The Cincinnati Museum Center is entering a vintage timewarp on Aug. 10 for its ever-popular 1940s Day.
The event, which has in recent years been held at Lunken Airport during museum renovation, returns to Union Terminal for an immersive homage to the decade.
There will be World War II-era cars on display along with period-appropriate music, fashion and dancing. There will also be a costume contest for those who want to break out their finest victory rolls and wiggle dresses.
Guests, including Holocaust survivor Dr. Renate Neeman and members of the Japanese American Citizens League, will be sharing their experiences of living through this pivotal decade.
Plus, you can enjoy a 1940s Day signature cocktail: The Streamliner, with Old Crow Whiskey, lemon, strawberry and a dab of honey.
The full schedule of events from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. includes:
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Vintage vehicle showcase in front of Union Terminal by the fountain; weather permitting
- 10:30-11 a.m. USO talk in the STEM Lab
- 11-11:30 a.m. History of codebreaking during WWII in the STEM Lab
- 11 a.m.-noon Japanese Internment Camp Testimonial from the Cincinnati Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) in the Reakirt Auditorium
- 11:15 a.m.-noon Daniel Bennett and the Dirty Shirleys play in the Mallory Gallery
- 11:30 a.m.-noon Dayton Codebreakers in the STEM Lab with a codebreaking activity immediately following
- Noon Cincinnati Heritage Program Rotunda Tours (starts in Rotunda)
- Noon-1 p.m. Holocaust Survivor Testimonial by Dr. Renate Neeman in the Reakirt Auditorium
- 12:15-1 p.m. Danielle’s Melodies play the Mallory Gallery
- 12:30 p.m. Drop-in tour of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center
- 12:30-1 p.m. Dance lessons in the Cincinnati Dining Room
- 1 p.m. Cincinnati Heritage Program Rotunda Tours (starts in Rotunda)
- 1-1:45 p.m. Queen City Sisters play the Mallory Gallery
- 1-2 p.m. Darby’s Rangers 1942 to 1944 in the Reakirt Auditorium
- 1–4 p.m. P&G Big Band play the Cincinnati Dining Room
- 1:15 p.m. Cincy Warbirds Flyover in front of Union Terminal; weather permitting
- 2 p.m. Cincinnati Heritage Program Rotunda Tours (starts in Rotunda)
- 2 p.m. Drop-in tour of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center
- 2-3:30 p.m. Costume contest in the Mallory Gallery
- 3 p.m. Cincinnati Heritage Program Rotunda Tours (starts in Rotunda)
- 3:30 p.m. Gallery talk led by Morry Wiener
- 3:30-5 p.m. Vintage Beauties Q&A in the STEM Lab
Visit cincymuseum.org/1940s-day for more. 1940s Day is free with admission ($14.50 adults; $13.50 seniors; $10.50 3-12; $5.50 1-2; free for members).
This article appears in Jul 24-31, 2019.