Capitol Square board seeks funds for museum programming and $6 million in repairs; plans suffrage monument

Megan Wyckoff, executive director of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, told the Government Oversight and Reform Committee that the board seeks to preserve and modernize the Statehouse complex while continuing educational programming.

Wyckoff said the board manages Capitol Square with about 71 employees and operates the Statehouse museum, parking garage and special events. She described partnerships with the Capitol Square Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, and said the foundation helps fund museum programming and artwork commissions. Wyckoff said the board is working with artist Brenda Council on a monument honoring Ohio’s role in the women’s suffrage movement, with an unveiling planned for summer 2026 on the South Plaza.

On facilities, Wyckoff highlighted a request that includes a $6 million line item for Statehouse facility improvement projects such as repairs to granite, tile, marble and stone, replacement of the garage fire‑suppression system and safety and ADA upgrades. She told senators the board seeks a 3% year‑over‑year increase in the GRF operating line item to keep pace with inflation and cost‑of‑living adjustments. Wyckoff said the board also requests a one‑time $1 million transfer from the parking fund to the museum/events fund to reduce an operating deficit in the museum shop.

Vice Chair Brenner asked whether security upgrades such as ballistic‑grade window replacement and bollards are included in the $6 million request; Wyckoff said those projects are in design and are included among the list of proposed projects and offered to provide a percentage breakdown to the committee.

Wyckoff apologized for any disturbance from Civil War reenactment sounds earlier in the day and said those events are part of long‑standing public programming. She closed by thanking the committee and offering to provide additional information on specific projects.