STATEHOUSE NEWS

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(Columbus, Ohio) – The Capitol Square Foundation (CSF) is thrilled to announce an extraordinary $1,000,000 anonymous gift to support the construction of the Ohio Women’s Monument, set to grace the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse. The gift is given in tribute to late Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, the trailblazing first female Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, who passed away earlier this year.

“This transformational gift not only makes the Ohio Women’s Monument possible but ensures that Speaker Davidson’s remarkable legacy is etched into Ohio’s history forever,” said Charles Moses, Chair of the Capitol Square Foundation. “We are profoundly humbled by the donor’s generosity and proud to play a part in recognizing the vital contributions of women to our State and Nation.”

The project, approved last month by the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB), gained momentum with a recent fundraising event featuring Presidential Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. The monument, designed by acclaimed sculptor Brenda Councill, is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026—a fitting tribute as Ohio commemorates its historical milestones and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Laura Battocletti, Executive Director of CSRAB, celebrated the gift as a pivotal moment for the project. “This gift is a profound honor for a woman who dedicated her life to advancing opportunities for women in Ohio’s political and business arenas,” Battocletti shared. “The Ohio Women’s Monument will stand as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, particularly for the thousands of schoolchildren who visit the Statehouse every year. It’s a lasting tribute to the determination and vision of women shaping history.”

Spearheaded by the Ohio Women’s Suffrage Monument Commission, chaired by Senator Stephanie Kunze, the initiative seeks to celebrate all women who have made lasting contributions to Ohio and beyond. Senator Kunze shared, “This project honors the collective spirit and achievements of women throughout history. This generous gift underscores the importance of recognizing those contributions and inspires us to continue the journey toward equality and opportunity.”

As Ohioans prepare to celebrate the unveiling of this monumental work, the Capitol Square Foundation invites all to join in honoring the extraordinary contributions of Speaker Davidson and countless other women whose courage and vision have paved the way for progress.

For additional information and to donate, visit https://ohcapitolsquarefoundation.org/about-the-statehouse/ohio-womens-suffrage-monument/.