Ohio Statehouse Museum
How It Came To Be
In July 2006, the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board and the Capitol Square Foundation approved the selection of
Hilferty & Associates to complete an interpretive conceptual plan for new exhibits in the Crypt at the Ohio Statehouse.
Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board members and stakeholders expressed a desire for new exhibits to more fully
engage visitors in telling stories about the history of the building; the workings of government that have taken place
in the Statehouse for more than 150 years; and its broader connections to Ohio history and beyond.
Hilferty & Associates interpretive planners toured the Statehouse early on to begin conceptualizing plans for a new museum.
The planners then reviewed collections at the Statehouse as well as those at the Ohio Historical Center. Hilferty and
Associates then began a comprehensive stakeholder interview process of Statehouse staff, legislators and legislative staff,
Ohio teachers and students. Museum planners then facilitated workshops with a core Statehouse exhibition review
committee to develop the master plan.
On October 17, 2007, the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board took action to advance the Ohio Statehouse by approving
the final plans for a Statehouse Museum.
Construction and exhibit production will begin in early 2008. The new Museum is scheduled to open in March 2009.
Ohio Statehouse Museum Timeline
July 2006 - Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board Selects Hilfrety & Associates as Design Firm
March 2007 - Capitol Square Foundation Announces That More Than $1.5 Million Dollars is Raised For Museum Project
March 2008 - Construction Begins on new Museum Shop Location
August 2008 - Museum Shop Moves to New Location
September 2008 - Construction on New Exhibits Continues
June 2009 - Opening of the New Ohio Statehouse Museum