American Sign Museum, Cincinnati (must see)

The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati is a vibrant tribute to the artistry and history of American signage. Founded by Tod Swormstedt-whose family has long been involved in the sign industry through the trade journal Signs of the Times-the museum officially opened its doors in 2005 after several years of development.

The idea for the museum took shape in 1999 when Swormstedt, after over two decades at Signs of the Times, decided to preserve the legacy of signage in a dedicated space. Backed by $1 million in family support and additional contributions from industry figures, the museum was established as a nonprofit and ultimately found its home in Cincinnati, where the journal has been based since the early 20th century.

Today, the museum showcases over 200 signs on display and catalogs more than 3,800 artifacts ranging from the late 1800s to the 1970s. Iconic pieces include signs from classic American brands like Big Bear Stores, Howard Johnson's, and Earl Scheib, as well as a towering 20-foot-tall genie statue from a Los Angeles carpet company, which greets visitors at the entrance.

The museum has continued to grow its collection with notable acquisitions such as a 1963 single-arch McDonald’s sign featuring the Speedee character from Huntsville, Alabama, and a neon sign from Johnny’s Big Red Grill, a former favorite of Cornell University students.

More than a nostalgic walk down memory lane, the American Sign Museum also preserves the tools and techniques behind the craft, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of how these colorful, glowing pieces of Americana were made.