Take a Trip Down Memory Lane at American Sign Museum

Still puts a smile on my face as I think about my trip down memory lane at American Sign Museum near downtown Cincinnati.

It’s bright. It’s glowing. Neon is everywhere here.

Yet, one of my favorite signs was the iconic Big Boy statue, featured above, as my brother-in-law loves the nostalgic restaurant chain and any of its memorabilia.

American Sign Museum is just a fun place to be. It brings back memories of a time long gone.

Learn the history and development of signs

If nostalgia is your thing, spend some time learning about the history of signs and their development over the last hundred years. I’m sure it will bring up fond memories of your past. I know it did for me! It revived childhood memories of family road trip stops at Howard Johnson’s because of my dad’s love for ice cream. The 15-cent, single-arch McDonald’s sign reminded me of when I could order a burger, fries, and drink for around a dollar as a youngster. Or maybe you’ll be reminded of companies no longer in business, like SOHIO.

The museum explains the history of signs in America and the importance of preservation for generations to come. It demonstrates sign restoration, and even how to make them. In essence, about 100 years of signs in American culture are being showcased and promoted.

Here you can see late 19^th and early 20^th century gold leaf signs. Then explore the advent of neon signs in the 1930s and the porcelain enamel signs of the 1940s-60s. You can see the pre-neon lightbulb signs, illuminated shaped signs, double-faced plastic signs, hand-painted wooden signs, and more.

Neon tube bending demonstrations

You can take a trip down memory lane at American Sign Museum in an hour or take a little longer watching tube bending demonstrations by the Neonworks of Cincinnati located inside the museum. Explore – American Sign Museum. In addition, you can even order or create your own neon sign by calling 513-771-8559. Learn how to bend tubing for neon signs on Saturdays at 1 and 3 p.m.

There are over 4,000 items in the collection, including over 800 signs, 1,500 photographs, 175 pieces of artwork, and 300 tools, equipment, and supply materials, according to the website. Online Collection – American Sign Museum

According to the website, founder and curator Tod Swormstedt, worked at Signs of the Times magazine for 26 years, eventually becoming its editor. Swormstedt founded National Signs of the Times Museum in 1999, then changed its name to America Sign Museum in 2005, according to the website. The museum was later moved to house its growing collection to the current Camp Washington historical location. Explore – American Sign Museum The museum completed a 20,000-square-foot expansion in July 2024 and now the museum houses a theater, classroom space, and gallery.

In-house library has technical manuals on sign making

The museum also houses a library with technical manuals on sign making, including gold-leafing, hand-lettering, enameling, neon handling, and brush-scripting. Library – American Sign Museum You can request a two-hour appointment to research the library materials.

The museum, located at 1330 Monmouth Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults with discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel. Children 12 and under are free.

Public and school programs and workshops are offered. Visit the website for more information at www.americansignmuseum.org.