry, VFW Post 9963, The Wood County Historical Society, and other contributors.
The museum will be open for self-guided tours Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM and weekends from 12 PM – 4 PM (closed on government holidays). Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children, with discounts for seniors, students, and military. Historical Society members receive free admission as well as a gift shop discount. The museum is handicap accessible and group tours are welcome.
A grand opening celebration & open house for the exhibit will take place on Thursday, April 24th with a ribbon cutting at 4:00 PM by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, followed by a public reception until 6:00 PM. Please RSVP to visitus@woodcountyhistory.org.
All events detailed at woodcountyhistory.org or by following the Wood County Museum on social media. The museum is located at 13660 County Home Road in Bowling Green.

Hancock Historical Museum Membership Swap
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-30 | Hancock Historical Museum, 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH, 45840, United States
This May, enjoy an exclusive perk of your Wood County Museum membership — a membership swap with the Hancock Historical Museum, allowing you to explore more incredible attractions in our area for free. Not a member? Click here to learn more about the benefits.
Details:
Duration: Entire month of May 2025
Admission Includes:

Admission to the Hancock Historical Museum

Important Information:
Admission Policy:

Free admission for 2 adults and all children/grandchildren under 18, regardless of membership level

Logistic Details:
Exchange is ONLY good for admission, no additional benefits.

Hours:

Wednesday – Friday 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday 1 PM to 4 PM
Saturdays are by appointment only and not available as part of this membership perk.
Closed Monday & Tuesdays

About the Hancock Historical Museum

The Hancock Historical Museum, located in Findlay, Ohio, is a privately-funded, non-profit history museum founded in 1970 by five local civic leaders: Harold Corbin, Jack Harrington, Ed Heminger, Jim Brucklacher, and Joe Opperman. These five men had the foresight to create a place to preserve and share our local history. Over the years, the museum’s role in the community has grown significantly. Through educational programming and outreach, as well as curation activities, the museum:

‌Provides a place for family-focused cultural enrichment

Creates and strengthens community identity

Instills a sense of community pride and ownership

Embodies our unique sense of place

Preserves our collective memory

Today, the Hancock Historical Museum is the only nonprofit organization preserving and sharing our community’s rich heritage, Annual attendance at the museum, special events, and outreach programming nears 25,000 people, including more than 4,000 Hancock County schoolchildren.
​The museum began with the acquisition of the Hull-Flater House at 422 West Sandusky Street, and first opened to the public in 1971. The house was built in 1881 by Jasper Hull, co-founder of the Findlay Artificial Gas and Light Company, and was one of the grandest homes of the day. Today, the home still serves as the welcoming “front porch” of an expansive development that has grown to nine facilities, including the Little Red Schoolhouse and the new Marathon Energy & Transportation Annex. In addition to an expansive campus, the museum houses more than 70,000 books, photographs, manuscripts and artifacts in its collections. Without the efforts of the Hancock Historical Museum, we would lose many of the stories, buildings, memories and treasures – and the lessons they hold – for future generations.
Plan your visit! Click here to learn more about its mission, things to see, and more.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore new educational experiences with your family. We look forward to seeing our members enjoy the exciting exhibits and activities at the Hancock Historical Museum this May!

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day
2025-05-02 10:00 - 16:00
Come out to the Wood County Museum for free Museum admission every first Friday!
Free make & take craft on Free First Friday Days!
May Make & Take Craft: TBA
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit Bowling Green, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau. With support from The Willows at Bowling Green.
Exhibits currently on display are:
“For Comfort & Convenience: Public Charity in Ohio By Way of the Poor Farm”
“The Mary & Carl Back Story”
“Chasing the White Rabbit: An Historical Look at American Mental Health” (inside Asylum)
“A Clean Bill of Health: Societal Response to Communicable Disease” (inside Pest House)
(Regular admission $7, always FREE for members).
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit Bowling Green, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau. With support from The Willows at Bowling Green.

Early Ohio on the Portage
2025-05-02 10:00 - 2025-05-04 15:00
Early Ohio Along the Portage: A Timeline (1700-1865) Reenactment Event
Experience Military, Native Americans, Settlers, Political Growth and Home Life Activities. See well-known characters of days gone by at this ‘Living History’ event!
This event is co-sponsored by the Wood County Museum & the Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor.
May 2: 10AM-3PM
May 3: 10AM-5PM (Lady Brandeberry’s Ball at 6:00PM)
May 4: 10AM-3PM
FREE ADMISSION TO EVENT
Wood County Museum Grounds

***For participant (reenactor) registration: contact: Annette Wells #419-352-0967 or EMAIL: museum@woodcountyhistory.org
Spots are first come, and at the discretion of the EOOP Committee. The Wood County Museum & Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor have the right to refuse anyone from the event.
Sign up forms:
• Reenactor/Living History/ Registration Form: https://forms.gle/CTW3uUV9kARBU6Q56
• Vendor Registration Form: https://forms.gle/N18cG8Mu7pvbSiMz6

This event is co-sponsored by the Wood County Museum & the Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor. With support from Visit BG Ohio.
Pioneer Sponsors: The Willows at Bowling Green

Lady Brandeberry's Ball
2025-05-03 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for an evening of delight at the Lady Brandeberry Ball!
This free Regency Era-themed ball (circa. 1800-1820) will be held under cover on the grounds of the Wood County Museum at 6:00pm on Saturday May 3rd, 2025.
The Lady Brandeberry Ball will take place during our living history weekend–Early Ohio on the Portage (May 2, 3, & 4th).
The Ball is meant to be a merry amusement for all ages.
Regency/Bridgerton-style attire or formal attire is encouraged but not required.
A dancing partner is not required; neither is previous dancing experience. Free dance lessons will start at 3:00PM.
Guests will be treated to live music by the “Roots Cellar String Band”.
Food & Beverage sales will be available for purchase.
Ball RSVP’s to Wood County Museum are most appreciated!
Come one and all!
This event is co-sponsored by the Wood County Museum & the Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor. With support from Visit BG Ohio.

Meet & Greet with author Robert Kroeger
2025-06-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Meet & Greet with Round Barns of America & Historic Barns of Ohio author Robert Kroeger
6PM
Free for Members/$7 Non-Member (tickets include a self-guided tour of the museum in addition to the program)
Join author, Dr. Robert Kroeger, as he shares stories about historic barns, from both of his books “Historic Barns of Ohio” & “Round Barns of America”. Kroeger will tell his story of traveling throughout the county to preserve historic barn history via original paintings. Between the two books, over 163 barns in 32 states, are featured.
Dr. Kroeger will also be doing a book signing while at the Wood County Museum.

About the Author: Dr. Robert Kroeger
“Barns represent the heart of America, and the old ones are bleeding. So many barns, so little time.” – RF Kroeger, artist and writer

Robert Kroeger is a second generation artist, though, unlike his father Francis, his professional art career blossomed later in life. A hint of what was to come began at the age of four when young Robert, fascinated by his dad’s oils, mischievously opened the tubes one day and started painting on his palette while dad was away at work. After finishing the masterpiece, Robert neatly placed the tubes, still opened, and the beautiful sable-haired brushes wet with oil paint, together with the palette, back into his father’s treasured wooden art box, shut tight. A few days later, Francis, who earned his BFA from the University of Notre Dame in 1938, discovered his son’s “work.”
Though he did not immediately follow in his father’s footsteps, Robert’s career as a dentist allowed him to study color values and facial esthetic principles in smile design. Then, in the early 2000s while staying in a rural bed and breakfast in Licking County, Ohio, a lonely deteriorating barn, “Granville Gray,” called out to him. With roof sagging, boards missing, corners slightly tilted, and in obvious disrepair it captivated his eye. Suddenly a voice whispered, “Paint it and write about it.” The message was like a lightning bolt that hit him between the eyes. Almost immediately, it ignited his Ohio Barn Project, which has taken Robert to about two dozen Ohio counties – from north to south and east to west – where he’s painted barns, talked with owners, and written stories about each structure. The stories can be found at www.barnart.weebly.com. Hundreds of his paintings have raised funds for the local 4-H, historical societies, or other non-profits in the county where he works.

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day
2025-06-06 10:00 - 16:00
Come out to the Wood County Museum for free Museum admission every first Friday!
Free make & take craft on Free First Friday Days!
June Make & Take Craft: TBA
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit Bowling Green, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau. With support from The Willows at Bowling Green.
Exhibits currently on display are:
“For Comfort & Convenience: Public Charity in Ohio By Way of the Poor Farm”
“The Mary & Carl Back Story”
“Chasing the White Rabbit: An Historical Look at American Mental Health” (inside Asylum)
“A Clean Bill of Health: Societal Response to Communicable Disease” (inside Pest House)
(Regular admission $7, always FREE for members).
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit Bowling Green, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau.

WWII Lecture Series - WWII Film: From Hitler to Hollywood
2025-06-10 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for a talk on the U.S. film industry during World War II, examining how Hollywood shaped public morale, produced propaganda, and supported the war effort. Using Casablanca as a key example, we’ll explore the influence of Jewish émigrés on wartime cinema and how studios and stars contributed to America’s efforts both on and off the screen.
When: June 10, 2025 at 6:00PM
Cost: FREE for members; $7 for non-members (tickets include a self-guided tour of the museum in addition to the program)
***Each person attending must be a member to get the member rate. Members may not make reservations for non-members on their behalf***

About the Speaker: Joy Bennett
In addition to serving as the museum’s archivist and curator of the Hancock Historical Museum for the last 10 years, Joy Bennett is the facilitator of the museum’s monthly Classic Movie Night, where she shares the historical context behind the films and leads the discussion after the screening. She is a classic movie enthusiast and holds both a master of arts in 20th Century American & German History and a master of arts in museum studies from Bowling Green State University.

Poor Farm Palooza Fundraiser
2025-06-11 - 2025-06-18 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
The Wood County Museum is proud to offer educational programs and entertaining events to all ages throughout the year. Beyond that, the Museum highlights an important part of our collective history by telling the stories of the poor, elderly, and the disabled as one of the few remaining original county poor farms. This year the Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and also opened two exhibits. “For Service & Support” tells the histories of the county infirmary’s disabled residents; this was their home many years ago. “We’ll Meet Again: Remembering WWII” displays artifacts, uniforms, and histories from the war as told through the eyes of folks from northwest Ohio. We are excited for these exhibits, programs, and our 50th year!
This year we are asking for your support virtually. This includes an opportunity to make a financial donation directly to the society and participate in an online auction.
The Poor Farm Palooza Fundraiser/online auction is the Wood County Historical Society’s largest fundraising event. The revenue goes towards daily operations including educational programs, installation of new exhibits, collections management, and other museum events.
Your support ensures the longevity and success of YOUR award-winning local history museum. Please help us reach our goal to raise $15,000 by becoming a virtual event sponsor, purchasing a non-event ticket, and by participating in the online auction.
Non-Event Tickets are $50
Auction website: 32auctions.com/pfpf25

Thank you to our event sponsors!
Museum Sponsors: Susan & George Winters, Foster Jones Sommers Investment Group of Raymond James
County Home Sponsors: Kirian’s Home Shop, Bill & Bev Hirzel, Anonymous, Lynn & Betty Wineland,
Poor Farm Sponsors: The Copy Shop, Gordon & Lynne Bowman, Paul & Sue Smith, Lanny & Marcia Traber, Michael Sibberson

Online Silent Auction Fundraiser
2025-06-11 12:00 - 2025-06-18 20:00
The Online Silent Auction is part of the Wood County Museum’s largest fundraiser event of the year – Poor Farm Palooza Fundraiser! The online auction portion has over 100+ products up for bid. Peruse the wonderful items generously donated by Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, (& beyond!) businesses. Bidding on an auction item helps us reach $15,000 fundraising goal. Don’t want to bid? Make a donation instead to the Wood County Museum.

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Online Auction • June 11-18
Simply sign up at www.32auctions.com/pfpf25
Once signed up, you’ll be able to bid & donate!

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The Wood County Museum is proud to offer educational programs and entertaining events to all ages throughout the year. Beyond that, the Museum highlights an important part of our collective history by telling the stories of the poor, elderly, and the disabled as one of the few remaining original county poor farms. This year the Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and also opened two exhibits. “For Service & Support” tells the histories of the county infirmary’s disabled residents; this was their home many years ago. “We’ll Meet Again: Remembering WWII” displays artifacts, uniforms, and histories from the war as told through the eyes of folks from northwest Ohio. We are excited for these exhibits, programs, and our 50th year!

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You can also help us reach our goal to raise $15,000 by becoming an event sponsor, purchasing an event ticket, and by participating in the auction.

You can also make donations & purchase Event Tickets at woodcountyhistory.org/event/pfpf25
