"I do, we do, you do"

Since 2010, the Ohio History Service Corps, an AmeriCorps program, has been working with local history organizations and communities in each of the Ohio Local History Alliance’s 10 regions throughout the state. They provide coaching and training in completing activities suggested by the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH)’s STEPS program to help organizations become more effective and sustainable, and help communities take the first step in historic preservation. Through member-facilitated assistance, organizations gain an increased knowledge of the public history field’s standards and best practices and/or the creation of new programs, policies and procedures that meet those standards, such as:

  • Historic site survey
  • Collection digitization
  • Capacity building for local historical organizations
  • Volunteer recruitment and management
  • Event planning
  • Cultivating partnerships
  • K-12 education outreach
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Questions?

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Contact Us

Interested in hosting an Ohio History Service Corps member?

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We are currently accepting host site applications for the Sept 2024 - Aug 2025 program year. Host site applications are due Monday, March 4, 2024.

Please reach out to Program Manager Dr. Betsy Hedler with questions.

How does the Ohio History Service Corps work?

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Members are hosted at sites in regions across the state where they provide capacity-building services to their local communities and history organizations. Spending 50% of their time at their host sites, Local History members help with projects ranging from collections management, program development, facilitating and building youth programming, and developing and training volunteers. The other 50% of members' time is dedicated to assisting local organizations - many of which are volunteer - to identify and develop plans and procedures to become more effective in engaging current and future audiences.

Community Surveyors help communities take the first step in historic preservation. Surveyor members complete research and document the built environment within the communities across the state. They complete Ohio Historic Inventory forms of structures and places representing underrepresented populations, historically significant events and buildings constructed between 1945-1970.

Members serve a 1-year term with the opportunity to serve two additional 1-year terms. In that short time members leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve. While members can make a lasting impact on the communities they serve and provide assistance with capacity-building projects, there are a few activities members are not permitted to engage with.

Interested in working with an Ohio History Service Corps member?

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See the Member Directory below to find contact information for the member nearest you!

Alumni Engagement

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The Ohio History Service Corps alumni continue to impact their communities serving in various roles in museums, archives, as architectural consultants, independent contractors, and other non-profits and in international business. Members of past years regularly engage with current members through professional development sessions and events including a “Life After AmeriCorps” training for current members. Alumni participate in resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, tips for making the most of the last few months of service and provide unique perspectives from those who served.

Alumni, interested in getting engaged and re-connect with fellow members? Get in touch to update your information today!

Local History Member - Region 3

Kaitlyn Brulia
Lorain Historical Society

440-245-2563 x7005
Local History Member - Region 3

John Clement
Oberlin Heritage Center

216-302-4981
Local History Member - Region 4

Sofia Biegeleisen
Trumbull County Historical Society

740-274-9711
Local History Member - Region 6

Daniel Griffaton
Rickenbacker Woods Foundation

614-382-6046
Local History Member - Region 6

Garrett Moyer
The Dawes Arboretum

937-776-6383
Local History Member - Region 7

Chelsea Cozad
National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center

937-684-7845
Local History Member - Region 9

Logan Lambert
Southeast Ohio History Center

740-592-2280 x105
Local History Member - Region 9

Wesley VanderWeg
Shawnee State University

740-351-3513
Community Surveyor - Region 6

Michael Carey
Ohio Department of Natural Resources

330-754-4679
Community Surveyor - Region 6

Alex Cervelli
Ohio Department of Natural Resources

614-835-6428

2023-2024 Program Year Applications

Ohio History Connection is not currently accepting applications for AmeriCorps Members to serve in the Ohio History Service Corps. We have selected 10 members to serve around the state in the 23-24 cohort year. Please check out the FAQ and Position Description for more information if you might be interested in service in the future.

Members commit to a full year of service from Sept. 13, 2023 - Aug. 31, 2024. Benefits include a living allowance ($20,000), health insurance, eligibility for childcare assistance, professional development, and the ability for members to place qualifying student loans into forbearance for the duration of their service term. Additionally, members who successfully complete 1700 hours of service will receive an education award the equivalent of a Pell Grant ($6,895).

 

2023-2024 Ohio History Service Corps FAQ

2023-2024 Ohio History Service Corps Position Description

Testimonials

ServeOhio

Ohio History Connection's Ohio History Service Corps AmeriCorps program is made possible with a grant from ServeOhio and a matching grant by Ohio History Connection with costs being partially offset by host site fees and donations to Ohio History Connection.

ServeOhio is Ohio’s Governor-appointed Commission on Service and Volunteerism. Their mission is to strengthen Ohio communities through AmeriCorps and volunteer engagement by supporting and funding programs and initiatives that engage thousands of Ohioans of all ages.