Ohio History Connection

Ohio History Connection, also known as the Ohio Historical Society, is the state‑designated historical society for Ohio. It operates museums, historic sites, and archives that document and interpret the state’s cultural, social, and political heritage. The organization develops exhibitions and public programs that engage visitors of all ages, from school groups to lifelong learners. It preserves collections of artifacts, documents, photographs, and audiovisual materials that are made accessible to researchers and the general public. Educational outreach includes curriculum‑aligned resources, workshops, and traveling exhibits that support Ohio’s K‑12 and higher‑education institutions. Through its publications, digital platforms, and online databases, the society disseminates scholarship on Ohio history to a national and international audience. The organization also provides technical assistance to local historical societies and preservation groups across the state. Special events such as anniversary commemorations, living‑history demonstrations, and community festivals are regularly hosted at its sites.

As the official state historical society, Ohio History Connection holds a distinctive role in preserving and interpreting Ohio’s past within a public‑trust framework. Its statewide network of historic properties provides tangible places where visitors can experience Ohio’s heritage firsthand, ranging from prehistoric earthworks to 19th‑century industrial sites. The organization’s curatorial and conservation staff maintain professional standards for artifact care, collections management, and historic preservation. In addition to its stewardship duties, the society conducts original research that contributes to the broader understanding of regional and national history. Partnerships with universities, schools, and cultural institutions enable collaborative projects and shared programming. The external system breach discovered on July 9 2023, which exposed names combined with financial account numbers and credit or debit card details, prompted the nonprofit to offer affected individuals twelve months of identity‑theft protection services. This response demonstrated the organization’s commitment to mitigating harm while maintaining transparency with its constituents. Ohio History Connection remains a nonprofit entity governed by a board of trustees and funded through a mix of public appropriations, private donations, earned income, and grants.