Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH

The Ohio Historical Society is more than just a building with a little information. The Historical Society is in an architecturally delightful building in Columbus Ohio. The building has a small base that moves out into a rounded structure. It is definitely worth seeing for visitors to the state, not only because of the building but also what is inside. The main attraction inside the building is the archive and library which offers a great deal of information for researchers in a number of disciplines.

It is also the center for the museums of Ohio. There are over 50 different sites and museums offered in Ohio that the society will overview and help visitors find. They also have some of their own exhibits to whet the appetite. The museum is open Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. In summer one can expect the museum to be open on other days of the week. The library is open Thursday from 9am to 9pm, and on holidays from 12am to 5pm. Again in summer one can find it open more often. Reservations can also be made to have a special opening. The museum store is open at the same times that the museum is open.

Museum fees are two-fold. Parking is free for members, $4 for vehicles, and $10 for buses. School buses or private cars transporting a school group are free. Members are admitted for free and adults are $8. Library admission is free.

One of the exhibits at the museum/ historical society is the Soul Art from the National Afro- American Museum. The exhibit will be on display until Feb. 27, 2010 before it moves on. In this display one can learn about 200 years of African American History such as art and soul contributions to America. There are 120 paintings, sculptures and prints. The collection also includes some textiles.

Part of the collection is the Were You There? It is an Illustrated Spiritual exhibit by Allan Rohan Crite. There are 22 frames in this section showing detailed illustrations of the crucifixion of Jesus. It also shows stereotypes that were popular throughout the 1930's. `Quilts with Soul' offers seven different quilts, which were designed by some of the top women quilters of America. For example Carolyn Mazloomi, Peggie Hartwell, and Anita Knox quilts are on exhibit.

To Have and To Hold: Treasures of the Christopher Collection is another exhibit. This one explores the collection of Tom and Agnes Christopher. Much of the display is American furniture from the 19th century. They also have ceramics, decorative arts, woodenware, and metal ware.

The Ohio Historical Society and Museum offer permanent exhibits as well. In this section one can find a number of important objects to Ohio's past. For instance, there are 15,000 years of ancient Native American depictions and objects. A widescreen television offers a video about the artifacts on display. There are also plenty of pottery, ceramics, and other objects that have been discovered at local sites. Ohio is also explained regarding the frontier days and how the state has evolved.