Ohio Historical Society hits historic attendance in ’13

October 29, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Special events and new attractions brought a record number to the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village during the 2013 summer season.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village saw a 67 percent increase in visitation compared with summer 2012. This brings year-to-date attendance for 2013 to 39,418 visitors.

“We strive to create new and captivating activities, exhibits and experiences, so we are excited so many Ohioans are enjoying our museum and village,” said Burt Logan, executive director and CEO for the Ohio Historical Society.

For two summers in a row, Ohio Village — a recreated 19th-century town — has been open to the public during regular museum hours. Through a combination of costumed characters, cellphone tours, interpretive panels and the popular play areas,families have been free to roam through Ohio Village, learning and experiencing life in a Civil War era town. OHS hosted special events including a Civil War battle re-enactment, an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration, special discount days for military families and teachers, an arts festival, and a storybook village complete with beloved fairytale characters.

In addition to Ohio Village’s regular summer hours, OHS staff attributes the increase in visitation to attractions like the nationally recognized exhibit 1950s: Building the American Dream, which opened July 13.

The summer season also saw the installation of a second new exhibit, Transformation, displaying transformational objects like an ancient Egyptian mummy and segments from the rope used to hang the Lincoln assassination conspirators.

From now until Ohio Village opens for regular hours in summer 2014, the public can still experience fun activities and special events at the museum and village including:

Dickens of a Christmas, the 19th-century holiday celebration in Ohio Village.

A 1950s train display in the museum built by the Central Ohio Model Railroad Club.

Cabin Fever Weekends in January and February, offering hands-on fun for kids and families.

Next year, the museum is planning several events, including World of Ohio Fair, a Civil War re-enactment, a historic Soldier’s Aid Fair, Storybook Village and the Ohio Food Truck Festival.

Ohio History Center and Ohio Village are located at 800 E. 17th Ave. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $10/adults, $9/seniors, $5/children 6-12, Free/children 5 and under, Free/OHS members. For questions, call 614-297-2300/800-686-6124 or go online to ohiohistory.org.