The Association of Midwest Museums held its annual conference in Columbus, Ohio, July 31-August 3. Among the many events, the conference gala, "A Night at The Ohio State University," was held on campus during the evening of Friday, August 2. The event was sponsored by the University's Office of Academic Affairs, and featured food and entertainment in the Orton Geological Museum, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, and the Wexner Center for the Arts. More than 100 people registered for the event. Visitors were treated to new exhibits in the Orton Museum's Gallery.

This event kicked off the Orton Museum's celebration of its sesquicentennial year. The Museum was established in 1874. It first opened to the public in August of that year under the direction of Edward Orton. Washington Townsend played a custodial role in the museum from its earliest years, although details of when exactly he began that work are imprecise.

The Orton Museum wants to thank all who so generously volunteered to help with hosting the event in support of the University's outreach and engagement mission.