The American Sign Museum (ASM) is set to double in size by the end of 2023.
The museum has launched a campaign to raise more than $5 million and bring about numerous updates, including expanding into the currently unused 20,000 square foot section of its permanent location in Camp Washington. With large donations from museum leadership, money from the state of Ohio and 5% of self-funding, ASM is already well on its way to making the museum even bigger and better.
The campaign already is two-thirds of the way to its $5.5 million fundraising goal, the museum says in a press release.
Doubling its square footage will allow the American Sign Museum to add to its indoor sign “boneyard” as well as other visitor- and event-friendly upgrades. Staff also will get offices, conference room and collection areas, a special-events bar, library and resource center. There will also be an expansion of the catering kitchen, workshop and other public and private areas at the museum, the release says.
Founded in 1999 by Tod Swormstedt, the American Sign Museum started as nothing more than a pipe dream. Swormstedt’s goal was to pay tribute to the creativity and craftsmanship of early signmakers and share their work with visitors. Previously the editor and publisher of the “bible of the sign industry,” Signs of the Times, Swormstedt can be considered an expert. What started as a small endeavor in Essex Studios in 1999 turned into a well-loved Cincinnati attraction, sought-after wedding venue and tourism staple.
The American Sign Museum currently boasts more than 700 signs and artifacts from more than 100 years of American sign history.
More information about the American Sign Museum and its fundraising campaign can be found at americansignmuseum.org. The American Sign Museum is located at 1330 Monmouth Ave, Camp Washington.
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