One Big Event at Five Different Locations: Chillicothe to Celebrate Ohio Statehood Day, Saturday, March 2nd.

Five of Chillicothe’s historical sites, museums, and organizations will host open houses on Saturday, March 2nd in commemoration of Ohio Statehood Day–the annual observance of the founding of the State of Ohio which took place on March 1, 1803.  Among the highlights during this year’s observance will be special exhibits and programs focused on Ohio’s founding and its first capital, Chillicothe; local African American history; early American military history; genealogy; archaeology; and many other aspects of local, state and U.S. history.

The Ross County Historical Society Heritage Center, 45 West Fifth Street, Chillicothe, will be open 12 Noon to 4 PM.  Featured will be a special one-day exhibit of Ohio statehood documents from the society’s archives including Thomas Worthington’s original draft of the Ohio Enabling Act and the table where the Ohio’s Constitution was signed in November 1802.  Also featured will be two new exhibitions, Rare and Favorite Children’s Books: Selections from the McKell Library Collection and Sow, Grow and Harvest, a collection of historic farming implements and artifacts from Ross County’s agricultural past; and living history presentations by Capt. Joseph Ogle’s Company Ohio County Militia – a central Ohio based living history reenacting group dedicated to the preservation and recreation of the life and times of the men, women, and children in 18^th Century America. In addition, the event will offer an excellent, cost-free, opportunity to see all other exhibits on local and state history found within the Ross County Heritage Center museum complex.

Adena Mansion & Gardens, 847 Adena Road, Chillicothe, will be open 10 AM to 4 PM.  Adena is the historic home of Thomas Worthington–Ohio’s first U.S. Senator, sixth governor, and “Father of Ohio Statehood.”  Mansion tours start every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30 AM with the final tour beginning at 3 PM.  In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to 1802 and join in a fiery political debate over whether Ohio should become a new state or remain a part of the Northwest Territory.  Debates will take place hourly beginning at 11 AM. through 3 PM in the museum located in the Adena Visitor Center.

The David Nickens Heritage Center, 71 West Fourth Street, Chillicothe, will be open 1 to 4 PM.  Featured will be fascinating exhibits on local, regional, and national African American history and culture, including “Freedom’s Journey: The Underground Railroad,” “African American Women in the 19^th Century,” “The Black Church in America,” and “African Americans in the Military.” Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the acclaimed video about the Underground Railroad titled “Flight to Freedom” and learn about the center’s African American genealogical resources.

The Lucy Hayes Heritage Center, 90 West Sixth Street, Chillicothe, birthplace of Lucy Webb Hayes, wife of 19^th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, will be open 10 AM to 4 PM.  Featured will be tours of the home where visitors will be treated to special exhibits of Hayes family artifacts, documents, and memorabilia, and mid-19^th century home furnishings and decorative arts representing the period when Lucy Webb lived in the house.  Refreshment will be served.

The Ross County Genealogical Society, 303 South Paint Street, Chillicothe, will be open 9 AM to 4 PM.  The public is invited to stop in and learn about the large number of resources available for anyone interested in researching their family tree.

Chillicothe’s annual Statehood Day Open Houses are free and open to the public and provides an enjoyable opportunity to learn about the community’s many historical resources and treasures.  For more information, please call (740) 772-1936.