Event and Exhibit Details
Events, Programs & Exhibits
Free Underground Railroad Program April 13
The Fulton County Genealogy Group is hosting a free Underground Railroad program on Monday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Museum of Fulton County in Wauseon. “Take a Ride on the Underground Railroad in Northwest Ohio” is one of many free programs planned throughout 2026 at the museum.
Ohio history has deep roots with the Underground Railroad. During the 19th century, a network of safe houses was set up to help enslaved African Americans escape through free states into Canada. This passage became known as the Underground Railroad, which stretched across the U.S. and included states like Ohio.
During the free program at the Museum of Fulton County, Dr. Tristen Dominquez-Turkopp, Program and Events Manager from Heritage Sylvania, will share about this important story from our region’s history and how Ohio relates to its conception. Dr. Dominquez-Turkopp will also share about Northwest Ohio’s role in the Underground Railroad and what the public sentiment was at that time regarding slavery. The program will also include discussion of some families from northwest Ohio – what they did, how they did it, and some lasting evidence of their activities.
Heritage Sylvania is an educational and historical non-profit aimed at sharing Sylvania’s history with all ages. Their mission is to preserve and share the historical heritage of the Sylvania community through meaningful experiences that educate, inspire, and connect people across generations. The organization’s educational programming, community events, and exhibits help to draw people closer to local history.
While the Underground Railroad program is free and open to the public, pre-registration is requested. Interested individuals can register at the museum, call 419.337.7922 or send a message to info@museumoffultoncounty.org
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Murder Mystery to be Held April 18 at Museum
Step into a world of mystery, mayhem and murder at “Murder at the Museum – 1864 Ottokee Cold Case,” an immersive mystery event taking place on Saturday, April 18 at the Museum of Fulton County in Wauseon.
The Ottokee courthouse sets the stage for this interactive murder mystery. The year is 1864 and the night sky above Ottokee is suddenly filled with bright light from a fire at the courthouse! While neighbors work fiercely to fight the fire, by morning the building lays in ruins. No courthouse, no records, and perhaps a case of arson! But clues in the rubble show even more . . . there’s also been a murder!
“We’re thrilled to be hosting another murder mystery event at the museum this year,” shared Judy Warncke, event organizer at the Museum of Fulton County. “Throughout the evening, guests will test their sleuthing skills as they hunt down clues to catch the killer! Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or a first-time investigator, our Murder at the Museum event promises an unforgettable night of laughter, suspense, and surprises.”
Guests can register to attend the Murder Mystery event from 4:00-6:00 p.m. or 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Reservations and prepayment are required since seating is limited for this popular event. Tickets are $30 and are available for purchase online, at the museum, or by calling 419.337.7922. A 10 percent member discount is available when ordering in person or over the phone. Murder Mystery tickets are non-refundable.
NEW EXHIBIT - Thirteen Moons in 1776 –
Life along Turkeyfoot Creek
As part of the America 250-Ohio celebration, a spectacular exhibit is now open at the Museum of Fulton County. “Thirteen Moons in 1776 – Life along Turkeyfoot Creek,” features life throughout one year in the land we now call Fulton County.
As visitors explore the new exhibit they will travel through one year (13 lunar months), during the year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A fictional fur trader and his wife will explain the change of seasons, the monthly lives of an Adawe village and their winter journey up the Turkeyfoot Creek, and facts about the year’s thirteen moons.
The three-dimensional, historical fiction exhibit will be laid out in 13 equal sections that, from above, resemble the back of a turtle (the Anishinaabe name for North America is Turtle Island). A timeline of colonial American events during the Revolutionary War will also run throughout the exhibit.
“Our new exhibit will focus on a fictional, French speaking fur trader, based on the real person, St. Vincent from the Captain Thomas Morris’ 1764 journal, who is married to an Odawa Chief's (Chief of the Wolf Rapids Band at Kin-jo-no, now Providence, OH) daughter,” shared John Swearingen, Jr., director of the Museum of Fulton County. “Guests will learn about their summer home near the mouth of what is now the North Turkeyfoot Creek in Henry County and how they traveled north to “The Six Mile Wood” during hunting and syrup harvesting season. They would have also travelled on the “Rice Road” (now County Road RS) through what is now Fulton County during the rice harvest season.”
Partially sponsored by America 250-Ohio, the new exhibit will feature a variety of unique artifacts including a large collection of items once given to the museum's founder, Colonel Dresden Winfield Huston Howard by his Native American friends. The exhibit will also include artifacts used during the Revolutionary War, and fun family-centered interactives related to the history of Nouvelle France (New France) fur trading that occurred in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana in 1776. French-American heritage thrived in northwest Ohio from the late 1690s through the 1830s.
“We recognize and honor the Algonquin Anishinaabeg as the original stewards of the land where the Museum of Fulton County now stands,” Swearingen added. “This traditional territory, which was never ceded, continues to hold great historical, spiritual, and sacred significance for the Algonquin people, whose enduring presence we respect.
The "Thirteen Moons in 1776: Life along Turkeyfoot Creek" exhibit is funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission. This new exhibit will be open throughout 2026 and admission to the exhibit is included with a general admission ticket to the museum.
PROGRAM - Senior Discovery Days
Gather with friends for a field trip close to home to experience the joy of learning from specialists in the field of local history. Museum Senior Discovery Days are open to all seniors age 60 and over. A $5.00 fee includes admission to the Museum, light refreshments and a special program/activity/guided tour (actual value of the experience is $25 – what an amazing deal!). Pre-registration is required. To register please call 419.337.7922, stop by the museum, or make reservations at the Fulton County Senior Center (if needing transportation)
Dates: Third Thursday of every month
Time: 9:30-11:30 AM
Fee: $5.00
Program Schedule:
April 16 – Become a History Detective Program - Learn some tips on how to view a museum exhibit and discover the story it is telling you! In this special program you will see how an exhibit is more than the objects on display!
May 21 – Barney Oldfield the Speed King Program - Join us to learn more about the accomplishments of local legend Barney Oldfield and play games of "Speed Racer"!
June 18 – The Great Museum Rally - Explore Fulton County in a whole new way as you swap local facts and enjoy a fun, county‑themed activity.
July 16 – America 250 Birthday Celebration
August 20 – The Libby Prison Woman Spy of the Civil War Program
September 17 – Indoor Gardening Then and Now Program
October 15 – Best of Fulton County Haunting History Stories
November 19 – Historic Holiday Sing-alongs at the Museum
Senior Discovery Days are part of a special partnership with the Fulton County Senior Center. Seniors are welcome to drive themselves, or if at least ten seniors sign up for bus transportation from the Fulton County Senior Center, the bus will transport you for an additional $3 per person, suggested donation, from 695 S. Shoop Ave., Wauseon. If you’re riding the bus, meet at 8:45 a.m. to leave on the bus at 9 a.m. Sign up by calling the Museum of Fulton County, 419-337-7922, or call the Fulton County Senior Center at 419-337-9299.
After returning to the Senior Center, why not stay for lunch to continue your conversations! Chances are that you'll eagerly make plans to come back to the museum next month for Senior Discovery Days!
EXHIBIT - Born in Turmoil - NOW OPEN!
To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Fulton County’s founding, a spectacular exhibit is now open at the Museum of Fulton County. The new “Born In Turmoil” exhibit brings the county’s beginning years to life as museum guests learn how Fulton County survived the crisis of the Civil War.
While exploring this temporary exhibit in the Worthington Gallery, visitors will meet Fulton County residents both on the farm and on the battle lines and experience those years through their eyes and the museum’s vast collection.
“Through patriotism, conflict, sacrifice, victory, loss and generosity, the future of 4,000 residents and even today’s residents was changed forever,” shared John Swearingen, Jr., director of the Museum of Fulton County. “Guests are sure to be inspired by this new exhibit at the museum!”
Another highlight of the new exhibit is the opportunity to hear actual transcripts of letters written during the Civil War. As part of the audio cell phone tour, guests will be guided through time as they hear a fascinating, first-hand story of the Borton family and their sons on the front line.
“As guests listen to the audio tour, they will hear two actual transcripts of the Borton letters,” Swearingen added. “These letters were mailed to family members during the war on the same week but neither received their letters. Join us to find out why!”
This new exhibit will be open throughout 2026. Admission to the “Born In Turmoil” exhibit is included with a general admission ticket to the museum.
