STATEHOUSE NEWS

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Red Carnation Day highlights the state flower of Ohio and the birthday of Ohio Governor and U.S. President William McKinley. The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Red Carnation Day, January 29, in several ways. The public is welcome to enjoy a virtual tour of the Ohio Statehouse, a birthday exhibit and a sale at the Statehouse Museum Shop.

Virtual Tour Online

The staff of the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center will offer a free online tour on Red Carnation Day live at 12:00 p.m. 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

The Statehouse Museum Shop recognizes Red Carnation Day with a special sale. 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. The Shop is in the Map Room on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse.

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 cannot be combined with any other discount.

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. Red Carnation Day memorializes the life and legacy of Ohio Governor and President William McKinley. McKinley’s favorite flower was said to be the carnation.


About the Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays.

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