STATEHOUSE NEWS

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Grammy Award winning artist Kelly Clarkson visited the Ohio Statehouse Sunday, February 24 to film a portion of the TLC program 'Who Do You Think You Are?' which kicked off its new season last night. Due to legal restrictions the Capitol Square Review and Advisory (CSRAB) was unable to speak publicly about the visit until the episode was aired.

The program highlights Miss Clarkson's family history and focuses on her third great-grandfather, Isaiah Rose, a Civil War veteran, Washington County sheriff and Ohio State Senator. Rose served in the 77th Ohio General Assembly (OGA) from 1906 through 1908. Senator Rose championed the Rose County Option Bill. Passed in the 77th OGA, the law gave citizens the ability to vote an entire county 'wet' or 'dry.' Senator Rose lost his bid for reelection in 1908 due to his support and passage of the county option bill or 'temperance bill,' as it was referred to, of 1906.

Clarkson learned all of this and more in the Senate Chamber of the Ohio Statehouse. "I'm glad people across the county were able to see the beauty and majesty of the Ohio Statehouse last night," said William Carleton, CSRAB's executive director.

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 5:30 p.m.; weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 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.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.

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