For Immediate Release:

February 24, 2011

Contact:

Gregg Dodd

Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board

614/728-2130 ■ ■

Governor Asks All Ohioans to Celebrate the History of the Ohio Statehouse Throughout 2011

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor John Kasich issued the following recognition statement commemorating the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial.

WHEREAS, early Ohioans wanted their capitol building to serve as a symbol of the state’s democratic form of government, so they looked for inspiration to the architecture of ancient Greece, and

WHEREAS, the Statehouse Act of 1838 created acommission to conduct a competition to select a design for a new Capitol building on the massive 10-acre public square in the heart of the new capital city, and

WHEREAS, the legislature began construction of the Ohio Statehouse based on a composite design incorporating the best features of the three winning designs, and

WHEREAS, after 22 years of construction, the Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 at the beginning of the American Civil War, and

WHEREAS, throughout the decades, the Ohio Statehouse has stood the test of time – a symbol of democracy that all Ohioans can be proud of, and

WHEREAS, since the Ohio Statehouse was completed, thousands of great men and women have come to serve their fellow citizens as governor, state representative and state senator, and

WHEREAS, while the seal on the interior dome in the Rotunda has changed over time, the symbolism has remained the same: the voice of the people shines down upon every elected official who walks these hallowed halls of representative democracy, and

WHEREAS,Capitol Square is a place for Ohioans of every race, age and creed to gather and participate in the process and celebrate Ohio’s great achievements, and

WHEREAS, the Ohio Statehouse stands at the center of Capitol Square and at the center of public life for Ohioans, and it is one of the most historically and symbolically significant buildings in the nation, and

WHEREAS, the Ohio Statehouse is both the seat of state government and a political symbol of our democratic heritage, spirit and accomplishments as a self-governing people, and

WHEREAS, this building provides a sense of identity and continuity among past, present and future generations of Ohioans, and

WHEREAS, 172 years ago, construction began on our CapitolBuilding, and when the great work was finally completed in 1861, Ohioans joined together to celebrate the wonder of the difficult achievement that resulted in this centerpiece of Ohio democracy, and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN R. KASICH, Governor of Ohio, do hereby recognize the OHIO STATEHOUSE SESQUICENTENNIAL and ask all Ohio in joining me in celebrating the history of the Ohio Statehouse throughout 2011.

About the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial

The people of Ohio are celebrating the sesquicentennial of the Ohio Statehouse throughout 2011. The Ohio Statehouse has served as the heart of Ohio democracy for the last 150 years. Throughout the state, the Ohio Statehouse stands as a symbol of the legislative and executive branches of state government, and the people of Ohio.

After 22 years of construction, the Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 at the beginning of the American Civil War. One hundred and fifty years later, the Ohio Statehouse continues to serve as heart of Ohio democracy.

The Statehouse is considered to be one of the most significant architectural accomplishments of the early republic. Its Greek Revival Doric architectural details and proportions give the impression of permanence, elegance and grandeur deserved by the original State Legislature who passed a law on January 26, 1838 to build the new Statehouse. Restored to its 1861 appearance, the Ohio Statehouse maintains its historic character as it continues to function as the center of state government in Ohio.

Throughout 2011, the Ohio Statehouse is hosting a variety of special events, re-enactments and exhibits to celebrate the sesquicentennial of our great CapitolBuilding. The events will commemorate the lasting legacy and history of the Ohio Statehouse. Through educational programs, public forums, arts projects and special events, the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial will provide an opportunity for all Ohioans to learn about the history of the building, events and the people who have come to serve.

To view this press release and others, visit

The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The OhioStatehouseMuseum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit

About the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The OhioStatehouseMuseumEducationCenter coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.The Ohio Statehouse shines a light on the history of this great edifice, its symbolic meaning and its vital historic and ongoing connections to the daily lives of all Ohioans.

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Gregg Dodd

Deputy Director

Communications, Marketing and Events

Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board

Ohio Statehouse

1 Capitol Square

Columbus, Ohio43215

614/728-2130

614/752-5209 FAX

See you at the People's House!