STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The Ohio Statehouse Museum today unveiled two new exhibit panels in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. The museum now includes a display about the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and a panel about Ohio women in the military. These permanent additions to the museum will remind visitors of the notable service done by Ohioans in all branches of the military.

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame exhibit features a selection of those Ohioans who have been inducted into the hall of fame. Visitors will be able to view information and photos related to men and women who have been recognized with this honor. The display includes artifacts and a video screen.

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, established in 1992, recognizes Ohio veterans who, after their military service, put their skills and abilities to work in their local communities—and by their continued service and positive accomplishments, inspired their fellow citizens. Members are honored in a permanent display on the second floor of the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, directly across from the west side of the Statehouse. More information is available at http://dvs.ohio.gov/veterans_hall_of_fame/history.aspx.

Ohio women in the military are honored with a panel of text and photos in the Ohio Statehouse Museum. Pictured in the exhibit include Mary Bickerdyke, Civil War; 1st Lt. Sharon Lane, Vietnam War and Brig. Gen. Dr. Rhonda Cornum, Persian Gulf War. The exhibit emphasizes the courage and service given by over 61,000 Ohio women in the service of their state and country.

About the Ohio Statehouse Museum

The Ohio Statehouse Museum functions as an interactive place for learning about Ohio government for nearly 80,000 tour visitors annually. The Museum enriches the experience of Statehouse visitors by providing focused and in-depth information about Ohio government and history.

The Museum includes interactive, hands-on exhibits that challenge visitors' knowledge about Ohio history and the workings of state government, while equipping them to more fully participate as citizens. The Museum offers exhibits that encourage visitors to participate in the government process by making choices, expressing their opinions, comparing viewpoints and even becoming a part of an exhibit by giving a State of the State address.

To view this press release and others, visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The Ohio Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at statehouse@csrab.state.oh.us or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

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