Wood County Museum

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day
2026-07-10 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Come out to the Wood County Museum for free Museum admission every first Friday! ***July’s Free First Friday will be on July 10th due to the Federal Holiday***
Free make & take craft on Free First Friday Days!
July Make & Take Craft: Christmas in July
Free First Fridays is presented by Visit BG, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Exhibits currently on display are:
“We’ll Meet Again: Remembering World War II”
“For Comfort & Convenience: Public Charity in Ohio By Way of the Poor Farm”
“Service & Support: Creating and Accessible Community”
“Wood County: A Timeless Classic”
“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 BG Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Safety Fair & Touch-A-Truck
2026-07-18 11:00 - 16:00 | Wood County Museum Grounds, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Join the Wood County Museum for the 4th Annual Safety Fair & Touch-A-Truck event on July 18, 2026 from 11am-4pm! Rain or shine!

This is a FREE community event that the public will be able to get an up close look at/in: service vehicles, fire trucks, police cruisers, 1st responder vehicles, tractors, and construction equipment. There will also be a safety fair vendor tent, activities and bounce houses for kids, plus so much more!

Food trucks will be on site: Hot Dawg Hut, Puckers Lemonade, TBD

Thank you to all of our sponsors: TBA

If you or your business would like to participate with an information table or sponsor, please reach out to the Wood County Museum at marketing@woodcountyhistory.org

The Great Depression Lecture Series - "Land of Our Own? Sharecroppers and Tenant Farmers in the Great Depression"
2026-08-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
The Great Depression Lecture Series – “Land of Our Own? Sharecroppers and Tenant Farmers in the Great Depression”
August 5 | 6:00PM
Wood County Museum Meeting Room
FREE
A core tenet of the New Deal was to improve the economic standing of the nation’s farmers who had suffered from depressed commodity prices since the 1920s. Yet, the implementation of these programs was often skewed solely toward landowners. For the millions of non-landowning farmers—sharecroppers, tenant farmers, and farmworkers—there existed little to no avenues for assistance. Consequently, a debilitating cycle of debt, evictions, and displacements continued to plague this foundational section of American society. In the eighth installment of the Great Depression Lecture Series, we will examine the conditions afflicting these non-landowning farmers and how the New Deal failed to mitigate their suffering.
This is the eighth installment in the Great Depression Lecture Series, an America 250 program. This is a Wood County Park District lead event, in partnership with the Wood County Museum.

America250 Lecture Series – Sports in the Shadow of World War II
2026-08-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Fields of Conflict: Sports in the Shadow of World War II
Together we will examine how World War II fundamentally reshaped athletics, as major sporting events were suspended, athletes were drafted into military service, and leagues were forced to adapt for survival. We’ll explore the cancellation of global competitions such as the 1940 and 1944 Olympics and the World Cup, the rise of women’s sports—most notably the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League—the merging of professional teams like the Steagles, and the shift toward military base athletics. Despite these challenges, sports remained a crucial source of morale and unity on the home front during wartime.

When: August 11, 2026 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 Speakers:
Sam Sprunger
President, Lounge Media Group
Sam is a history educator with over 15 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for sports. Known for his deep knowledge of Purdue basketball and Chicago Cubs baseball, he brings enthusiasm and insight to both the classroom and the field. In addition to teaching, Sam has coached football and baseball for students of all ages. Outside of his professional work, he stays busy supporting his children at sporting events year-round, traveling with his wife, and contributing to the Dad Lounge and BoilerMaker Lounge podcasts.

Brienne Sprunger
Assistant Professor of Marketing and MBA Director, Bluffton University
Brienne is a dedicated educator and lifelong learner who brings creativity and innovation to both her teaching and professional practice. She is committed to providing hands-on marketing experiences for her students through meaningful community partnerships. Outside the classroom, Brienne enjoys reading, supporting her sons’ school activities, traveling with her husband, and staying actively involved in community events.

Music at the Museum
2026-08-13 18:00 - 21:00
FREE LIVE MUSIC CONCERT AT WOOD COUNTY MUSEUM
The Wood County Museum will hosting its 4th annual concert series “Music at the Museum”, a free concert featuring Live Music on the east wing porch of the historic County Home building on four dates in 2026: June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10 – starting at 6:00 PM. Each concert will feature 2 bands.
The August “Music at the Museum”, will feature 2 bands: TBA
Concert-goers are asked to bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating.
Beer garden & yard games will also be onsite. No outside alcohol will be allowed.
Food Truck lineup: TBA

America250 Lecture Series – The War In Europe Through The Eyes Of A Young Infantryman
2026-09-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
The War In Europe Through The Eyes Of A Young Infantryman
Follow the remarkable journey of a World War II infantryman from Normandy to Czechoslovakia in this 50-minute program featuring firsthand experiences, including the Battle of the Bulge, the recovery of hidden art treasures, and the liberation of a concentration camp.
When: September 8, 2026 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:
Ronald Ammons

Music at the Museum
2026-09-10 18:00 - 21:00
FREE LIVE MUSIC CONCERT AT WOOD COUNTY MUSEUM
The Wood County Museum will hosting its 4th annual concert series “Music at the Museum”, a free concert featuring Live Music on the east wing porch of the historic County Home building on four dates in 2026: June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10 – starting at 6:00 PM. Each concert will feature 2 bands.
The September “Music at the Museum”, will feature 2 bands: TBA
Concert-goers are asked to bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating.
Beer garden & yard games will also be onsite. No outside alcohol will be allowed.
Food Truck lineup: TBA

Taste Test the Past: Hot Water Canning
2026-09-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Join the Wood County Museum for our American 250 themed cooking series: Taste Test the Past!
Want to try canning, but don’t know where to begin? Learn how to safely preserve food from your garden, how to find recipes, and how to do proper canning research. Everyone will go home with tomato sauce!

When: September 14, 2026 at 2:00PM
Cost: FREE for members; $10 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***

Tea & Talk Series: It Ain't Me: Vietnam War Protest Music
2026-10-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
“It Ain’t Me: Vietnam War Protest Music”
Popular culture has always been affected by war. Artists often use their respective mediums as a form of expressing their support, or distaste, of U.S. involvement in world conflicts. This was never more apparent than in music during the Vietnam Era. This talk will look at music during this time and what it meant to Americans at home and abroad

About the Speaker:
Alyssa Garland is the current Museum & Events Assistant at the Wood County Museum. She received her B.A. in History from BGSU in 2016 and her M.A. in History, with a focus in Public History, from BGSU in 2018. Alyssa has worked at many different historical institutions in Wood County: BGSU Department of History as a Research Assistant, BGSU Center for Archival Collections as a Student Assistant, and Carter Historic Farm as Historic Farm Interpretive Assistant. Her areas of study include Women’s History, The Great Depression, Mid-Century American History, and the Cold War.

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: $30/Museum Members, $35/Non-Members, $35/Gluten Free/Vegan Meal

Tea & Talk Series: The Revolutionary War on the Maumee River Valley
2026-11-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
“The Revolutionary War on the Maumee River Valley”
Although the Ohio Frontier was far removed from the better-known American Revolutionary War history that we have been taught, the Maumee River played an important, and little known, roll during the conflict,1776-1783. Hear Wood County Educator, Michael McMaster, share his wealth of knowledge about the Maumee River Valley and Ohio Frontier and its important part during the war.

About the Speaker:
Michael McMaster has been the Education Programs Coordinator at the Wood County Museum for 22 years. In that time, Michael has presented over 1,500 historical programs to over 57,000 persons of all ages in the Wood County area. Prior to becoming the Education Coordinator, Michael has been a twice published author, newspaper editor, school teacher, and Army Infantry veteran. Michael lives in rural Henry County and is married with 4 children. Mike’s wife says this program is “OK”.

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: $30/Museum Members, $35/Non-Members, $35/Gluten Free/Vegan Meal

America250 Lecture Series – A 250-Year Journey Through American Advertising
2026-11-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Remember This? A 250-Year Journey Through American Advertising
Step back in time and relive the commercials, jingles, and slogans that shaped generations—discover how 250 years of American advertising left a lasting mark on our culture and our memories. We’ll trace the evolution of advertising from early print ads and catchy radio jingles to iconic TV commercials and today’s digital and social media campaigns. Along the way, we will tap into shared childhood memories—those unforgettable slogans, mascots, and commercials that still stick with us years later. By blending history, culture, and nostalgia, this presentation is sure to offer a fun and insightful look at how advertising has connected with consumers across generations and why those messages still matter today.

When: November 17, 2026 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:

Brienne Sprunger
Assistant Professor of Marketing and MBA Director, Bluffton University
Brienne is a dedicated educator and lifelong learner who brings creativity and innovation to both her teaching and professional practice. She is committed to providing hands-on marketing experiences for her students through meaningful community partnerships. Outside the classroom, Brienne enjoys reading, supporting her sons’ school activities, traveling with her husband, and staying actively involved in community events.

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day
2026-12-04 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!
December Make & Take Craft: Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
Free First Fridays is presented by : Visit BG, Ohio , Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Exhibits currently on display are:
“We’ll Meet Again: Remembering World War II”
“For Service & Support: Creating an Accessible Community”
“Wood County: A Timeless Classic”
“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:

Meet-&-Greet and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
2026-12-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Join us for the December Free First Friday on December 4th. We will be doing free gingerbread cookie decorating. There will also be a meet and greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus from 11am-1pm.

Photo ops are available from 11 am to 1 pm in the meeting room at the museum. The Wood County Museum will take 1 printed out photo for free. Visitors are welcome to take their own photos with cell phones, professional photography will not be allowed.

Free First Fridays is presented by Visit BG, Ohio , Visit Perrysburg, & Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau.

*Gingerbread cookies will be available while supplies last.

Taste Test the Past: Holiday Baking
2026-12-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
Join the Wood County Museum for our American 250 themed cooking series: Taste Test the Past!
From gingerbread to Christmas cookies, learn about holidays past through delicious baked goods. Samples and recipes provided!

When: December 7, 2026 at 2:00PM
Cost: FREE for members; $10 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***

Tea & Talk Series: Frozen Frontlines & Candy Lifelines: Remembering the Korean War
2026-12-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
“Frozen Frontlines & Candy Lifelines: Remembering the Korean War”
Join Adriane Weisert as she explores the Korean War, the Chosin Reservoir and how the TV show M*A*S*H and the Tootsie Roll influenced not only troops but the people of the USA and their feelings about the war.

About the Speaker:
Adriane Weisert has been part of the living history and education hobby for over 20 years. Over the years, she has been involved in several history programs, including portraying a one-room schoolteacher at the Henry County Fair, speaking on the Civil War, the 1920s, and the 1930s, and exhibiting cabin life at the Wood County Museum. These days, among other things, she is the owner of Traveling Teapots, putting her knowledge and love of a good theme party to use.

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: $30/Museum Members, $35/Non-Members, $35/Gluten Free/Vegan Meal
