Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

American Sign Museum Celebrates Legacy of Small Business Signs

1/16/2026

40 6

Summary

Story summary

Tod Swormstedt founded American Sign Museum in Cincinnati in 1999, inspired by his fascination with small business signs.
The museum houses more than 800 signs, 1,500 photographs, 175 artworks, and 300 tools.
Swormstedt stated, "To me, it's all about small business, the heart of America."
Tom Wartman and Bing Reising created a new sign for CBS Evening News, highlighting the ongoing legacy of American signage.

1 of 1

Story summary

Tod Swormstedt founded American Sign Museum in Cincinnati in 1999, inspired by his fascination with small business signs.
The museum houses more than 800 signs, 1,500 photographs, 175 artworks, and 300 tools.
Swormstedt stated, "To me, it's all about small business, the heart of America."
Tom Wartman and Bing Reising created a new sign for CBS Evening News, highlighting the ongoing legacy of American signage.