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Ohio History Center, Columbus

4.4
#4 of 15 in Museums in Columbus
History Museum · Hidden Gem · Museum
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Ohio History Connection, formerly The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society and Ohio Historical Society, is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1885. Headquartered at the Ohio History Center in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio History Connection provides services to both preserve and share Ohio's history, including its prehistory, and manages over 50 museums and sites across the state. An early iteration of the organization was founded by Brigadier General Roeliff Brinkerhoff in 1875. Over its history, the organization changed its name twice, with the first occurring in 1954 when the name was shortened to Ohio Historical Society. In 2014, it was changed again to Ohio History Connection, in what members believed was a more modern and welcoming representation of the organization's image.

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Ohio History Center reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
246 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • Interesting artifacts displayed in a rather chaotic way. A very traditional museum, with few interactive elements. I haven't learned too much about the past of this land. Natural history exhibition... 
    Interesting artifacts displayed in a rather chaotic way. A very traditional museum, with few interactive elements. I haven't learned too much about the past of this land. Natural history exhibition...  more »
  • If you are interested in learning about the history of Ohio, this is the place. Located at 800 East 17th Avenue in Columbus, at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, site of the Ohio State Fair, a short... 
    If you are interested in learning about the history of Ohio, this is the place. Located at 800 East 17th Avenue in Columbus, at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, site of the Ohio State Fair, a short...  more »
  • so basically i went here with my children Topher, Bolivia and my nana (she is in a wheelchair). And she had to do a wheelie to get into the building! The museum was quite good learned a lot about... 
    so basically i went here with my children Topher, Bolivia and my nana (she is in a wheelchair). And she had to do a wheelie to get into the building! The museum was quite good learned a lot about...  more »
Google
  • Visited the center with family on a Sunday, arrived at 11am. Took us about 2 1/2 hrs to walk around and see all the exhibits. Not crowded at all, we were able to stop and talk, not feel rushed or feel like we were in the way of other visitors. Great rainy day museum (if visiting indoor museum only). We will definitely go back to revisit when the the sun is around so we can walk through the outdoor ‘old timey’ village. They have offered several special events like All Hallows Eve, Dickens of a Christmas, Night at the Museum, and Crime and Corruption.
  • For anyone interested in the history and in specific to the history of Ohio Country, this history center (museum) is an apt stop to check in ! This center has almost all the exhibits featuring in and around Ohio, which is very unique. The exhibits range from fossils, wild life and native Americans from the era prior to the pioneers settlement and to the industrial era after the settlement. Also, elaborate displays of Ohio’s significant involvement in various wars. The exhibits are arranged in various zones in a chronological time period. They’re nicely and spaciously arranged. The center is located in a spacious lot with enough car parking and easily approachable by road.
  • I've always loved visiting here and I find something new every time I visit. This time I found out diamonds can be found in Ohio. My little guy loved it and smiled at all the stuffed animals. They got a pizza place opening up on the second floor soon and it looks awesome. Don't forget to visit the outside village. The actors stay true to their character and have a overwhelming passion for what they do.
  • I came here yesterday (Nov, 13, 2021). The museum was pretty good size but there really wasn't a lot of history being displayed here. While I did enjoy what exhibits they did have, I honestly expected way more than what they had. Ohio has such a rich history and I would say about 99% of it was missing from this place. I am a bit disappointed because I was hoping to learn more about Ohio history. But I guess I will have to stick to local town museums and books for that. How they can call themselves a history center is beyond me. Some of the exhibits had no relation to Ohio history at all, such as the rooms full of german World War One artifacts. And I know I am being petty with this remark.... But the brutalist architecture of the building is atrocious as well. It looks like someone plucked it out of a former Soviet town.
  • Went for the Sleepy Hollow event! Such an awesome event! Definitely recommend everyone go! The town was awesome. Seemed like the staff was having a great time. I definitely recommend Cuddi's Cider if she is there. Amazing!

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