Diana Welling, Ohio's State Historic Preservation Officer

08/12/2026

🎉 Happy 5th Work Anniversary, Abby! 🎉

Today we're celebrating Abby and five years of outstanding service to Ohio's historic preservation community!

Over the past five years, Abby has reviewed more than 70 National Register nominations, provided guidance on countless National Register Questions, participated in 19 Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board meetings, and shared expertise through presentations at conferences, public meetings, universities, historic societies, and even a national conference.

Abby's impact extends across many areas of our work. Abby serves as a Building Doctor, reviews Certified Local Government and Ohio History Fund grant applications, contributes to the AI Policy Committee, helps lead the Young Ohio Preservationists group, and serves on the Heritage Ohio Board.

Beyond these impressive accomplishments, Abby has become a trusted leader and mentor, supporting new staff, fostering strong partnerships, and helping strengthen preservation efforts across Ohio. Abby's positivity, expertise, and collaborative spirit make a difference every day.

Please join us in congratulating Abby on this milestone and thanking Abby for five years of dedication to historic preservation! 👏

08/05/2026

I’ve spent the last 25 years working in historic preservation, much of that time in and around the Section 106 review process. For those outside the field, it’s one of the primary ways historic places and community heritage are considered when projects receive federal funding or approvals. Sharing this update because it relates directly to the work I’ve dedicated my career to and the places and stories many of us care deeply about.

You might have seen some recent stories in the news about historic preservation.

Our State Historic Preservation Office is closely monitoring proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of projects they carry out, assist, fund, permit, license or approve, according to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. https://ow.ly/KKyt50ZwkAr

In the coming weeks, we will share more information about these changes on our website at https://ow.ly/TcgL50ZwkAs

For any questions, please email [email protected].

08/03/2026

If you're in the Fredericktown area, check out this Ohio Open Doors event on September 13th, 2026!

07/30/2026

🚨 HEY! There's still time! 🚨

The 2026 SHPO Awards nomination form closes on SATURDAY!!

🏛️ Help us celebrate the people and projects preserving Ohio's history.

📅 Nomination deadline: August 1st, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST

Learn more and submit a nomination: https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/state-historic-preservation-office/shpo-awards/

07/17/2026

🚨 HEY! There's still time! 🚨

Good news—Ohio SHPO Awards nominations have been extended!
If you know of an outstanding preservation project, dedicated volunteer, or preservation advocate making a difference in your community, now's your chance to recognize their work.

🏛️ Help us celebrate the people and projects preserving Ohio's history.

📅 New nomination deadline: August 1st, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST

Learn more and submit a nomination: https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/state-historic-preservation-office/shpo-awards/

07/14/2026

Ohio’s history is waiting to be discovered. 🏛️ Register now for Ohio Open Doors and join communities across the state in offering free tours, special programs, and unique experiences this September.

🔗www.ohiohistory.org/opendoors

06/30/2026

As a reminder, there will be no public archaeology this week due to the 4th of July holiday. We hope you have an amazing day with your family and we will pick back up again on July 11!

06/30/2026

Our Annual SHPO Awards Program nomination deadline has been extended to August 1, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST.

For more information about our SHPO Awards, please visit our website!

🔗

View past and present State Historic Preservation Office Awards winners for achievements in historic preservation.

06/30/2026

Gov. Mike DeWine pays tribute to soldiers at Fort Laurens, Ohio's only Revolutionary War fort, which is undergoing renovations.

06/25/2026

A GREAT example of an Ohio Open Doors event! Check out the Wolcott House on September 13th, 2026!

👀 What story does this object have to tell?

At first glance, it may seem like an ordinary item. But in the Wolcott Collection, this artifact holds an extraordinary story about the people who called the Wolcott House home.

Why was it kept for generations? What does it reveal about the Wolcott family and life in Maumee almost a century ago?

You'll have to join us to find out!

The Wolcott's in 10 Objects
📅 September 13, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

In partnership with Ohio Open Doors, this special behind-the-scenes tour will explore ten carefully selected artifacts that unlock the stories of the Wolcott family, their daily lives, their values, and their lasting impact on our community.

Sometimes the smallest objects tell the biggest stories.

Reservations will open later this summer, so keep an eye on our page for registration details!

America 250-Ohio The City of Maumee, Ohio Maumee Chamber of Commerce Ohio Museums Association Heritage Ohio Ohio History Connection