Ohio Statehouse Set to Celebrate its Sesquicentennial

150 Years of Serving as the Heart of Ohio Democracy

Columbus, OH – The people of Ohio will celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Ohio Statehouse throughout 2011. The Ohio Statehouse has served as the heart of Ohio democracy for the last 150 years. Throughout the state, the Ohio Statehouse stands as a symbol of the legislative and executive branches of state government, and the people of Ohio.

After 22 years of construction, the Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 at the beginning of the American Civil War. One hundred and fifty years later, the Ohio Statehouse continues to serve as heart of Ohio democracy.

The Statehouse is considered to be one of the most significant architectural accomplishments of the early republic. Its Greek Revival Doric architectural details and proportions give the impression of permanence, elegance and grandeur deserved by the original State Legislature who passed a law on January 26, 1838 to build the new Statehouse. Restored to its 1861 appearance, the Ohio Statehouse maintains its historic character as it continues to function as the center of state government in Ohio.

Throughout 2011, the Ohio Statehouse will host a variety of special events, re-enactments and exhibits to celebrate the sesquicentennial of our great Capitol Building. The events will commemorate the lasting legacy and history of the Ohio Statehouse. Through educational programs, public forums, arts projects and special events, the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial will provide an opportunity for all Ohioans to learn about the history of the building, events and the people who have come to serve.

Scheduled events and educational opportunities include:

Ohio Statehouse Adorned in Patriotic Bunting
Sesquicentennial Event
Ohio Statehouse, Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus

Red, white and blue patriotic bunting will adorn the west columns of the Ohio Statehouse throughout 2011. The bunting will draw attention to the significance of the Statehouse’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration.

Ohio Statehouse Creativity Challenge and Online Gallery
Sesquicentennial Event
Through December 2011
Free!

The 150th anniversary of the Ohio Statehouse is an opportunity for students K-12 to demonstrate their creativity by participating in the celebration. Students across Ohio have the opportunity to create a work of art based on the theme, “Picture Yourself at the People’s House.” Every work of art will be highlighted online at www.OhioStatehouse.org , and a rotating exhibit will feature a variety of submissions each month throughout the year-long celebration. Detailed information is available at www.OhioStatehouse.org .

Statehouse Museum Shop Commemorative Merchandise Available
Sesquicentennial Event
January through December 2011
Statehouse Museum Shop, Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus

The Statehouse Museum Shop will unveil Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial merchandise to commemorate the year-long sesquicentennial celebration. Merchandise is also available at www.statehouseshop.com .

Grande Winter Ball
Sesquicentennial Event
January 29, 2011; 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse Atrium, Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus
Free, RSVP required by visiting www.ohiostatehouse.org !

Individuals of all ages are invited to attend the Grande Winter Ball hosted by Civil War re-enactors, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A. Come dance or watch. Learn how to reel or waltz. Dress in attire of the Civil War period or come as you are. This event highlights the time period in which the Statehouse was first constructed.

The event is FREE; due to limited space an online registration is required at www.ohiostatehouse.org .

For more information, contact 614/728-4185.

This program is supported by the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A

Black History Month at the Ohio Statehouse
Sesquicentennial Event
February 1 – 28, 2011
Ohio Statehouse, Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus
Free!

The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with a special display, free historical performances each Tuesday at noon and special tours of the George Washington Williams Room. Visitors can also enjoy a special soul food menu at the Capitol Cafe each Wednesday in February.

Special Black History Month exhibition
Through Feb. 28, 2011
Map Room

Living history programs featuring interpreters portraying prominent historical African Americans
Each Tuesday; February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2011
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Crypt

Soul Food Wednesdays at the Capitol Cafe
Each Wednesday; February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2011
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

George Washington Williams Room Tours
Visit the room which memorializes Ohio’s first African-American legislator.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Abraham Lincoln Re-enactor Visits the Ohio Statehouse
Sesquicentennial Event
February 13, 2011
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse, Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus
Free, RSVP required by visiting www.ohiostatehouse.org !

Explore Ohio’s connection with Abraham Lincoln with a visit from President Lincoln. Our nation’s 16th President will provide an hour-long presentation. The program will occur 150 years to the day from Lincoln’s historic speech to the 54th Ohio General Assembly on February 13, 1865. Free and open to the public, online RSVP required at www.ohiostatehouse.org .

The 150th Anniversary of President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural trip from Springfield, Illinois to Washington D.C. provides an excellent opportunity for a conversation about the importance of the coming Civil War Sesquicentennial. The goal of the reenactment is to provide the public with insight into the issues that this nation faced just prior to the Civil War and illustrate how this story resonates today.

This program is presented in partnership with the National Park Service.

The event is FREE; due to limited seating an online registration is required at www.ohiostatehouse.org .

Civil War and Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial Ohio National Guard Encampment & Ceremony — Commemoration of the Beginning of the American Civil War & the Completion of the Ohio Statehouse
Sesquicentennial Event

April 10, 2011
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ceremony to take place at 2 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse West Plaza
Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus
Free!

The Ohio National Guard, in partnership with the Ohio Statehouse and Ohio Historical Society will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Ohio unit mustered into federal service for the American Civil War. The event is the statewide kickoff weekend for the Ohio Civil War 150 celebration. Visitors will have the opportunity see an 1861 encampment as well as a modern day encampment, meet “Abraham Lincoln,” see a variety of homeland defense vehicles and witness ceremonies honoring the history of America’s armed forces.

This program is presented in partnership with the Ohio National Guard.

Sesquicentennial Tree Planting and Commemoration of the Beginning of the American Civil War
Sesquicentennial Event
April 12, 2011
10:30 a.m.
Ohio Statehouse, North Plaza and Rotunda
Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus
Free!

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