Dayton is home to the nation’s first peace museum, and it’s a must-see for history lovers. The Dayton International Peace Memorial is open year-round from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and admission is free. It is located at 10 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402. Visitors will be fascinated by the history of the city, which was known as Fort Laurence from 1819 until 1861, when Civil War soldiers marched through town on their way to war. Today’s visitors can learn about the city’s role in American history, explore its gorgeous architecture and take part in engaging activities for kids of all ages. Dayton is also home to more than 40 museums, including the Montgomery Museum of Military History that specializes in military aircraft and also has exhibits on Native Americans, aviation, World War I and more. Many other museums in town are great as well—they offer everything from collections of works by local artists to programs geared toward kids or families with small budgets who want to take their own family trips out of town instead of visiting an expensive theme park or zoo.
What to Know Before You Go to the Dayton International Peace Museum
If you’re visiting the Dayton Peace Museum, you’re likely already interested in the topic. But you should know a few things before you go. First, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and to enter you must be at least 18 years old. Admission is free. Second, parking is limited in and around the museum. You can park along Walnut Street and East Third Street, or you can park in nearby lots and garages, but there are a limited number of spots. Third, this is not a general museum. It’s a peace museum. While there are rolling exhibits that look at peace across time and around the world, the museum focuses on the people and events that put Dayton on the map as a place to focus on peace.
Check out the permanent exhibits
The museum has two permanent exhibitions that explore themes of peace and Dayton’s role in history. These exhibitions are The Evolution of Peace, which explores how societies have grappled with war and violence, and The Road to Peace: The Story of Dayton, which tells the story of Dayton and its role in the creation of the United Nations. The Evolution of Peace explores how humans have grappled with war throughout history and how we are working toward peace today.
Visit the galleries that change regularly
The museum’s permanent galleries are great for learning about peace, but they change frequently. For a permanent record of what was there, visit the museum’s website for a list of what’s currently on display. Every few months, the museum also puts on a gallery exhibition that focuses on local artists, their works and the stories behind them. These exhibitions are also open to the public. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the Dayton Gallery, which is inside the Peace Museum’s outdoor amphitheater. The gallery features works by local artists year-round, and the gallery’s summer schedule includes a full slate of concerts, including free acoustic performances.
Be sure to visit the Hall of Remembrance and Ceremony
The museum’s Hall of Remembrance and Ceremony is its most immersive and authentic experience—and it’s not for the faint of heart. The museum’s interactive piece is meant for adults, and it includes a soundtrack of somber music that you’ll need to watch the entire piece without turning away from. The end of the piece reveals a single name and photo of a Dayton veteran who lost his or her life in war. Visitors can walk toward the name, read that person’s story and then walk through a wall where the photo of the person appears, evoking the feeling of walking toward a missing loved one.
Final thoughts
The Dayton Peace Museum is a must-see for history lovers. This museum explores the city’s role in American history, and it focuses on the people and events that put Dayton on the map as a place to focus on peace. The museum has two permanent exhibitions and a rotating lineup of exhibitions that feature local artists, their works and the stories behind them. Visit the galleries that change regularly and the hall that includes a commemoration of Dayton veterans who died in war. The Hall of Remembrance and Ceremony is the most immersive and authentic experience at the museum. It’s meant for adults, and it’s not for the faint of heart. This is a great place to learn about peace and Dayton’s role in history. Dayton is a lovely city, and it’s also close enough to Cincinnati and Columbus to make a weekend getaway out of it.
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