Ohio Statehouse Museum, first of its kind in the country

By ASHLEY BRUGNONE

Peninsula News Intern

The first of its kind in the country, the Ohio Statehouse Museum is an interactive, hands-on way for visitors to learn more about government and the intertwining workings within it.

With phase-one already established, the eventual three-phase project has finally completed its second installment and opened its doors for the first time on June 10.

Covering nearly 5,000 square feet of the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse, the exhibits allow those who visit the opportunity to see historical documents, such as the original Ohio State Constitution, as well as give them the chance to read about, and even become a part of, the Ohio governing process.

The intention of the museum is not only to give some of the state's history back to the people, but also to enlighten them more on a subject some may find difficult to understand.

"There is not an adequate awareness of what government is and how it works," said Gregg Dodd, deputy director for communications, education and events. "This is candy for the eyes."

With large standing informational cutouts, ceilings filled with campaign memorabilia from Ohio's past and touch-screen monitors at every station, the Ohio Statehouse is the Willy Wonka Factory of museum eye-candy. Though the many banners and artifacts make the museum an interesting place for adults, the gallery is even more focused on attracting fourth graders through junior-high age youth.

"It's our hope that kids will come and see how government works, then go upstairs to see the government itself," said Dodd. "We want to inspire the next generation of public servants to serve in the Ohio House."

One section allows visitors to manage the state budget to demonstrate how money is divided within different areas of the state, while another gives them the opportunity to recite the "State of the State Address" of a former Ohio governor of their choice.

In the "Elections and Voting Gallery," guests are provided with a card with which he or she can choose to place into an automated slot to vote on issues displayed on screens within mock voting booths. A percentage of what other visitors have voted pops up on screen to reveal how the majority feel about the particular issue. Separate sections also show how laws are formed and allow visitors to learn more about their own representative districts.

Though the museum is mainly about Ohio and its government, it also serves as a reminder to the public of how the state has grown and changed throughout its long history. Photographs of faces upon the walls weave in and out of each gallery section, not only for decoration, but also as a reminder of what makes the state.

"The faces are ordinary citizens of Ohio we collected," said Dodd. "It really shows how diverse Ohio is, and it's something we're proud of."

Phase III of the project will include even more exhibits as well as a high-tech media show. The final stage is expected to be completed in early 2010.

Admission to the Statehouse and museum are free. Hours are weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; weekends from noon-4 p.m.; closed holidays.