STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center (OSMEC) is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to participate in its volunteer program. The OSMEC serves nearly 80,000 visitors a year from across the state, country and globe. Volunteers are sought to guide tour groups, including school children, through the Ohio Statehouse and the Ohio Statehouse Museum. Other volunteer opportunities include historical interpreters, museum shop assistants and program assistants.

The Ohio Statehouse is an exciting place to volunteer: the building is beautiful, the history is fascinating, and the law-making is intriguing. Interested individuals should have a love of Ohio history, art and architecture, and government. Successful candidates should enjoy working with people and have the availability to commit approximately 50 hours of volunteer service over the course of a year. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and must be comfortable with walking and stair climbing. Prior museum or tour experience is not required.

Volunteers will receive training about tour and museum content, the history and architecture of the Ohio Capitol, as well as the workings of state government. Training will also cover the most effective way to relate information in an interesting and engaging manner to a wide variety of audiences. Volunteers do not receive financial compensation, but they are offered discounts in the Statehouse Museum Shop, free parking and other benefits.

Detailed information and volunteer application are available at www.ohiostatehouse.org, direct link, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kZqF7ggJFdhTOnlo-f82ZY0InOBS0j3_z7AT83Ihibs/viewform or by contacting Dayna Jalkanen at 614-728-2697 or djalkanen@csrab.state.oh.us.

About the Ohio Statehouse Museum:
The Ohio Statehouse Museum includes interactive, hands-on exhibits that will challenge visitors’ knowledge about Ohio history and the workings of state government while equipping them to more fully participate as citizens. Historical artifacts and images will tell the stories of those who designed and built the Statehouse and those who have come to serve.

The Statehouse is the heart of Ohio’s democracy. Statehouse anecdotes, quotes from historical and contemporary figures, and statements will test visitor knowledge. Graphics and stories communicate the power of the Statehouse and its important role in the lives of Ohio citizens. Imagery shows historical and contemporary legislators while interpreting the Statehouse as democratic symbol, centerpiece and working center of government.

About the Ohio Statehouse:
The Ohio Statehouse is one of America’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture and is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States. The Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 after 22 years of construction. Restored to its original grandeur in 1996, the Statehouse is filled with priceless historic art, including a marble bust of Abraham Lincoln – one of only a few the President posed for during his lifetime. Even the Statehouse’s expansive grounds have a history, as Civil War Union soldiers frequently camped there.

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

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