Explore Ohio through permanent and special exhibits from prehistory to the present during your visit to the Ohio History Center. In the Ohio History Store, a unique shopping experience awaits you.
Permanent Exhibits at the Ohio History Center
Transformation
Discover how Ohio has transformed through the stories of five objects that have brought about transformation and change. All objects within the exhibit prompt reflection about the nature of transformation, and how lives can be so significantly impacted through quick decisions as well as thoroughly planned-out and well-executed ideas.
Building Places and Spaces
Building Places and Spaces examines the importance of historic preservation. Within the exhibit, learn about the history of the preservation movement in the U.S. and Ohio and how the Historic Preservation Office at the Ohio History Center works with people throughout the state to identify and protect the historic places in Ohio.
Connecting to Your History
Connecting to Your History explores what history is made up of. It is an exhibit that will encourage you to explore your past, connect to your history and share your story.
Follow the Flag
Battle flags are a source of pride, fellowship and identity for soldiers and civilians. In Follow the Flag, learn about battle flags and let those who carried them inspire you. Through Ohio History Center’s preservation of battle flags, the Museum demonstrates its gratitude for the sacrifices soldiers make every day.
Following in Ancient Footsteps
Discover more than 15,000 years of Ohio’s ancient Native American heritage in Following in Ancient Footsteps. Following in Ancient Footsteps comes to life through archaeological artifacts like the Adena Pipe, Mica hand and Wray figurine as well as the many animal effigy pipes from Tremper Mound. The exhibit also features multiple artifact drawers you can open to learn about the different artifacts the ancient people used on a daily basis and for special purposes.
To Have and to Hold: Treasures of the Christopher Collection
The Tom and Agnes Christopher Collection is mainly comprised of American furniture, ceramics, decorative arts, woodenware and metalware. As you explore the exhibit of ordinary and extraordinary objects, think about the whys and hows of material culture throughout 1800s America.
The Nature of Ohio
Explore Ohio’s natural history in The Nature of Ohio from the ice age to the present. Upon entering the exhibit gallery, the Conway mastodon will greet you as you begin your tour through the gallery’s five themes: plants, animals, geology, geography and climate.
Ohio: Centuries of Change
Ohio: Centuries of Change chronicles Ohio history from frontier days to the 1970s with emphasis on agriculture and industrial progress, leadership and the effect of major changes on the lives of ordinary people. Highlighted in the gallery is Ohio and the Civil War showcasing weapons, uniforms, medical and camp equipment and battle flags that explore Ohio’s role in the Civil War.
The Ohio History Center Turns 40
Celebrate the Ohio History Center’s 40th birthday in The Ohio History Center Turns 40 exhibit. The exhibit explores the history of the Center including its unique architectural style known as “Brutalism,” a rational, structuralist monumental style exported by French and British architects in the mid-20th century.
Over Here, Over There
Over Here, Over There explores the different techniques we use in attempt to capture the elusive quality that helps us remember a loved one. As you enter this exhibit space you will notice the exhibit uses visible storage to bring many objects into view. Highlights of the exhibit include a jeep at the entrance of the exhibit that sets the tone, an array of uniforms from several wars and walls decorated with mementos such as photographs, flags, medals and clippings.
White Castle, the History You Crave
White Castle, the History You Crave is a panel exhibit that celebrates America’s first hamburger chain. Chronicling White Castle’s 85-year history, the exhibit displays plates and mugs, fountain glassware, posters, burger boxes, match books, employee recognition pins, paper caps, sacks and a White Castle “clock” with no hands, symbolic of the White Castle’s 24-hour service.
Stop by the Ohio History Store. Items that reflect Ohio’s vast history including Ohio wines, candles, honey, jelly, hand-screened scarves and other goods made by Ohio artisans are available to purchase. Additionally, the Ohio History Store sells books by Ohio authors that reflect the history, challenges and diversity of the state.
Travel Tips
- The Ohio History Center’s permanent exhibits are regularly complemented by special exhibits.
- The Ohio History Center is ADA complaint.