Milan Goes to the Movies
Milan Goes to the Movies
When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Where: Milan Township Hall
24 Park Street, Milan, OH 44846
Admission: Free
Register: RSVP required
Celebrating Innovation Through Film in Edison’s Hometown
Join us in Milan, the birthplace of Thomas Edison, for a special evening that celebrates his innovation, creativity, and groundbreaking role in early filmmaking on the evening of February 11th with Milan Goes to the Movies! This free community event from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at the Milan Town Hall is part of America 250-Ohio’s February 2026 Innovation theme and Ohio Goes to the Movies, a statewide initiative highlighting Ohio’s deep connections to cinema and storytelling during America’s 250th anniversary year.
What to Expect
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy refreshments, music, and photo opportunities before the program begins. Welcome remarks will be given from community and regional leaders, including representatives from the Edison Birthplace Association, the Village of Milan, Erie County, and America 250-Ohio.
Event Highlights Include:
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Screenings of Early Classic Films — Enjoy a curated program of early motion pictures shown during the event, offering a rare look at the origins of filmmaking.
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Edison’s Innovative Impact on Film — Learn how Thomas Edison’s inventions helped make movies possible, connecting film technology to Ohio’s broader tradition of innovation.
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Special Appearance by “Thomas Edison”
Portrayed by Mike Woloszyk, Mr. Edison will deliver opening remarks, introduce the films, and engage the audience with historical insights and a Q&A.
Film Program:
Experience early motion pictures associated with Edison’s pioneering work in film technology:
Frankenstein (1910) – runtime 13:00
Jack and the Beanstalk (1902) – runtime 13:00
Alice in Wonderland (1903) – runtime 12:00
Each short film will be introduced with context highlighting the technological innovations that helped bring motion pictures to life.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of It!
By hosting Milan Goes to the Movies in Edison’s hometown, we’re spotlighting how Ohio innovators helped transform imagination into reality—shaping industries, culture, and entertainment. It’s a fitting way to honor innovation during Innovation Month and mark the official kick-off of Ohio Goes to the Movies.
1. February 2026 is Innovation Month
February 2026 is Innovation Month for America 250-Ohio, recognizing Ohio’s role as a national leader in invention, ingenuity, and progress. Events throughout the month highlight the innovators and ideas that helped shape American industry, culture, and daily life.
2. Milan: The Birthplace of Innovation
The Edison Birthplace Association is a stop on the Ohio Innovation Trail, which celebrates Ohio’s remarkable history of the ideas, inventions, and problem-solving ingenuity that helped shape transportation, technology, health, industry, and more across Ohio and the nation.
3. Ohio’s 2026 Statewide Movie Series Kicks Off
Milan Goes to the Movies serves as an inaugural highlight of the Ohio Goes to the Movies statewide series — featuring more than 250 free public film screenings and community events across all 88 counties in 2026, as part of Ohio’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. These screenings honor Ohio’s influence on American cinema, from iconic films and famous Ohio-born actors to the story-telling power that connects us all.
RSVP today and be part of this cinematic celebration!
