SPECIAL EXHIBIT
The Legendary Powell Cache
May 1 - August 14 (Dates Extended!)​
We were thrilled to announce a rare, first-time-ever opportunity at the Harmon Museum. For the first time since its discovery in the 1970s near Fort Ancient, the legendary "Powell Cache" is on public display.
This remarkable collection features ceremonial artifacts crafted from exotic materials traded over vast distances—including Indiana Hornstone, Yellowstone obsidian, and North Carolina quartz crystal. Never before seen by the public, this collection offers a breathtaking look into the sophisticated trade networks of our region’s ancient inhabitants.
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
American FOLK ART: Self-Taught Artists, Self-Told Stories
April 1 - June 13, 2026
Visitors journeyed through the raw, authentic voice of the American spirit. "Folk Art: Self-Taught Artists | Self-Told Stories" celebrated two centuries of American ingenuity and the personal forces that move artists beyond contemplation to creation. The exhibit featured a rich collection of diverse media, including Face Jugs, Whirligigs, Tramp Art, Carvings and Painted Furniture.

This exhibition, which Jason T. Busch, Director and CEO of the American Folk Art Museum in NY, NY called, "a must-see!" included work by Purvis Young, Reverend Howard Finster, Elijah Pierce, Mary Tillman-Smith, Mose Tolliver, Marcus Mote, Forrest King Moses, Charley, Noah and Hazel Kinney and many more! Visitors during its time open included Minnie Adkins, the family of Charley, Noah and Hazel Kinney as well as catalogue cover artist, Will Corson. ​

This major national exhibit was chaired by Fran DeWine and the formal ribbon cutting was attended by both her and Gov. DeWine. It was held in the Armstrong Conference Center and was published in conjunction with the America 250-Ohio celebrations and featured extensive pieces from the K. Richard B. Niehoff and Harmon Museum collections.
In addition, a 250-page exhibition catalogue was produced and is on sale in the Museum Shop while supplies last.
Our Executive Director, Michael Coyan, was on Cincy Lifestyle with Michelle Hopkins discussing our upcoming Folk Art Exhibition.
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
Thomas Corwin: A Profile in Courage
December 12 - January 23, 2026
An intimate look at the life of the statesman Abraham Lincoln credited with single-handedly keeping Mexico from joining the Confederacy.

​Corwin represented Ohio in both houses of Congress. He also served as the 15th governor of the state and the 20th Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
The Art of the Harlem Renaissance
September 9th - October 4th, 2025
A Special Touring Exhibit Sponsored by LCNB
The Harmon Museum is proud to present "The Art of the Harlem Renaissance," a special exhibition that explores one of the most significant cultural movements in American history. This collection celebrates the artistic awakening of African Americans in the early 20th century, a period marked by an explosion of creativity in literature, music, and the visual arts.

This exhibit goes beyond the well-known figures of the Harlem Renaissance to highlight the pivotal role played by the Harmon Foundation, a philanthropic organization established by Lebanon native, William Elmer Harmon. In 1925, the foundation began presenting cash awards to African Americans for distinguished achievements in various fields, literature, music, race relations, education, science, religious services, industry, and the fine arts. These awards and the corresponding exhibitions provided a vital platform for Black artists, offering them national recognition and a chance to showcase their work at a time when they were largely excluded from mainstream galleries and museums.

Through a rich collection of art and historical artifacts, this exhibit demonstrates how the Harmon Foundation awards were a key catalyst for the Harlem Renaissance, providing the encouragement and visibility that helped to ignite a cultural movement that continues to inspire and resonate today.

​Learn more about the Harlem Renaissance and its ties to the Harmon Foundation - here
This special exhibit was paid for by our generous sponsor:
Captain Howard A. Miller Flag Collection
July 3 - August 15
 (Special Touring Exhibit)

​​Closing Reception - Aug 15 | 6:30p
A collection of regimental flags from Revolutionary - Civil War.
Brought to you by the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and part of Ohio's America 250 Celebration.

The Magnificent World of Cloisonné
May 9 - June 14, 2025

This exhibit of decorative pieces was made up of both the museum's own and loaned work from private collections. Some pieces on display were owned by the Japanese Imperial family.

220 Years of Shakers in the West
February 21 - April 26, 2025

Shaker furniture, art, artifacts and more will be on display when we host this special exhibit featuring not only our own collection, but pieces loaned from private collections as well. ​
220 Years of Shakers in the West was sponsored by the Golden Lamb.

160 Years of Christmas
November 29, 2024 - January 4, 2025

Harmon Museum is elegantly decorated with several historically themed period vignettes (from 1800 - 1960) of Christmases gone by. In addition, a collection of antique toys was also on display until February.

​The exhibit is free with admission to Harmon Museum.

Samplers from a Simpler Time
May 3 - June 22, 2024

Opening Reception - May 3 | 6:30pm​
Gallery Talk - June 8 | 10am

Harmon Museum's extensive textile collection is the 2nd largest in the Midwest and features items as far back as 1740. This exhibit featured several significant samplers recently donated to our collection and several we had not displayed for many years.

This exhibit was well attended from people all over the state of Ohio and beyond with an opening reception and gallery talk to add to the exhibit.

American Revolution Experience
​January 16 - February 15, 2024

The American Revolution Experience is a collaborative project of the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Thanks to the initiative of the Turtlecreek Chapter of the DAR and Harmon Museum, we were the first of two museums in the country to host the traveling exhibit outside of its original home in Washington DC! A collaborative project of the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the American Revolution Experience, "connects modern audiences nationwide with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation using visuals & technology."

​Harmon Museum held a free opening reception January 19. We also were open for extended hours, until 8pm, February 2, 5, 9 & 12.
FREE Admission to the Harmon Museum, during this Special Exhibit, was courtesy of Miami Valley Gaming.
Picture
A maquette of General Joseph Warren, the first to die at the Battle of Bunker Hill and Warren County, Ohio’s namesake, stands proudly on display in front of the American Revolution Experience. A fund is currently being raised to cast a full-sized bronze statue for the front of the Harmon Museum.

Baby, It's Cold Outside
January 13th - February 25, 2022

The Warren County Historical Society's extensive textile collection is the 2nd largest in the Midwest and features items as far back as 1740.

Inside Harmon Museum, visitors discovered a display of selected winter garments and accessories, the least of which was 150 years old.
These items are being presented in historical context. The Warren County Historical Society does not condone the killing of animals for clothing. 

A Gem of a Show
Oct. 14 - Dec. 31, 2021

Harmon Museum presented the stunning collection of
​gems, minerals and crystal ​from the Dayton Gem & Mineral Society!

November 3, 2020 - February 27, 2021

November, 2020 marked the 100 year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. To honor this achievement of the not so distant past, we created a special exhibit that celebrated the women who fought tirelessly in the 70+ year struggle (1848 to 1920). Due to demand, this exhibit will stay up through 2021.

Brides of Yesteryear
June 14 - November 16, 2019

From June until mid-November, 2019, Harmon Museum and Glendower Historic Mansion were proud to present: Brides of Yesteryear, 100 Years of Bridal Fashion. The exhibit was made up of 25+ wedding dresses from 1870s-1970s, are set up throughout the two museums. Guests took a self-guided tour and witnessed as styles evolved through the years. Each dress was accompanied by the stories of the women that wore it and photos of them on their special day (when available), as well as period correct accessories. This exhibit was accompanied by a Lunch & Learn on the same topic, hosted by volunteer and textile expert, Lisa Holz.

The Story of Company E

The end of 2018 and into 2019, the Mote Gallery of Harmon Museum was host to a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia displayed to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice of WWI. The Story of Company E included a distinctive medallion minted to venerate the infamous sinking of the Lusitania. With this cruel act, the push for United States’ involvement in the Great War escalated. Original Western Star newspaper articles tell of the patriotism of the citizens of Warren County. The people of this county assembled in great numbers behind their boys, gave very successful war bond drives and, even in the midst of the Spanish Flu epidemic, kept the boys from Warren County close to their hearts and prayers. The display also had the doughboy olive drab uniform and personal gear of Dr. Harold Drake, a glimpse into the daily life of a soldier in wartime. As the assistant to a general, Corporal Drake always had his gas mask close at hand. Well-worn maps and a captured German rifle, also on display, were witness to this brutal confrontation across the Atlantic. With the Armistice on November 11, 1918, peace finally came to end this Great War, our first world war.

America's Defense of Freedom

The fall of 2017 brought ​America's Defense of Freedom, an exhibit of World War II artifacts specific to Warren County. Artifacts were not only taken for our archives but also loaned to us from both collectors and those who were (or direct descendants of) participants in the Second Great War.

Be Mine, Valentine

In February 2011 & February 2016 we featured a wide assortment and variety of historic valentines ranging from homemade, to the turn of the century store-bought, and more.

Shaker Redware Pottery

February of 2011, was the opening of our ​Shaker Redware pottery exhibit. Local authors and experts were on hand to discuss this great collection. For the opening reception we offered hours d'oeuvres, an honor bar, and musical entertainment