Carillon Historical Park receives $1.5 million grant from the James M. Cox Foundation

Story and photo courtesy of Carillon Historical Park

DAYTON, OH -- Carillon Historical Park — a 65-acre open-air museum and the official historical organization for the Dayton, Ohio, region — has received a $1.5 million grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to help fund a new exhibit honoring its namesake, James Middleton Cox. An influential newspaper publisher, U.S. congressman, and Ohio’s first three-term governor, Cox ran for president in 1920 on the Democratic ticket alongside Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

The gift completes the funding needed to begin construction of the new building, which will stand at the heart of Carillon Park’s historic area. This will be across from the Wright Brothers National Museum and next to Gem City Letterpress — the nation’s only working 1930s letterpress job shop in a museum. Alongside support from the Eichelberger Foundation, the Dayton Legal Heritage Foundation, and an anonymous couple, this contribution positions the project for completion by the end of 2026.

“We’re deeply grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for this generous gift,” says Brady Kress, President & CEO of Carillon Historical Park. “James M. Cox is a tremendous figure in the history of the region and the nation, an exceptional story of Dayton entrepreneurship and leadership. We’re truly honored to tell his story.” 

Cox, who lived and died in Dayton, is also the namesake of Cox Enterprises. The company’s roots date to 1898, when the 28-year-old, Ohio-born farm boy purchased the Dayton Evening News — now the Dayton Daily News — for $26,000.

“My great-grandfather loved Dayton and considered it his home until the end,” said Alex Taylor, chairman and CEO, Cox Enterprises. “From his earliest days as an entrepreneur at the Dayton Daily News, to the rescue of the city after the flood when he was governor, till he wrote his final column, he was focused on Dayton. It is only fitting to celebrate his extraordinary life with this exhibit so people can see the important role he and Dayton played in America.”

The new building will feature demonstration areas, a seasonal vending space, central restrooms, and a centerpiece multimedia exhibit. Welcoming visitors will be a lifelike audio-animatronic Gov. James M. Cox, who will introduce guests to his remarkable life and legacy. 

“James M. Cox’s leadership helped make Dayton a hub of innovation,” said Rob Rohr, publisher of the Dayton Daily News. “We’re grateful to the Foundation for this generous gift and proud to honor his legacy by contributing to this project, but every day we honor him by building the next chapter of local media — innovative, fearless and rooted in trust.”

Exhibit galleries will explore Cox’s story alongside major national and regional news events — many chronicled by the Dayton Daily News — highlighting the political and legal figures who shaped the Dayton region and the nation during his era.

“James M. Cox chronicled the story of Dayton, his hometown, through the Dayton Daily News,” says Kress. “Now, we have the privilege of telling his story at Carillon Historical Park alongside the headlines he published.” 

About Dayton History

Dayton History, a privately funded nonprofit, owns and operates Carillon Historical Park, Hawthorn Hill, and Patterson Homestead. Serving as Montgomery County’s official historical organization, its mission is to inspire generations by connecting them with the unique people, places, and events that changed Dayton and the world. For more information, visit daytonhistory.org.

About the James M. Cox Foundation

The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States. The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including biodiversity, conservation and environment; early childhood education; health; and empowering families and individuals for success.

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