Chillicothe and Across Ohio — The state historical organization, the Ohio History Connection, offers many programs to support local historical groups.
That was the message of Svetlana Harlan, Community Engagement Coordinator at the formerly named Ohio Historical Society. She presented at the Region 9 annual meeting of the Ohio Local History Alliance on April 6th.
Harlan said she guides outreach to local history organizations and community engagement with underserved populations. Those include immigrants, refugees, new Ohioans, and LGBTQ+ Ohioans.
The Ohio History Connection runs the state part of Americorps called the Ohio History Corps. She says 10 or 11 corps members across state can help groups to improve their reach.
Harlan said OHC has the History Fund. Last year, they gave more than $187,000 in grants to 14 projects. They also have “Ohio Open Doors,” a biennial effort to help museums and historic sites to open themselves free to their communities.
The OHC also operates the Ohio Historic Markers program to mount the large brass plaques proclaiming the significance of a site (which some visitors like to photographically collect). Harlan said OHC wants to enable 10 new markers for LGBTQ+ sites this year. The plaques are expensive, but grants area available to defray some of the costs.
The Ohio History Connection has a website, Facebook page, and Instagram page.
Susan Knisley, Director of Interpretation at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, also presented at the gathering.
See also the Ohio Local History Alliance’s website and Facebook page.
