
Statehood Day
Join us March 2, 2023, to celebrate Ohio!
Ohio Statehood Day
Join fellow history lovers at the Ohio Statehouse to commemorate Ohio's birthday—and to advocate for Ohio History.
In commemoration of Ohio’s founding, we and our partners invite you to join a broad coalition of history advocates for our annual Statehood Day event. The state’s birthday serves as an appropriate time each year for history advocates to come together to help showcase the importance of Ohio’s history and how history, historic preservation and the organizations that help provide access to Ohio’s rich history benefit the Buckeye State. Statehood Day is a celebration of Ohio and its history, as well as a legislative advocacy event! There is no cost to register, but please RSVP below.
Schedule of Events
Join us on March 2, 2023 at the Ohio Statehouse for a day of celebrating Ohio and its history.
Join your fellow Ohioans at 9:30AM in the Atrium for light refreshments. At 10AM our formal presentation will begin, including exciting updates from America 250-Ohio commission, and the Ohio History Leadership Awards Ceremony. Immediately following the formal presentation you can enjoy a variety of activities:
9:30–10 a.m. – Light Refreshments and Socializing
10–11 a.m. – Formal Program Begins
- Remarks by Cameron Fontana
- America 250 Ohio Logo Unveiling by Todd Kleismit
- Ohio History Leadership Award Recipients Announced
11 a.m.–Noon – History Fund Winners Announced
- Presented by Andy Verhoff
11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Ongoing Activities
- Experience the architectural gem of the Ohio Statehouse on a tour. Tours leave from the Map Room at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
- View Marching On: The Fight for School Integration
in Hillsboro, Ohio located in the Governor Thomas Worthington Room - Visit Exhibit Tables in the Rotunda, featuring:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Allen County
- Washington County
- Stoney St. Clair Private Collection
- Visit our partner organizations’ tables to learn more about all the great work they are doing throughout the state in the Atrium
- Meet with your legislators for a scheduled appointment
If you have questions, please contact [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ohio’s Statehood Day?
March 1, 1803 is one of the most important dates in Ohio’s history. Ohio’s constitution was approved by Congress in early 1803 and signed by President Thomas Jefferson on February 19. Ohio’s first elections had been held in January and the newly-elected Ohio General Assembly took up state business for the first time in Chillicothe on March 1, 1803.
Why attend the Statehood Day event?
Ohio’s “birthday” on March 1 is a most appropriate date to convene Ohio’s history advocates and organizations to advocate and celebrate Ohio’s rich history. Anyone passionate about Ohio’s history is encouraged to attend the annual event at the Ohio Statehouse. You can also schedule an appointment to meet with your state representative and state senator that same day. You can find your elected officials on the Statehood Day website.
Who puts on the Statehood Day event?
Statehood Day is sponsored by Ohio History Connection, Heritage Ohio, the Ohio Archaeological Council, the Ohio Local History Alliance, the Ohio Travel Association, the Ohio Genealogical Society, the Ohio Museums Association, the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board, Preservation Ohio, the Ohio Academy of History, Ohio Humanities, the Ohio Council for Social Studies and the Society of Ohio Archivists.
What is included in my registration?
When you register, you will get light coffee and pastries, view private and public collections of Ohio artifacts, time for networking and the ability to be part of something larger – the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by expressing your support for Ohio history.
How should I prepare for the event?
First, don’t forget to register online as soon as possible. There is no registration cost, but numbers help us plan for food and seating on the day of. Second, be on the lookout for e-mail announcements from the Ohio History Connection for any additional updates about the event. Most people dress for the event in business casual or professional attire, especially if meeting with a representative or elected official.
What should I know about parking and where to go when I arrive?
It is recommended you arrive as early as possible to secure parking for the event. The ideal parking option is at the Ohio Statehouse garage (which can be assessed through any of the four sides of the building (parking fee kiosks are on the Green level). Note: The garage typically fills up before 9 a.m. when the General Assembly is in session (which may be the case on March 1st). If the garage is full (signs will indicate this), there are several parking options nearby: Columbus Commons garage , the Vern Riffe Center garage, or other surface lots in the area.
The recommended entrances to the Statehouse are through either the Statehouse parking garage or the 3rd Street entrance. Please allow for extra time to go through the security check area. Once inside, make your way to the Atrium, which is the large open room that connects the historic Statehouse building with the Senate Annex. Complimentary coat racks are available.
Please RSVP Below
Partner Organizations
Statehood Day is a joint effort among the Ohio History Connection, Heritage Ohio, the Ohio Academy of History, the Ohio Archaeological Council, the Ohio Local History Alliance, the Ohio Travel Association, the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, the Ohio Museums Association, Ohio Humanities, Preservation Ohio, the Ohio Genealogical Society, the Ohio Council for Social Studies, Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board and the Society of Ohio Archivists.