Arguably the hottest theater event in the country, Hamilton takes the stage for its final performances at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati this weekend, ready to prescribe audiences with a calculated dose of hip-hop and history. If you plan to see the show, know that you’ll leave the Aronoff Center with an expanded knowledge of the American Revolution. If you want to advance your understanding of the revolution and other iconic events in U.S. history, try pairing your night at the theater with a day at one of these local history museums or parks.
- William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Stop by Mount Auburn to see the childhood home of 27th President William Howard Taft. The site offers tours of the house and the Taft Education Center, which has an array of items from Taft’s life on display. The house and the surrounding area have been restored to their original appearance from 1857 to 1877 to give visitors a glimpse into Taft’s early years.
2038 Auburn Ave., Mount Auburn, (513) 684-3262, nps.gov/wiho
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The Underground Railroad connected people and places that assisted slaves as they traveled north, primarily in the 30 years prior to the Civil War. Conveniently located downtown, the Freedom Center shares stories of battles for freedom through interactive exhibits and short films. In addition to stories from the 18th and 19th centuries, the museum also offers Invisible: Slavery Today, the first exhibit to cover the modern-day issue of human trafficking.
50 East Freedom Way, Downtown, (513) 333-7739, freedomcenter.org
- Holocaust and Humanity Center
The Jewish New American Society, a group of Holocaust survivors that immigrated to Cincinnati from Eastern Europe, opened the Holocaust and Humanity Center in 2000 to educate the community on the horrors of the Holocaust and how to prevent similar massacres in the future. In January, the museum moved to the renovated Union Terminal with a new exhibit space that presents examples of Holocaust survivors and celebrates the Jewish community through interactive media.
1301 Western Ave., West End, (513) 487-3055, holocaustandhumanity.org
- Tri-State Warbird Museum
From fighter aircrafts to bombers, America has quite a rich history of military aircraft. The Tri-State Warbird Museum in Batavia has several aircraft on display primarily from World War II. This is the place to get an up-close look at these historic artifacts, some of which hang from the ceiling for you to walk underneath. The museum’s goal is not just to show off the planes, but to educate guests on aviation history and America’s role in World War II through tours and speakers.
4021 Borman Ave., Batavia, (513) 735-4500, tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org
- William Henry Harrison Tomb
William Henry Harrison, the 23rd president, desired to be buried at the intersection of three states: Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The site of Harrison’s tomb in North Bend is open to visitors and accompanies a panoramic view of the Ohio River Valley. Plaques and signs on and around the tomb showcase quotes and highlights of Harrison’s life.
41 Cliff Rd., North Bend, (844) 288-7709, hsmfmuseum.org
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