STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) and the Capitol Square Foundation (CSF) mark the fourth anniversary of the opening of the Ohio Statehouse Museum and the establishment of the Governor Thomas Worthington Center.

Since the grand opening in June 2009, the Ohio Statehouse Museum has had more than 301,594 visitors tour the Ohio Statehouse. Of those visitors, 115,000 Ohio students took a guided tour of the building, and 56,000 of those students were able to visit the Ohio Statehouse thanks to funding through the Capitol Square Foundation who received a generous grant from Honda of America and Wal-Mart Foundation.

Since the Museum opening, many improvements have been made to enhance the experience of all visitors. Most notably, the Heart of Democracy, an exhibit which connects the Map Room and the Museum, opened in November 2010. The exhibit features inspirational quotes of famous state, national and world leaders’ reflections on the foundations of democracy.

There have been numerous physical and content upgrades to the screens, software, and exhibits. Significant video elements have been added to the “Making Laws” section of the Legislative Gallery. The Capitol Square Foundation website has been upgraded and now includes lesson plans and guides for teachers and students as they prepare for their visit to the Ohio Statehouse and Museum.

The CSRAB and the CSF celebrated the Sesquicentennial of the Ohio Statehouse, bringing Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to interact with Ohio students and to speak at the 150th-anniversary gala in 2011.

For the first time, all of the Governors’ Portraits have been restored and hang in the Statehouse. Most recently portraits of former Senate Presidents Bill Harris and Tom Neihaus, along with Governor Ted Strickland, were commissioned and are part of the Ohio Statehouse collection.

Twenty three Great Ohioans have been named since 2009. The award commemorates special Ohioans who have played a significant role in an event, or series of events, of lasting significance in World, American or Ohio history. Additional criteria include being born in Ohio or having lived in Ohio for a minimum of five years. At least 25 years must have passed since the commemorated event in which the nominee participated. A special exhibit pays tribute to all Great Ohioans on a large touch monitor. A host of options are available for visitors to explore the life and accomplishments of each recipient.

The establishment of the Governor Thomas Worthington Center provides a variety of opportunities for visitors. The space, previously the Legislative Service Commission’s Bill Room, was acquired last year and now will become an integral part of an enhanced experience. Visitors can meet their legislators, participate in lectures and watch films about the history of the Ohio Statehouse and state government.

The Center also features a changing exhibit gallery where county and local historical societies can bring their artifacts to the Statehouse to educate others about the history, industry and culture of their region.

Adjacent to the Worthington Center is the Ohio Statehouse Museum Center’s new museum collections area. This provides for proper controlled storage of the museum’s growing artifact collection along with archival-quality storage products. Specialized software will provide 21st-century technology solutions for cataloging and tracking museum collections. “With the rotating exhibit program, the museum becomes a venue for local historical societies to highlight their heritage and share it will all Ohioans here at the Ohio Statehouse. Increased collection space and new cataloging software increase the museum’s capabilities and get us one step closer to AAM accreditation,” said Senator Richard Finan, Chairman of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board.

New technology has been part of this phase of museum development as well. iPads will be available, and apps for tablets and smart phones will bring an infinite amount of information to visitors. Webinars will bring the Ohio Statehouse and Ohio history alive to students all over Ohio. The Center will be a platform to connect to students outside of the Ohio Statehouse by employing the latest technology in communication. “The Worthington Center is a forum for the public to utilize platform-based content and engage the museum in a new way. Through new technology we can educate and build awareness of the Ohio Statehouse and the government it houses, and that fulfills the Foundation’s mission,” said Charley Moses, Chairman of the Capitol Square Foundation.

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

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board 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 and visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum shines a light on the history of this great edifice, its symbolic meaning and its vital historic and ongoing connections to the daily lives of all Ohioans.

The Capitol Square Foundation was established in 1987 to increase public awareness of and to involve citizens in the history of the Ohio Statehouse. Its purpose is to raise funds to obtain, restore and maintain artifacts and other items related to the history and enhancement of this grand monument and its adjoining grounds, so that the seat of Ohio's government may reflect the dignity of the state and its citizens The Capitol Square Foundation has raised more than $5 million in private donations for the new museum and enhanced education programming at the Ohio Statehouse.

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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