Sojourner Truth steps up to the podium at the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS)’  Cleveland History Center. “When I was invited to this wonderful institution to speak on the importance of history, our roots, and carrying it on, I was excited. You see, I was born into slavery,” she begins.

Dressed in 19th Century clothing, the actor playing Truth captivates museum visitors as she tells her story of misrepresentation—emphasizing the importance of sharing her story to prevent past injustices from reoccurring.

This immersive type of historical experience is exactly what WRHS and America 250-Ohio aim to provide Ohio’s students with the introduction of the 4th Grade History Pass. Officials announced the new initiative on Thursday, Feb. 8 at WRHS.

The new initiative offers Ohio’s fourth graders the opportunity to visit various history-related museums and sites across Ohio for free during their entire fourth grade school year. The program runs through 2026.

“As I listened to Sojourner Truth, I heard ‘vocabulary,’ I heard ‘abolition,’ I heard ‘slavery,’” explains Gayle Gadison, social studies content director for Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). “I heard all of those other words that if I read about it, I might remember it, but I'm going to remember it now because I've experienced it.”  

The Fourth Grade History Pass is designed to complement Ohio's fourth grade curriculum, which focuses on early Ohio and U.S. history through lessons in history, geography, government, and economics. Topics include prehistoric Ohio cultures, early American life, the U.S. Constitution, and the development of Ohio and the country.

Introduction of the 4th Grade History Pass initiative at the Cleveland History Center“The thing that I love about fourth graders is that fourth graders are curious,” says Cleveland History Center education manager Mary Manning. “Not only do they have that ‘mental filing cabinet,’ they want to add things to it. They want to see all of the things we have in this museum, and they want to ask questions.”

Manning notes that when the 4th Grade History Pass program concludes in 2026, Ohio will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine established the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, also known as America 250-Ohio. The 29-member commission’s main task is to prepare the state for its role in the United States's 250th anniversary celebrations, culminating on July 4, 2026.

The multi-year celebration will highlight Ohio’s unique contributions to the nation’s story, sharing the stories of people from all 88 Ohio counties. The commission’s inaugural statewide initiative is the 4th Grade History Pass.

“I think [it’s] the most important program in the long view of the many initiatives and programs and celebrations that we have planned,” says Doug Preisse,  co-chair of the American 250 Commission. “We hope the events and experiences leading up to 2026 will provide moments [that] will remain and [that] will engage and excite and inspire the next generation of historians and scholars and archaeologists and teachers.”

As a partner in the initiative, WRHS will offer inspiring experiences at both Hale Farm & Village in Bath Township and the Cleveland History Center in University Circle.

WRHS collections include published materials, personal manuscripts and photos, genealogical and family histories, plus historical properties. At the Cleveland History Center, visitors can even ride on the restored Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, explore two historic mansions, and experience the evolution of the automobile in Cleveland at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum.

“[It gives the students] the opportunity to engage with primary source materials in our library and archives, with museum objects in our galleries, and with experienced expert educators like our educators at Hale Farm Village, who bring history to life every day,” says Kelly Falcone, WRHS president and CEO. 

The Cleveland History Center and Hale Farm are just two of about 20 institutions throughout the state participating in the 4tth Grade History Pass program, with additional organizations expected to join throughout the year.

“In 2024, the conversation is about literacy and [asking] how do we make sure that every fourth grader can read on the level of every other fourth grader,” underscores Gadison. “An important part of literacy is vocabulary and background knowledge. This program is so important to fourth graders because not only will they… read about the content, but they come to the museum, and they experience the content.”

To print or download the 4th Grade History Pass, and for more details on rules, requirements, and a list of participating museums, visit America 250-Ohio’s website. The program will end on December 31, 2026. The free passes are limited to one fourth-grade student per transaction. Regular admission fees apply for accompanying family members, and passes are not valid for field trips or group visits.