Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre open-air history museum
that serves as the main campus for Dayton History.
We share the amazing stories of how Dayton changed the world!

Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
937-293-2841

1000 Carillon Boulevard
Dayton, Ohio 45409

Photo Gallery


Photos & Videos

Check out our videos on our YouTube page!

Learn More!

 

Carillon Historical Park

Experience Dayton’s History

Hawthorn Hill

Visit the Oakwood mansion that Orville Wright called home for nearly 35 years

Patterson Homestead

This historic house museum provides a glimpse into the multi-generational lives of Dayton’s influential Patterson family

Private Event Rentals

Unforgettable venues for any occasion

Victorian Afternoon Teas

Enjoy a 19th century afternoon tea at Patterson Homestead

Dayton History Fight Night

Watch Dayton VIPs duke it our in the ring!

Tavern Dinners

Dine inside the historic Newcom Tavern

Fleurs de Fête

Dayton’s premier wine & gourmet food festival

Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic

An old-fashioned patriotic celebration

Carillon Park Rail Festival

All Aboard!

Settler Survival Camp

Experience the Miami Valley from an early settler’s perspective

Old Case Files

Innocent or Guilty…YOU DECIDE!

Dayton Concours d’Elegance

Dayton’s Premier Classic Car & Motorcycle Event

Ringing in the Holidays

Eat, drink, and be Merry!

Carillon Brewing Company

History by the pint!

Culp’s Cafe

A taste of Dayton history

Museum Store

Unique gifts and keepsakes for any age!

Temporary Exhibits

See the exhibit on display!

Photo Policy

View our Photo Policy!

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Links


 

Aviation Trail, Inc.

http://www.aviationtrailinc.org/

Concours d’Elegance

http://www.daytonconcours.com

Dayton Area Sports History

http://www.daytonareasportshistory.com/

National Aviation Heritage Area

http://aviationheritagearea.org/

National Museum of the U.S Air Force

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/

Carillon Park Rail Festival

http://www.railfestival.com

Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society

http://www.cprss.org

Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau

http://www.daytoncvb.com/

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

http://www.nps.gov/daav/index.htm

Dayton History Fight Night

http://daytonfightnight.com/

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Join the Society


Join the Society!

It is a great time to become a Dayton History Society Member! Becoming a Society Member is a rewarding way to support Dayton History, socialize with friends, and become more familiar with Dayton’s incredible history. Special member-only events are planned throughout the year.

To join the Dayton History society, please email Laura Sellers at lsellers@daytonhistory.org or call 937-293-2841 ext. 110.

Did you know that…

Your membership gift, at any level, directly supports the educational programs of Dayton History which bring our region’s history to life for thousands of children each year, and the many other activities offered. Membership gifts are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

During your one-year membership period, you will enjoy the following benefits:

Dunbar Society – $1,000 – $2,499 

  • Unlimited free admission to Carillon Park and the Patterson Homestead for you and your immediate household; discounted tours of Hawthorn Hill, Orville Wright’s home
  • 6 complimentary guest admission tickets to Carillon Historical Park ($48 value)
  • Free admission to the Dayton Heritage Day, Carillon Park Rail Festival and the Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • Discounted pricing for select summer camps, workshops, events and programs
  • Special invitations to Society member-only events, all member events and all Dayton History special events
  • 10% member discount on all event rentals at any Dayton History site*
  • One year’s complimentary subscription to The Heritage member publication
  • Listing as a Dunbar Society member in the The Heritage member publication

*Does not include Hawthorn Hill

 

Jonathan Dayton Society $2,500 – $4,999 

  • Unlimited free admission to Carillon Park and the Patterson Homestead for you and your immediate household; discounted tours of Hawthorn Hill, Orville Wright’s home
  • 8 complimentary guest admission tickets to Carillon Historical Park ($64 value)
  • Free admission to the Dayton Heritage Day, Carillon Park Rail Festival and the Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • Discounted pricing for select summer camps, workshops, events and programs
  • Special invitations to Society member-only events, all member events and all Dayton History special events
  • 15% member discount on all event rentals at any Dayton History site*
  • One year’s complimentary subscription to The Heritage member publication
  • Listing as a Jonathan Dayton Society member in the The Heritage member publication

 

George Newcom Society – $5,000 – $9,999

  • A private tour of a Dayton History site of your choice
  • Unlimited free admission to Carillon Park and the Patterson Homestead for you and your immediate household; discounted tours of Hawthorn Hill, Orville Wright’s home
  • 10 complimentary guest admission tickets to Carillon Historical Park ($80 value)
  • Free admission to the Dayton Heritage Day, Carillon Park Rail Festival and the Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • Discounted pricing for select summer camps, workshops, events and programs
  • Special invitations to Society member-only events, all member events and all Dayton History special events
  • 20% member discount on all event rentals at ant Dayton History site*
  • One year’s complimentary subscription to The Heritage member publication
  • Listing as a George Newcom Society member in the The Heritage member publication
  • Two (2) guest passes to the Dayton Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic
  • Two (2) guest passes to the Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • Two (2) tickets to Ringing in the Holidays

 

Wright Brothers Society – $10,000-$24,999

  • A private tour of two Dayton History sites of your choice
  • Unlimited free admission to Carillon Park and the Patterson Homestead for you and your immediate household; discounted tours of Hawthorn Hill, Orville Wright’s home
  • 12 complimentary guest admission tickets to Carillon Historical Park ($96 value)
  • Free admission to the Dayton Heritage Day, Carillon Park Rail Festival and the Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • Discounted pricing for select summer camps, workshops, events and programs
  • Special invitations to Society member-only events, all member events and all Dayton History special events
  • 25% member discount on all event rentals at any Dayton History site*
  • One year’s complimentary subscription to The Heritage member publication
  • Listing as a Wright Brothers Society member in the The Heritage member publication
  • Four (4) guest passes to the Dayton Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic
  • Four (4) guest passes to the Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • Four (4) tickets to Ringing in the Holidays

 

Kettering Society – $25,000 and above

  • A private tour of three Dayton History sites
  • Unlimited free admission to Carillon Park and the Patterson Homestead for you and your immediate household; discounted tours of Hawthorn Hill, Orville Wright’s home
  • 14 complimentary guest admission tickets to Carillon Historical Park ($112 value)
  • Free admission to the Dayton Heritage Day, Carillon Park Rail Festival and the Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • Discounted pricing for select summer camps, workshops, events and programs
  • Special invitations to Society member-only events, all member events and all Dayton History special events
  • One complimentary event rental at any Dayton History site*
  • One year’s complimentary subscription to The Heritage member publication
  • Listing as a Kettering Society member in the The Heritage member publication
  • Six (6) guest passes to the Dayton Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic
  • Six (6) guest passes to the Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • Six (6) tickets to Ringing in the Holidays
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Become A Member


Membership Opportunities

With your support, Dayton History can continue to grow and change and better serve the Dayton community—creating year-round experiences that are fun and educational for the whole family.

When you become a member, you make a commitment to support Dayton History in its mission to inspire generations by connecting them with the unique people, places, and events that changed Dayton and the world. Memberships are year-long, and they make a fantastic gift.

Purchase Your Membership Today!

Did you know… A Family Membership pays for itself in less than two visits!

General Benefits

Members enjoy these great benefits for one year from the date of purchase

Unlimited FREE Admission to:

  • Carillon Historical Park
  • Patterson Homestead
  • Dayton Heritage Day
  • Carillon Park Rail Festival
  • Antique Fire Apparatus Show
  • Dayton Concours d’Elegance
  • A Carillon Christmas

Discounts for Dining & Shopping:

  • 10% discount at Culp’s Café
  • 10% discount on Food and Merchandise at the Carillon Brewing Co. (excludes alcohol)
  • 10% discount in the Museum Store ($10 minimum purchase)

Photo Archive & Research Discounts:

  • Receive discounts on research fees and purchasing photos from our digital archive

Discounted Tours:

  • Hawthorn Hill, Orville Wright’s home

Discounted pricing for special events & programs:

  • Tavern Dinners
  • Victorian Afternoon Teas
  • Settler Survival Summer Camp
  • Concours d’Elegance Preview Party
  • Ringing in the Holidays

Additional Perks for Members:

  • Invitation to our annual member meeting and other members-only programs
  • Subscription to “Heritage” publication
  • Members only E-blast including monthly special offers

Individual $75
General Benefits for one named adult
Family Membership $100
General benefits for two named adults and children age 17 and under
Carousel Membership $125 (Carousel & Brewery)
Includes Family benefits, unlimited free carousel rides, and pint upgrades at the brewery
1851 Train Membership $151 (Carousel, Brewery, & Train)
Includes Family benefits, unlimited free carousel rides, pint upgrades at the brewery, and unlimited Carillon Park Railroad rides
Sponsor Membership $250
1851 Train benefits plus 4 free admission tickets
Patron Membership $500
1851 Train benefits plus 6 free admission tickets
Membership Plus $75
Upgrade your membership to add one additional guest per visit

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Programs & Activities


Programs & Activites!

Dayton History offers fun-filled historical experiences through the year for the whole family to enjoy. Choose from our annual events  & workshops, or create your own personalized historical experience that fits your unique educational needs. Our Education department will work closely with you to setup your perfect Dayton History experience. For more information, please call 937-293-2841 ext. 127 or email education1@daytonhistory.org.

View our Calendar of Events!

DeedsConcert

Deeds Carillon Concert Series

Typically held on Sundays and during Carillon Historical Park’s main events, Deeds Carillon concerts are performed by carilloneur Alan Bowman. At 151-feet, with 57 bells, the limestone Deeds Carillon-the Park’s namesake-is Ohio’s largest carillon.

CarillonConcertBand

Carillon Park Concert Band

Watch the area’s top high school musicians come together to play classic pieces.

Rail&SteamSchedule

Rail & Steam Society Train Schedule

The Carillon Park Railroad was built with education by demonstration in mind: a complete operating 1/8th scale railroad with the sights and sounds of the railroad industry from its earliest days to the present. All locomotive types – steam, electric and diesel – are operated on the railroad and serve to both preserve and demonstrate historical technologies.

Clodbusters

Clodbusters Base Ball

Typically holding games on Sundays, and during Carillon Historical Park’s main events, the Clodbuster Base Ball Club play 1860s base ball (spelled using two words until the 1880s). Enjoying the game the “way it was meant to be played,” the Clodbusters dress in period uniforms and adhere to 1860s rules.

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Volunteer


 

Volunteer at Dayton History!

Dayton History volunteers give back to the community in a very meaningful way. We offer many exciting volunteer opportunities:

Historical Interpretation: Carillon Historical Park, Patterson Homestead
Learn about the history of Dayton and the people who have shaped the city. Share with visitors about the unique events that have taken place since Dayton’s founding and what an exciting place it has always been to live!
Special Events
Lend a hand to prepare and serve an authentic 1830s meal at Tavern Dinners in the Spring and Fall. Greet and direct visitors at the annual Dayton Concours d’Elegance and other special events, concerts, and festivals.
Clodbuster Vintage Base Ball
Interpret and play the game as it was played in 1860.
Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society
Build and operate scale trains at Carillon Historical Park in collaboration with one of Dayton History’s affiliate organizations.
Print Shop
Demonstrate how to operate printing machinery and create publications in our 1930s print shop.
And More!
If you don’t see something listed here that sparks your interest, please contact Kay Locher, Volunteer Coordinator, to talk about other opportunities. Whatever your interest, whatever your passion, whatever your talent… Dayton History will provide the training necessary for volunteering. No experience is required!

Volunteering with Dayton History provides many rewards, including:

  • Attending appreciation events and special programs
  • Receiving special discounts and recognition
  • Enjoying flexible hours that fit your schedule
  • Meeting new people and getting involved in the community

If you are interested in participating, please enter the following information:

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