Group is seeking nominations worthy of ‘Great Ohioan’ honor

COLUMBUS — The Capitol Square Foundation is accepting nominations for men and women worthy of the title “Great Ohioan.”

The foundation, which was established in 1987 to preserve the state’s history and gain public support, is seeking former and current Ohioans to honor for their role in “an event or series of events of lasting significance in the World, American or Ohio history.”

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board will select individuals whose talents shaped or influenced one or more of six categories in arts and sciences.

From medicine to literature, academics to entertainment, nominees must exhibit their impact.

A maximum of two nominees will be selected in each category, and all citizens are encouraged to participate in the nomination process.

The deadline for nominations is Dec. 1 for all 2009 nominees. At least 25 years must have passed since the achievement or work of the nominee was completed, and the person should have been born in Ohio or lived in the state for at least five years.

Created in 2003, the Great Ohioan Award is an opportunity to recognize Ohioans for the special roles they played in history.

Ten men and women have been selected since that year, including the Wright Brothers, John Glenn, Jesse Owens, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Neil Armstrong.

Award winners receive their place in an exhibit, a restored monument and museum at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

The Capitol Square Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is not state-sponsored but promotes access to government history and the upkeep of the Statehouse.

For more information about criteria and to print a nomination form, please visit this Web site: www.capitolsquarefoundation.org.