STATEHOUSE CALENDAR

The Ohio Statehouse celebrates Black History Month in 2024 with public events on Tuesdays. Everyone is welcome in the Atrium at noon.  

Feb. 6: The Lincoln School Story with Melvin Barnes of Ohio Humanities  (not live-streamed)

Feb. 13: The Underground Railroad in Central Ohio with the Columbus Metropolitan Library

Feb. 20: The Lincoln Theater with Executive Director Suzan Bradford

Feb. 27: The Henry Box Brown Show by Rory Rennick, magician and historian

The performances are planned to be livestreamed on OhioChannel.org.

The 45-minute live performances start at noon, and will be followed by 15 minutes for Q & A.    

The events are free and open to the public.  If you or your organization would like to schedule a group to attend a performance, please contact Katie Montgomery at 614-728-3726 or kmontgomery@ohiostatehouse.org.

Details for Black History Month 2024 Programs at the Ohio Statehouse 

On Tuesday, February 6, at noon in the Statehouse Atrium, Melvin Barnes with Ohio Humanities will show the new documentary, The Lincoln School Story. The documentary follows a group of mothers and their children, The Lincoln School Marchers, in Southwest Ohio. They heroically fought for school desegregation for over two years to continue the fight for equality in one of the longest-sustained actions of the Civil Rights movement. This event is free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, February 13, at noon in the Statehouse Atrium, join us for a program about the Underground Railroad, courtesy of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The program will showcase Ohioans’ role in this brave fight for freedom and show how to find homes on the Underground Railroad route. This event is free and open to the public.  

On Tuesday, February 20, at noon in the Statehouse Atrium, executive director of the Lincoln Theater, Suzan Bradford, will speak on the history and legacy of the Lincoln Theater in Columbus. Opened in 1928, it was a prominent venue for African American and jazz history. The theater is a place for aspiring and talented artists to get their start in the King-Lincoln District of downtown Columbus. It has offered diverse programs and events for the public to come and watch for many generations. This event is free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, February 27, at noon in the Statehouse Atrium, storytelling magician and educator Rory Rennick will present the motivational and informative “The Henry Box Brown Show”. This entertaining show brings to life the experience of Professor Henry “Box” Brown, an escaped slave-turned-magician. The program will include a Q&A segment and incredible feats of prestidigitation! This event is free and open to the public.