Ohio Tobacco Museum Plans April Fundraising Dinner, Trustee Election

The Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc. in Ripley is gearing up for a busy spring after a weather-interrupted winter, with a fundraising dinner, reverse raffle, and trustee election all converging on April 11.

The museum's February 2026 quarterly report, published March 8, outlined the season's disruptions and what's ahead. Winter weather forced closures on several Saturdays, but regular hours have since resumed. The museum is now open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to check the museum's Facebook page before heading out, as updates on hours and special activities are posted there.

The report also flagged a preservation need: the museum has added a scanner to its Amazon Wishlist, intending to use it to replicate photographs and slides for preservation and sharing once funding comes through. New exhibits were also noted in the report, though details on their content were not released.

April 11 will be the museum's most significant day of the spring calendar. A fundraising dinner and reverse raffle are scheduled for that date, with tickets first offered to last year's attendees. Any remaining seats will go on a first-come, first-served basis, with availability posted to the Facebook page as it becomes known.

The same evening carries governance weight: 2026 is a trustee election year, and voting will take place at the annual meeting held before the dinner. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote. Annual memberships cost $25; a lifetime membership runs $100. Both can be purchased during regular Saturday hours or by reaching out to a current board member.

Those interested in volunteering or offering specialized skills can contact the museum through Facebook Messenger. Donations may be mailed to Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc., P.O. Box 61, Ripley, Ohio 45167, or supporters can contribute by purchasing items directly from the museum's Amazon Wishlist.