Experience Nearly 150 Iconic Props, Costumes and Artifacts from the Legendary Sci-Fi Franchise in a Special Exhibition at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio.
June 2, 2025
From the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
Now through August 31, visitors will beam into the final frontier as a new Decorative Arts Center of Ohio exhibition will bring the legendary world of Star Trek to life, celebrating the iconic franchise that has inspired generations. Since its 1966 debut, Star Trek has become one of the most celebrated franchises in television and film. Creator Gene Roddenberry envisioned a united Federation where diverse species work together to explore the universe, overcoming prejudice and promoting an optimistic, inclusive future.
Star Trek has inspired scientific advancements, from flip phones to video technology, while captivating audiences with its imaginative worlds. The franchise has expanded beyond the screen into toys, books, conventions and global exhibitions, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Now, the Paramount Pictures Archive invites you to experience Star Trek up close at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio in a special exhibition that showcases nearly 150 unique props, costumes and images from this beloved universe. Among the artifacts featured in “Star Trek & Worlds Beyond” are phasers, communicators and insignia from the Kelvin timeline, Romulan insignia, Uhura’s earpiece, and Starfleet props and costumes from the various timelines.
“For the first time in any of my exhibits, I have chosen to showcase in the Lower Gallery toys, comic books and other merchandising materials that support the longevity of the Star Trek universe as well,” said Curator Randall Thropp, who serves as manager of the Paramount Pictures Costume & Prop Archive. “These items reflect how Star Trek has extended beyond the screen to become a lasting part of popular culture and fans’ everyday lives.”
The Trumbull County Historical Society and Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts is also collaborating with DACO to include several Star Trek props from the museum’s collection in the exhibition. The museum recently acquired more than 500 props from various Sci-Fi movies and television shows thanks to a donation from Modern Props’ John Zabrucky. The collection will be the foundation for a planned museum in Warren that spotlights science fiction and fantasy arts.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate to bring this incredible exhibition to life,” said Ryan MacLennan, director of operations and outreach for the Trumbull County Museum. “This is a unique opportunity to collectively showcase the impact of Star Trek through legendary artifacts.”
A dynamic lineup of programming will accompany this special exhibition, including two talks in July in which MacLennan will explore some of these props and the fascinating stories behind them. Other special programming include a curator talk with Thropp where he will highlight the intricate design elements of Star Trek costumes; a Zoom conversation with Dan Chavkin, author of “Star Trek: Designing the Final Frontier”; a talk with Case Western University professor Robert Spadoni about how editing and lighting elements shape the viewer’s experience; and several community events throughout the summer that include movie presentations, costumed characters and more. The exhibition will run from May 31 to August 31.
“It’s amazing that these Ohio connections have made it possible for Star Trek fans to see pieces that have meant so much to them over the decades,” said Jason Crabill, executive director of the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. “This is a rare chance to celebrate the legacy of a franchise that continues to inspire.”
The Decorative Arts Center is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated. The Center is located at 145 E. Main Street in the historic 1835 Reese-Peters House.
“Star Trek & Worlds Beyond” Programming
How Midcentury Modernism Shaped Our View of the Future
Sunday, June 29, 2:00 pm | decartsohio.org
Star Trek artfully incorporated midcentury modern design into its sets, reflecting the era’s sleek, futuristic aesthetic. Join Dan Chavkin, author of Star Trek: Designing the Final Frontier, for a special Zoom event that will explore how the show’s visual style embraced the optimism and innovation of midcentury modern design through the clean lines and bold colors of the vessels’ interiors to the minimalistic yet functional furniture. A Zoom watching event will also take place in the Wendel Center for Art Education.
Style in Star Trek
Sunday, July 13, 2:00 pm | decartsohio.org
How does the distinctive visual and cinematic style of Star Trek: The Original Series set it apart from later series and films? In this engaging talk, Robert Spadoni, associate professor in the Department of English at Case Western University, explores how elements like editing, lighting and audiovisual techniques shape the viewer’s experience and add to the show’s lasting impact.
Lights, Camera, Sci-Fi! How an Ohio Museum is Preserving Sci-Fi History
Sunday, July 20, 2:00 pm | decartsohio.org
The Trumbull County Historical Society & Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts has recently acquired over 500 props from iconic sci-fi films and television series, including Star Trek. A selection of these remarkable items will be on display as part of the ‘Star Trek & Worlds Beyond’ exhibition at DACO”. Ryan MacLennan will offer an in-depth exploration of these props, sharing the fascinating stories behind their use in various Star Trek episodes and films, shedding light on their significance both on and off screen.
Wendel Center for Art Education Programming
Make Your Own Alien
Friday, July 11, 3:00 to 4:00 pm; or Friday, July 18, 3:00 to 4:00 pm | decartsohio.org
Instructors Nancy Simmons and Connie Coutellier
Ages 8 to adult
In this out-of-this-world class, start with a soft cloth alien body that you’ll stuff and hand-sew closed. Bring your alien to life using fun embellishments. Glue or sew on crazy hair, wild eyes, extra arms and more, and carry your one-of-a-kind alien home in your pocket. Parents are welcome to stay and help with the fun.
Star Trek Inspired Jewelry
Thursday, July 31, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm; or Saturday, August 2, 12:00 to 1:30 pm |decartsohio.org
Instructors Lisa Schorr and Dallas Gossett
Ages 8 to adult
Create unique Star Trek-inspired jewelry using Shrinky Dink sheets. Start by choosing from pre- made patterns or design your own. Add color, shrink your creations and finish them by adding jewelry findings. Make keychains, zipper pulls, earrings, pins or badges. High-resolution photos from ‘Star Trek & Worlds Beyond’ are available upon request.
About the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
The Decorative Arts Center is housed in the Reese-Peters House, a Federal/Greek Revival masterpiece at 145 E. Main Street in Lancaster’s Historic District. Admission is always free. For information about exhibitions or programming, visit decartsohio.org.
“Star Trek & Worlds Beyond” Community Programming
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Director’s Cut)
Drexel Theater, 2254 E. Main St., Columbus
Tuesday, June 10, 7:00 pm | Tickets at the Drexel, info@drexel.net
Beam yourself over to the Drexel Theatre in Bexley where you’ll grab your popcorn and catch a special showing of the director’s cut version of the original Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Stick around afterward as five-time Eisner-nominated cartoonist Ben Towle and local historian Tom Betti dive into the top Star Trek episodes and what makes them legendary. Betti and costumed members of the International Federation of Trekkers in Columbus will also be on hand to mingle with guests.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at Zane Square
Saturday Film Night with Destination Downtown Lancaster
Saturday, June 14, 5:30 pm | destinationdowntownlancaster.com
After stepping into the final frontier at the Star Trek exhibit at DACO, grab a blanket and enjoy a free outdoor screening of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at Zane Square, courtesy of Downtown Destination Lancaster. A child-friendly craft will be offered, courtesy of DACO.
Emily Strand Author Visit at the Bexley Public Library
Bexley Public Library, 2411 East Main Street, Bexley
Sunday, June 22, 3:00 pm | bexleylibrary.org
Author Emily Strand will discuss Star Trek: Essays Exploring the Final Frontier and how Star Trek continues to impact our present, human selves, including struggles, prejudices and dreams. Strand is the Director of Campus Ministry at Ohio Dominican University and author of the upcoming essay, “No Room for Bigotry on the Bridge”, that will be featured in Second Star to the Right: Essays on Leadership in Star Trek.
Art Walk
Friday, July 25, 6:00 to 9:00 pm | destinationdowntownlancaster.com
The 38th annual ArtWalk in downtown Lancaster will once again showcase the vibrant spirit of local creativity. Be sure to stop by the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio to visit the “Star Trek & Worlds Beyond”, and while you’re here, capture a memorable moment with costumed characters from the International Federation of Trekkers, Inc., who will be joining us for the event.
Bexley Public Library Curator Talk: LIGHTS, CAMERA, SCI-FI
Bexley Public Library, 2411 East Main Street, Bexley
Sunday, July 27, 3:00 pm | bexleylibrary.org
Join museum director Ryan MacLennan as he discusses the Trumbull County Historical Society & Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts’ acquisition of over 500 iconic props from Star Trek and other beloved sci-fi films and TV shows. During this talk, MacLennan will share the fascinating stories behind these objects, as well as highlight the museum’s ongoing efforts to establish a permanent home for these props, ensuring the preservation of these pieces of cinematic history for future generations.
