From overlooked roadside attractions to quirky museums and rare natural wonders, Local Hidden Gems will highlight some of the unexpected and unique delights that make America special. Our focus will be on charm, surprise, and wonder.

Finding the American Sign Museum might be a challenge as it sits nestled in Cincinnati’s Camp Washington, within an industrial zone. Nevertheless, this museum is a treasure trove dedicated to the fascinating world of commercial signage and the craft behind it.

“We are the largest public sign museum in the United States,” shared Executive Director David Dupee in a recent phone conversation. “Our goal is to celebrate the history of American signage through education and preservation.”

Upon entering beneath a massive statue that welcomes visitors, you are met with a dazzling array of neon lights. The museum, which attracted 60,000 visitors in 2023, spans over 40,000 square feet, showcasing more than a century of American sign-making history.

A New Expansion Doubles the Museum, Enhancing Its ‘Main Street’

As of July 13, the museum launched a new wing, effectively doubling its available space and making full use of the building.

Dupee stated that this expansion includes an enlarged version of the museum’s Main Street, which recreates a nostalgic piece of Americana.

“It truly has a main street, memory-lane ambiance,” he noted.

The newly added Main Street features fresh signage and will also house a space for up to 300 people, a classroom, and a theater. According to Dupee, the theater is designed to resemble a vintage movie theater, incorporating a marquee from New Hampshire. This space will serve both educational purposes and private events.

The American Sign Museum’s Journey Through Time

The museum was established in 1999 by Tod Swormstedt, a former editor of *Signs of the Times* magazine, initially known as the National Signs of the Times Museum. On its website, the museum describes it as a “midlife crisis project” for Swormstedt, who dedicated 26 years to the magazine.

As interest grew, the museum was rebranded as the American Sign Museum in 2005 and relocated to an arts center. However, due to limited space, the museum found a new home in the historic Oesterlein Machine Company-Fashion Frocks, Inc. complex in Camp Washington, which opened in 2012.

Meet David Dupee: The New Executive Director with a Vision

Dupee took the role of executive director in late April, and since then, he has been focused on making the new wing operational.

Upon his arrival, he was pleasantly surprised to see how close to completion the new wing was. The museum had successfully completed its $5.4 million fundraising campaign, and construction was almost finished.

“That’s a testament to the team that has been here,” Dupee acknowledged, recognizing contributions from Swormstedt.

In an article in *Sign Builder Illustrated*, it’s noted that Dupee, who hails from Cincinnati and trained as a lawyer, has spent the last decade supporting the growth of mission-driven organizations. He co-founded Good City Brewing in Milwaukee and played a role in advising the Wisconsin legislature on legislation for intrastate crowdfunding, enabling businesses to raise up to $1 million from state investors through crowdfunding without the burden of state registration requirements.

His entrepreneurial background equips Dupee to tackle the challenges associated with the museum’s growth. While he recognizes the excitement of expansion, he emphasizes the importance of ensuring it aligns with the museum’s mission, intending to develop a vision for the new space.

Looking Forward: The Future of the American Sign Museum

With the new wing officially open, Dupee is now shifting his focus towards future developments.

He aims to create a new strategic plan for the museum but plans to observe guest interactions with the newly opened collections in the meantime.

Additionally, Dupee hopes to elevate Cincinnati’s presence in the museum’s branding, firmly establishing the city as a center for signage and branding.

“We are committed to embracing our Cincinnati roots,” he explained.

How Does the Museum Build Its Collection?

The museum actively seeks out new signs to enhance its 4,000-piece collection and also accepts donations, as noted by Dupee.

He reveals that approximately 95% of the collection has originated from its founder, Swormstedt.

“He is really the visionary of our collection and how we will display and acquire new pieces,” Dupee stated.

Which signs stand out in the collection?

According to Dupee, everyone’s opinion on the best sign in the museum can differ. It’s often influenced by personal memories or historical significance.

For Dupee, his favorite is the Howard Johnson’s sign located in the original section of the museum. This sign holds special meaning for him as it reminds him of summers spent at a HoJo’s in Connecticut.

Another sign that resonates with Dupee is the Johnny’s Big Red Grill sign, which can be found in the new exhibition area. This impressive 21-foot tall sign hails from Ithaca, New York, and dates back to the mid-1950s, coinciding with the time Dupee’s grandfather attended Cornell University in that area.