Ohio Local History Alliance

06/05/2026

"For well over 50 years, various members of Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community have wielded the mighty power of the pen to create newspapers, magazines and—more recently—websites as a means of creating invaluable and sorely-needed points of connection for our community."

Join us as we take a look back through the efforts of our siblings who used words and newsprint to make a difference.

06/04/2026

Learn How Your Organization Can Participate in Voter Engagement: The government disruptions to museums and historic sites over the past year are making this fall’s election one of the most important for our field. Learn the legal landscape surrounding nonpartisan voter engagement during a webinar on June 3.

Nonprofit organizations play a crucial and legal role in civic engagement, strengthening both communities and democracy. Join the free national webinar co-hosted by the National Council of Nonprofits and Democracy Forward’s Democracy 2025 initiative on Wednesday, June 3 at 3:00 PM ET for a timely ...

06/03/2026

Open your doors. Share your story. Be part of something statewide.

Ohio Open Doors 2026 is calling on museums, historic sites, landmarks and community spaces to host special tours and programs that bring Ohio’s history to life.

With the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026, we’re working toward at least one event in every Ohio county and we need your help!

Early bird registration ends July 13, 2026

Get details and register your event at ohiohistory.org/opendoors

06/03/2026

Today's post takes us to Region 3, where the Cleveland Police Museum "collects, preserves and interprets the history of the Cleveland Division of Police from its founding in 1866 to the present day. Located in the Justice Center in downtown Cleveland, the museum includes displays on early policing, the Torso Murders of Kingsbury Run, women in policing, badges, uniforms and more.

"The Cleveland Police Museums Vintage Fleet includes over twenty vehicles from Cleveland's and Ohio's law enforcement past. Our fleet travels to special events and shows throughout northeast Ohio. Vehicles include a red, white and blue 1940 paddy wagon/ambulance, a spy van, a 1952 black and white patrol car and two high-visibility, bright green cars from the 1970s."

Scroll through the photos to hear a vintage police siren!

06/02/2026

Informational Session on Expanding Community Access for Underserved Audiences: Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,600 museums throughout the United States. Staff from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Association of Children’s Museums will discuss why and how your organization can participate during a webinar on June 24 at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Museums for All Informational Webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

06/01/2026

"The Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative (AFHTI) will be recognizing two Lawrence County, Ohio, locations on June 6.

These sites, which will be forever known for their significance in American history, are the Lewis Brooks and Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church site in Proctorville, beginning at 11 a.m. and the Johnston House and Post Office in Burlington, starting at 1 p.m."

IRONTON, Ohio (WOWK) – Two pieces of American history will be dedicated in upcoming events in Lawrence County, Ohio. The Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative (AFHTI) will be recogn…

05/29/2026

"Twelve historical venues across Northwest Ohio are coming together to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a new interactive experience.

The 2026 Time Travelers is part of the nationwide America 250 initiative, which aims to connect citizens with the nation's history.

The program is looking to encourage people to explore local history."

Twelve historical venues across northwest Ohio are launching a passport program tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

05/28/2026

In case you missed it, nominations are now open for our 2026 Outstanding Achievement Awards!

Visit our website to learn more about eligibility requirements and categories: https://ohiolha.org/what-we-do/outstanding-achievement-awards/

05/27/2026

Visiting Museums and Historic Sites Can Slow Aging: Visiting museums and historic sites has been linked to slower biological aging in new research. A study from the University College London suggests that regular engagement with cultural experiences supports healthier aging, even when accounting for other lifestyle factors. It’s a compelling reminder of how history organizations contribute to community well‑being.

Research from UCL suggests visiting art galleries or museums, singing and painting can help improve health outcomes

05/26/2026

Each year at the Ohio History Day contest, the Ohio Local History Alliance sponsors a Special Prize, awarded to two projects that make exceptional use of local history sources.

The Junior Award (grades 6-8) went to Gabe E. & Bodi E. (pictured here) for their project "The Bridge that Changed America."

The Senior Award (grades 9-12) went to Avery H. for a project called "Breaking the Chain: Akron Workers, Strikes, and Labor Reform."

Congratulations to Gabe, Bodi, and Avery!