The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) and the Capitol Square Foundation (CSF), in partnership with the Ohio History Connection, will unveil the Ohio Constitution Exhibit in the Statehouse Museum on Wednesday, November 28 at 10 AM in the Museum Gallery.
The $850,000 exhibit will permanently house the state constitutions of 1802 and 1851, as well as a major series of amendments added in 1912 so sweeping that many consider it to be a third constitution. Ohio will now be the first state capitol in the country to publicly display their state’s constitutions.
Utilizing the original documents in conjunction with visitor-interactive displays, the exhibit will answer the questions, what is the Ohio constitution, what does it do and how does it impact Ohioans in the 21st century?
“Our Foundation and the CSRAB have been dedicated to enriching the experience of all who visit the Statehouse. This exhibit has been years in the making. Bringing the Ohio Constitution to the Museum for permanent display realizes a dream we have worked toward for more than a decade,” said Charles R. Moses, CSF chairman. “This exhibit would not be possible without the collaboration and support provided by the Ohio History Connection.”
“Since our organization’s founding in 1885, we have cared for and preserved the Ohio Constitution documents. We understand the value of the stories they contain and we’re excited to connect even more Ohioans to the founding of our great state,” said Megan Wood, Ohio History Connection Director of Museum and Library Services.
When visitors enter the space, the experience begins with pages from the original 1802 and 1851 Ohio constitutions. Supporting the documents are interactives focused on “Rights,” “Responsibilities” and “Constitution Stories.”
“The Ohio Statehouse is grateful for the partnership with CSF and Ohio History Connection. The exhibit will educate Ohio students and visitors about the importance of these founding documents and how these documents impact their lives—the Statehouse is where Ohio civics and government come to life,” said Laura Battocletti, executive director of CSRAB. In addition to the new constitution exhibit, the entire museum has been updated with a new layout and expanded legislative gallery experience. The Worthington Center has received a new iCivics interactive activity designed for school groups visiting the Ohio Statehouse, as well.
Source: Capital Square Review and Advisory Board
