Ohio Open Doors is state-wide biennial event during which building and landmark owners open their doors to the public for special tours and programs. It's sponsored by the Ohio History Connection and partner organizations, the Ohio Arts Council, Tourism Ohio, the Ohio Travel Association and Heritage Ohio.
Are you interested in participating in Ohio Open Doors in 2024? The 2024 event season will run September 6-15.
The Ohio History Connection created Ohio Open Doors in 2016 to promote and inspire pride in Ohio’s heritage and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Oct. 15, 1966, the Act has proven instrumental in transforming the face of communities from coast to coast, establishing the legal framework and incentives to preserve historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites. The Act drives economic revitalization by attracting investment, supporting small business, stabilizing neighborhoods and creating jobs. “Ohio Open Doors shares stories of important landmarks and interesting places right in our communities, highlighting the history and unique nature of some of Ohio’s most treasured sites,” says Diana Welling, Director of the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office.
The Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office administers the National Historic Preservation Act in Ohio. Many of the landmarks featured in Ohio Open Doors events are in the National Register of Historic Places, which the National Historic Preservation Act created.