Research Requests & Inquiries

The Ohio History Connection offers researchers of all ages, professions and persuasions the opportunity to engage with our sites and collections.

Research and the American Indian Policy

In 2019, the Ohio History Connection adopted the American Indian Policy. The Policy applies to the treatment of American Indian sites, Ancestors, objects and associated documentation. Written authorization from affiliated Tribal Nations must be obtained prior to the acceptance of the research request. Researchers are encouraged to incorporate consultation with affiliated Tribal Nations during the development of their research proposals. Preliminary support or direct participation of Tribal Nations in the research development phase may expedite the review process. Without this preliminary support, researchers should expect a longer than ordinary time frame in the review of their application and in the completion of their research.

Ohio History Connection staff may assist researchers in helping to identify the appropriate affiliated tribe(s) and their respective contact information or visit our American Indian Relations page for resources. In general, Tribal Nations are supportive of research conducted by qualified professionals which furthers the scientific understanding for their tribe.

Did you know?

Ohio History Connection curates over 1.8 million objects in our history, natural history and archaeology collections and maintains over 50 cultural and natural history sites.

Collections Research - Objects

The Ohio History Connection curates over 100,000 objects in our History Collection, over 40,000 objects in our Natural History Collection, and over 1 million objects in our Archaeology Collection. Our collections reflect the entire history of Ohio.

Brief Research Appointments

Visits to our History, Natural History and Archaeology collections by outside researchers may take place prior to the submission of a formal proposal at the discretion of the staff member in charge of a particular collection. These brief research appointments help the researcher to better refine their research proposal and can include a review of identifications, measurements of a small number of objects for research, gathering data not obvious from computerized records, and other brief, non-invasive examinations of Ohio History Connection materials. Visits that last a portion of one day might qualify as brief under this section. All reviews that require photography, destructive sampling, or greater utilization of staff time and space would be subject to the more formal procedures that follow. For assistance in assessing your research request, please Contact our Collections Department.

Object Loans

Researchers may request the loan of specific collections for study if it is not practical for them to examine the materials at the Ohio History Connection collections facility. Ohio History Connection’s policy and procedures regarding outgoing loans are available from the Registrar’s Office.

Collections Blog

March 24, 2023

From Santa Fe to Columbus: Pueblo Figurative Pottery in the Ethnographic Collection

On the (Rail)Road In the Autumn of 1880, President Rutherford B. Hayes embarked upon his Great Western Tour. Though being well-traveled throughout his presidency and known to make appearances across the country, this particular itinerary reached the Pacific Ocean and would mark the furthest west any sitting president had ever traveled. Beginning in Canton, Ohio, […]

March 24, 2023

Reprise: Books of Interest and Consolation to Spinsters

March 22, 2023

Engaging Students in America 250-Ohio

Home » Engaging Students in America 250-Ohio

March 15, 2023

Natural History’s “Green” collections

In honor of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday we delved into our Natural History collections to showcase five of our green specimens and tell their stories!

March 15, 2023

Road Trippin’ with Truda: Cedar Bog Nature Preserve

By Truda Shinker, Ohio History Connection Membership Manager Join me as I visit the sites in the Ohio History Connection network! This month's road trip took me to Cedar Bog Nature Preserve in Urbana. To quote my husband, “This place feels really significant.” And I couldn’t agree more. After a walk through Cedar Bog Nature […]

March 14, 2023

Family Literacy: Bringing Reading Home

March 10, 2023

The Great Flood of 1913

March 3, 2023

14 Kid Friendly Sites to Visit During Your Spring Break Staycation

By Truda Shinker, Ohio History Connection Membership Manager Looking for ways to keep the kids busy during your spring break staycation? With an Ohio History Connection membership, you can have a different adventure every day of your spring break! I’ve compiled some of my favorite kid friendly sites below. I always advise that you contact […]

March 2, 2023

“To the Electors of Washington County”

By Matthew Benz, Manuscripts Curator The Statehood Day celebration held at the Ohio Statehouse on March 2 was a chance for the Ohio History Connection to highlight items documenting the history of the Buckeye State. Among them was this pre-statehood letter written to the “electors” of Washington County. Dated May 23, 1802, the unknown writer […]

March 2, 2023

Newark Earthworks Open House, April 16-17, 2023

Explore this remnant of a 2,000 year-old complex that is the largest set of geometric earthworks ever known. During the Newark Earthworks Open House, visitors are invited to explore and experience fully all three segments of these ancient, expansive earthworks built masterfully by American Indians. The site will be open daylight to dusk, with staff […]