STATEHOUSE NEWS

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(Columbus, Ohio) – The Ohio Statehouse Museum unveiled a sweeping documentary series of videos highlighting the national significance of the Ohio Constitution — from its critical role in the slavery abolition movement to how it set a national model for the funding of public education. Written, produced, and directed by Dublin-based Roto in collaboration with Capitol Square Foundation and the Ohio History Connection, the films feature all five of the state’s living former governors exploring the historical impact of the Buckeye State’s founding documents.

Ohio’s Constitution and the new videos are featured in the central area of the Ohio Statehouse Museum. Visitors may view actual handwritten pages from the 1802 and 1851 Ohio Constitutions, courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. Adjacent displays explain and expand on the importance of the historic documents. The panels in this area have been updated to show the six new documentary videos.

The five-minute-long videos offer a fascinating and inspiring look into Ohio’s history. The films highlight the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the first federal legislative act that abolished slavery. They also explore Ohio’s 1802 Constitution and critical contributions of Ohioans in the abolition movement, such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin author Harriet Beecher Stowe, and John P. Parker, who helped hundreds of enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The film culminates with Ohio’s journey to becoming one of the first states to guarantee free universal public education funding in its 1851 Constitution.

Five former Ohio Governors appear on screen to explain Ohio history. Richard Celeste (1983-1991), Nancy Hollister (1998-1999), John Kasich (2011-2019), Ted Strickland (2007-2011), and Bob Taft (1999-2007) give personal insights into the Ohio Constitution. Roto oversaw all aspects of the film production, including research, writing, animation, graphics, cinematography, and editing, with invaluable help from the Ohio History Connection. The Capitol Square Foundation secured funding and guided the project along with the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB).

Historians featured in the film include Dr. Nikki Taylor, Chairperson of the Department of History at Howard University, Brian Schoen, Chairperson of the Department of History at Ohio University, and Trevor Brown, Dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. The Roto team was led by Senior Media Producer Jackie Rapaport, the film’s producer and director, and Partner Sean Ramsay and Founder and CEO Joseph Wisne, who served as executive producers.

“The Ohio Constitution reshaped the nation in areas from the abolition of slavery to public education,” said Wisne, named one of the world’s top 50 Museum Influencers of 2021 by Blooloop. “We were thrilled to partner once again with Ohio Statehouse in helping to bring these influential documents to life with films that shed new light on its lasting impact.”

“This is a major new element in the Ohio Statehouse Museum,” said Charles Moses, chair of the Capitol Square Foundation. “Roto uses museum quality historical storytelling to open our eyes to the Ohio Constitution through immersive experiences.”

Guests may view the films at the Ohio Statehouse Museum on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse. Also, the videos will be available on OhioStatehouse.org and OhCapitolSquareFoundation.org before and after your Capitol visit.

“These films help make Ohio’s Constitution come alive for Statehouse visitors and give a new perspective when thinking about our history,” said Laura P. Battocletti, Executive Director of Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board.

Link to view the Ohio Constitution videos: http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/galleries/ohio-constitution-videos

About Roto
Roto is an interdisciplinary creative design agency offering planning, experience design, immersive media, interactive engineering, and custom fabrication for museums, brands, attractions, and architectural placemaking. Its clients include the National Museum of American History, the Legacy Museum, the Northern Virginia Science Center, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the National Museum of Military Vehicles. For more information, visit roto.com.

About the Capitol Square Foundation
The Capitol Square Foundation was established in 1987 to increase public awareness of and to involve citizens in the history of the Ohio Statehouse. Its purpose is to raise funds to obtain, restore and maintain artifacts and other items related to the history and enhancement of this grand monument and its adjoining grounds so that the seat of Ohio's government may reflect the dignity of the state and its citizens.

About the Ohio Statehouse Museum
Opened in 2009, the Ohio Statehouse Museum features high-tech, interactive exhibits that make learning about state government immersive. The museum features historical artifacts and images that detail how government works, and recognizes the people who have served their fellow citizens. The Museum includes 5,000 square feet of exhibit space on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse that enriches the experience of schoolchildren and visitors.

About the Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it’s where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on state holidays.