STATEHOUSE CALENDAR

The red carnation is the state flower of Ohio.  The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Red Carnation Day, January 29, in several ways.  The public is welcome to enjoy these activities.

Virtual Tour Online 

The staff of the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center will offer a free online tour on Red Carnation Day.  The virtual tour of the Ohio Statehouse will talk about architecture, art, history, and state government throughout the building. President William McKinley and his important roles in Ohio and the United States will be featured during the noon tour on January 29.  The Facebook Live event is open to the public online, even if you are not a member of Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/events/247421600105850

Rotunda Exhibit

The 2021 observance of Red Carnation Day will include a small exhibit about the life and legacy of Ohio Governor and President William McKinley. The exhibit will be on display in the Rotunda January 29-31. 

Sale at the Statehouse Museum Shop

Save 20% off your entire purchase at the Statehouse Museum Shop on Friday, January 29, 2021 if you are wearing a red carnation or dressed in scarlet. This sale excludes postage, wine, food, nylon flags, consignment items, wooden Statehouse Cutout, dated Statehouse ornaments, and the books, Art and Artistry of the Ohio Statehouse and From Cornerstone to Cupola. Discount applies to in-stock items only, and cannont be combined with any other discount. The Shop is in the Map Room on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse.  

History of Red Carnation Day

All Americans were encouraged by the Carnation League of America to wear a red carnation on January 29, William McKinley’s birthday.  The League was founded by Dayton, Ohio, native Lewis G. Reynolds in 1903, two years after President William McKinley was assassinated at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. McKinley’s favorite flower was said to be the carnation. Red Carnation Day memorializes the life and legacy of Ohio Governor and President William McKinley.