Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages

New Book Featuring the Historic Capitol Square Now Available

Columbus, Ohio – The beautiful new book, Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages, is now available in the Statehouse Museum Shop. More than 2,000 first edition copies were received today to be made available for purchase. Retailing for the introductory price of $13.95 through October 1, the 80-page book includes 121 full color and black and white historic images of the buildings, grounds and events since 1839 when construction began on the Statehouse.

The book was written by Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board staff members, Cheryl J. Straker and Chris Matheney, and features images throughout the Capitol Square, as well as information about the history of Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building, Atrium and grounds. In addition, the book chronicles the history of the buildings and many of the political leaders who have come to serve. The writing and images assembled in the book give a graphic picture of the Capitol Square complex and grounds, putting on paper what political leaders, tour guides and others highlight in person. It is truly a great story of Ohio’s Capitol Building that has been serving as the heart of state democracy for more than 150 years.

“Over the years, people have consistently asked if we had a book about the Ohio Statehouse,” said Senator Richard Finan, Chairman of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board. “Visitors and legislators have wanted something to take home with them to remember this temple to Ohio democracy, and now they have it.”

Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages, provides readers with the opportunity to reflect on the building’s history and the great men and women who have come to the Statehouse to serve the people of Ohio. Readers will discover the beauty of the building and the symbolism that has inspired Ohioans through the large number of photographs and stories.

Copies of Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages are available for $13.95 each and can be ordered in advance by:
• Visiting the Statehouse Museum Shop on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square in the heart of downtown Columbus;
• Contacting the Shop at 614/728-9234; or
• Purchasing online at www.StatehouseShop.com; click on “Statehouse exclusive.”

Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages was published by The Donning Company Publishers, Virginia Beach, VA. Content areas of the book include: History of the Ohio Statehouse, Governor’s Office, Style and Architects, Ohio General Assembly, Light Courts, Presidential Hearing Rooms, State Room, George Washington Williams Memorial Room, Ladies’ Gallery, State Library, Relic Room, Rotunda, Cupola, Artwork of the Rotunda, Lincoln and Soldiers’ Monument, Museum Gallery, Abraham Lincoln at the Ohio Statehouse, Atrium, Map Room, Senate Building and Grounds and Monuments.

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

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 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 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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