Due to maintenance, the Statehouse Museum is closed January 17 through mid-March.
 
 
 

STATEHOUSE CALENDAR
Calendar
Red Carnation Day
 
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Red Carnation Day
Red Carnation Day
Time
January 29

Location
Rotunda
The Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol Square
Columbus, OH 43215

Description

The Carnation League of America encouraged all Americans to wear a red carnation on William McKinley’s birthday, January 29.  The League was founded by Lewis G. Reynolds of Dayton, Ohio in 1903.

 

President William McKinley was assassinated at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo two years prior. McKinley’s favorite flower was said to be the carnation.

 

The 2026 observance will include a small, Rotunda exhibit on the history of Carnation Day and the life and legacy of Ohio Governor and President William McKinley.   

 

Sale at Statehouse Museum Shop --  Jan. 29, 2026 

 

Dress in scarlet or wear a red carnation and receive a special discount on Thursday, January 29 in the Museum Shop. Save 20% off your entire purchase.  Some exclusions apply.*

 

*Applies to in-stock items only. Excludes consignment items, wine, food, flags, dated Statehouse ornament, postage, “The Art and Artistry of the Statehouse” book, gift wrap and sale items.  Cannot be combined with any other discounts.