Ohio Historical Society Collections Blog

Can You Identify this Object?

ohiohistory — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:36:59 +0000

Our special projects team came across this object while cataloging our cookware collections. It measures 57.5 centimeters high, 25 centimeters wide, and 25 centimeters deep. The bottom is a grate and the object is light weight.

The curatorial staff has been pondering this, but we are officially stumped.
Any suggestions?

This mystery object was found stored with our collection of cookware.

Upcoming Workshop – Family History Sources at the Columbus Metropolitan Library

ehigginscur — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:22:24 +0000

Get a more intimate look at CML’s collection and services for genealogists. Areas include Ohio, other states and foreign countries and some of the special collections such as the Palatines To America (German) and Huguenot (French) collections. You’ll also learn about resources available though CML’s genealogy webpage. This session is ideal for those who want to find out about the genealogy resources currently available at Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Date/Time: February 11, 2012, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Library Auditorium at 96 S. Grant Ave. Seating is limited please register through CML’s “Events” page or call 614-645-2275 for more information or to register.
Cost: FREE

Novel take on an Ohio figure

ohiohistory — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:33:44 +0000

Taft 2012 by journalist, Jason Heller, was released January 17th 2012. The book is a satirical look at modern politics through the lens of a past politician.

o what happens when a president from the turn of the century runs for re-election in 2012? How does he handle developments in international relations? Technology? Twitter? You’ll just have to read it to find out more. More information can be found at Taft 2012 campaign website.

Manuscript Collections Discussed in Dispatch Article

ohiohistory — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:39:09 +0000

Two manuscript collections held by the Ohio Historical Society are discussed in this recent article A Lost Art, As Fewer People Take Time to Write Letters, Preservationists Lament Decline of Rich Historical Resource

The collections are the papers papers of General Godfrey Weitzel, a Union Civil War officer from Cincinnati, and the letters of Lil Rathbun who wrote to her husband, John, while he was serving in the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Both collections were recently acquired by the Society at auction. For more information about these manuscripts you can contact the Society’s curators by telephone at 614-297-2544 or e-mail at collections@ohiohistory.org.

Brad Lepper’s Latest Dispatch Column

ohiohistory — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:48:50 +0000

Find out what is new in Ohio archaeology. Here is a link to Brad Lepper’s most recent commentary in the Sunday edition of the Columbus Dispatch:

Technology Offers Peek Into the Past

Upcoming Workshop – Family History Sources at the Ohio History Center

ehigginscur — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:07:54 +0000

This course offers an in-depth look at Ohio History Center holdings and their use in genealogy. Areas include Ohio public records, historical manuscript and audiovisual sources, and newspapers. This session is ideal for those who want to find out more about the resources in the Ohio History Center’s Archives/Library.

Mothers and daughters modeling wedding dresses of different eras for a mother-daughter banquet held at the Indianola Church of Christ, May 12, 1951. From the collections of the Ohio Historical Society.

Date/Time: January 28, 2012, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Ohio History Center
Cost: $15 OHS/FCGHS members, $20.00 non members
Click here to Register online

History in the News

ehigginscur — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:00:41 +0000

We were so excited about this one we actually forgot to post it!

The Hunley has been unveiled!

What is the Hunley you ask? The Hunley was a Confederate ship built in 1863 and the first successful combat submarine ever built. The vessel was recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic in 2000, filled with over 10 tons of sediment but, more importantly, a world of historical discoveries. The Hunley’s restoration is now complete and the submarine has been unveiled in South Carolina!

E. Higgins
History Curator

Upcoming Workshop – Cornerstones of Genealogy

ehigginscur — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:50:46 +0000

This course establishes the foundation for all further genealogical research. It provides the beginning genealogist or family historian with the scope, understanding, and sources of information used to prepare a family tree or family history.

Family portrait c. 1855 from the collections of the Ohio Historical Society.

Describes the uses and sources of Vital Statistics, Census Records, Land Records, and Probate Files. Includes topics such as military records, church records, identifying female ancestors, importance of source documentation, newspapers, family portraits, obscure sources, and record preservation. Summarizes special types of records available to add body to the basic information.
Date/Time: January 21, 2012, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Ohio History Center
Cost: $15.00 OHS/FCGHS members, $20.00 non members
Click here to Register online

Your Ohio Tax Refund Can Make History!

ohiohistory — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:25:03 +0000

An Ohio tax refund can MAKE HISTORY when a portion is donated to the Ohio Historical Society for the new History Grants Fund.

Ohioans have a new and important way to demonstrate their support for history and historic preservation in Ohio. For the first time, taxpayers will be able to donate a portion of their state income tax refund to the Ohio Historical Society. The Society will use the funds to create a new grant program to support history-related projects throughout Ohio. From the fund, matching grants will be awarded for projects including exhibits and public programs, repair and rehabilitation of historic properties, care for historic objects and documents, education initiatives and much more, in communities across the state. The new grant program will be open to the hundreds of history-related organizations, academic institutions and local governments looking for support of their local history-related initiatives.

You can help get the word out about the new tax check-off option–a blank box–on the 2011 Ohio individual income tax form where those receiving a refund can designate an amount for donation. Please share this message with your friends, family and anyone you know who is concerned about preserving history.

On the 1040 tax form the box to indicate how much you want to donate is Line 25.

On the 1040EZ tax form it is Line 18.

In the Telefile instructions it is Line 13d.

Questions? Give us a call at 800-686-6124.

2011 in Review

ohiohistory — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:26:55 +0000

Check out our blog stats for 2011. We have a blog readers in Canada, the United Kingdom and Africa!

Did you know that the concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people? This blog was viewed about 41,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 14 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.