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Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial

150 Years of Serving as the Heart of Ohio Democracy

1861 to 2011

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 is providing an opportunity for all Ohioans to learn about the history of the building, events and the people who have come to serve.

For detailed information about Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial events, see the events calendar or call 614/752-9777.

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.” Detailed information and works of art are online at http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/Education/CreativityChallenge.aspx.

Statehouse Museum Shop Commemorative Merchandise Available

Sesquicentennial Event

January through December 2011
Statehouse Museum Shop

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
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 Museum Gallery; 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.

150th Civil War Gala Jubilee – An Evening of Remembrance Honoring Major General William Starke Rosecrans

Sesquicentennial Event

February 12, 2011
5 – 6 p.m. – Reception; 6 p.m. - Dinner
Ohio Statehouse Rotunda and Atrium
$100 per person
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.rosecransheadquarters.org/Statue/12-12.htm.

The General Rosecrans Department of the Ohio Headquarters Unit and 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War and the completion of the Ohio Statehouse with a gala. The ticketed event will benefit the construction of a statue honoring Civil War General William Starke Rosecrans. Reception and dinner guests will “step back” in time and meet dignitaries of the day including, Abraham Lincoln. The program will feature Ohio's prominent role in the Civil War and the contributions made by General Rosecrans.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at www.rosecransheadquarters.org/Statue/12-12.htm.

For more information about this event, contact Tom Paul at 740/804-2274.

This program is presented by General Rosecrans Department of the Ohio Headquarters Unit and 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A.

Abraham Lincoln Re-enactor Visits the Ohio Statehouse

Sesquicentennial Event

February 13, 2011
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse
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.

Public and Virtual Presentation by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Famed Biographer and Historian

Sesquicentennial Event

April 6, 2011
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse Museum Gallery (Formerly the Crypt)

Free, RSVP required; Online viewing has no registration.

One of the most recognized historians of the day, Doris Kearns Goodwin will provide an informed and enthralling free program centered around the 1860s, the time period when the Ohio Statehouse was completed. Kearns Goodwin will offer extraordinary insight into the life of Abraham Lincoln and his leadership dealing with the American Civil War.

The interactive program will be streamed live online at www.OhioChannel.org to classrooms across the state. The program will allow students to email questions prior to the event. Many of the questions will be answered live during the program.

Information regarding the details will be emailed to Ohio school district superintendants and principals in March.

This program is sponsored by the Capitol Square Foundation and is in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education.

An Evening with Doris Kearns Goodwin, A Dinner to Celebrate the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial

Sesquicentennial Event

April 6, 2011
7 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse Atrium
$150 per person. Ticket information at www.capitolsquarefoundation.org.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, widely known for her best-selling histories of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, will deliver the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial featured presentation celebrating the 150th anniversary of the completion of Ohio’s Capitol Building.

One of the most recognized historians of the day, Doris Kearns Goodwin will provide an informed and enthralling program centered around the 1860s, the time period when the Ohio Statehouse was completed. Kearns Goodwin will offer extraordinary insight into the life of Abraham Lincoln and his leadership dealing with the American Civil War.

Dinner proceeds will support the Ohio Statehouse and its educational programs. Ticket information is available at www.capitolsquarefoundation.org.

This program is sponsored by the Capitol Square Foundation.

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
Free!

The Ohio National Guard, in partnership with the Ohio Statehouse and Ohio Historical Society will mark 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 commemoration. 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
Free!

Ohio's elected leaders have been invited to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the Ohio Statehouse by planting a tree on Capitol Square. The event will include re-enactors dressed in period garb as well as “General Grant,” “Governor Dennison,” and “President Lincoln.” Members of Battery A will fire the Ohio Statehouse cannon at the conclusion of the event to commemorate the beginning of the American Civil War which began on this day in 1861.

The Ohio Statehouse will rededicate the three Ohio Governors portraits who served during the Civil War. The portraits will be on display in the Rotunda through 2011. Ohio Governors who served during the Civil War include: William Dennison, Jr. (1860-1862), David Tod (1862-1864) and John Brough (1864-1865).

The Repose of President Lincoln Replica Lincoln's Casket and Photo Exhibit on View And Special Presentation about Lincoln's Funeral Train

Sesquicentennial Event

April 29, 2011; 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse Rotunda
Free!

The 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A, a group of Civil War re-enactors, will provide an honor guard for a replica of Lincoln's casket from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This will take place on the site where the slain President lay in state in the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda on April 29, 1865.

A special exhibit of images from the Library of Congress will be on view in the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda on Lincoln's assassination and the men and women named as conspirators along with their fate. This exhibit is for mature audiences.

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

Civil War Encampment

Sesquicentennial Event

May 6 and 7, 2011; 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse West Plaza (High Street Lawn)
Free!

The recently completed Ohio Statehouse hosted Civil War soldiers on their way to battle. Learn what camp life was like during the Civil War. Walk among soldiers' tents, see how to fire the cannon every hour and help the Ladies Aid Society deliver comfort to the troops. Historical re-enactors from 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A and other groups will demonstrate Civil War life, cooking and medical practices. School tours are the focus on Friday and the public is welcome both days. Fun for the whole family!

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

Plein Air at the Ohio Statehouse

Sesquicentennial Event

June 10, 2011
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse, Outdoor Plazas
Free!
Join dozens of plein-air artists as they converge on Capitol Square to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Ohio Statehouse. Artists throughout Ohio will “choose a spot” on Capitol Square and paint in the tradition of plein air. En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air", and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors.
Ohio Statehouse visitors are invited to visit with artists from Ohio Plein Air as they create their works of art. Artwork created during this day will be placed on exhibit in the Ohio Statehouse July 1 to 31, 2011. Some artwork will be available for purchase in the Statehouse Museum Shop. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled. The event is presented in partnership with Ohio Plein Air. More information about OPA is available at www.ohiopleinair.com.

Old Time Baseball Game and Outdoor Movie on the Statehouse Lawn

Sesquicentennial Event

July 22, 2011
Baseball Game – 7 p.m.
Outdoor Movie - Dusk
Ohio Statehouse West Plaza
Free!

Celebrate the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial and take a step back to the 1800s with an exhibition game of the Ohio Village Historical Muffins vs. members of the Ohio General Assembly and other elected leaders. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and come to the “People's House” to enjoy the hour-long “old-time” baseball game.

After the baseball game, stay and enjoy a cannon firing demonstration. Several local celebrities will firing the cannon.!

And stay for the outdoor movie on the giant screen. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Come early to choose your spot. Food and a cash bar will be available.

Film: Glory – Glory is a 1989 American drama war film based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as told from the point of view of its commanding officer, Robert Gould Shaw during the American Civil War. The 54th was one of the first formal units of the U.S. Army to be made up entirely of African-American men (apart from the officers). The film was chosen to celebrate the time period in which the Ohio Statehouse was completed.

The 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A will provide cannon fire demonstrations leading up to the movie. Re-enactors will also provide old-time games and activities for families.

This program is presented in partnership with CAPA.

Ohio Statehouse 150th Birthday Celebration Open House and Capitol Artists Fair

Sesquicentennial Event

November 15, 2011, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse, Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus
Free!

The Ohio Statehouse will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Ohio Statehouse with a birthday celebration open house and artists fair. The day of special events will feature Ohio artists, crafts and activities. The Capitol Artists Fair will include both contemporary crafters and artisans from every corner of Ohio. Ohio artists will display their own original work in the beautiful Ohio Statehouse. It is a one-stop shopping extravaganza for central Ohio and Ohio Statehouse visitors. From glass, to jewelry, to pottery and paintings …it’s all together in one location. Ohio food and wine sampling, special discounts and door prizes! The day-long event will provide an opportunity for all Ohioans to learn about the important history of the Ohio Statehouse and the time period in which it was completed.

November 15, 1861 was the day that the Ohio Statehouse was pronounced complete.

This program is sponsored by the Capitol Square Foundation.

Statehouse Holiday Festival and Open House

Sesquicentennial Event

November 30, 2011
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse Rotunda and Atrium
Free!

The holiday season opens in Ohio with the 96th annual Statehouse event. Attend the Statehouse Holiday Open House and Festival to kick off the 2011 holiday season. Holiday activities include: carolers, refreshments, model trains, community mascots and much more. Historical characters and modern dignitaries will be on hand to greet guests, including Santa himself. Free and open to the public.

This program is sponsored by the Capitol Square Foundation.

Ohio Statehouse History

Time Line of Some Important Events Associated with the Ohio Statehouse