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History agencies seek larger operating support: Ohio History Connection, America250 and Holocaust commission outline needs
Summary
The Ohio History Connection requested higher operating funding for its statewide site system and UNESCO‑related work; the America250 commission described statewide programming for the 2026 semi‑quincentennial; the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Commission sought sustained funding to expand field trips, traveling exhibits and educator training.
Several history and heritage organizations appeared before the Senate Higher Education Committee during the committee’s biennial budget hearings and sought increased state funding for site operations, statewide programming and education.
Megan Wood, executive director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection, said the agency manages 58 state historic sites and sought an increase to $11.72 million per fiscal year for the sites line item to improve staffing, maintenance and visitor services. “This line item has not been adequately funded for many, many years,” Wood said, and described capital investments awarded in prior sessions that require matching operational capacity. She also noted the state’s designation of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks as a UNESCO world heritage site and asked the Senate to support funding for world heritage site operations and stewardship.
Todd Kliesmith, executive director of the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America250 Ohio), outlined programming planned for 2026 — including county tree plantings, Ohio Goes to the Movies screenings in all 88 counties, driving trails, and month‑by‑month thematic programs — and requested $7.75 million for FY26 and $2.5 million for FY27 to support execution of statewide activities leading up to and during the nation’s 250th anniversary. He said all 88 counties had passed resolutions to participate and described grants previously distributed to jump‑start local activations.
Andrea Brookover, director of the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission, requested $1,110,000 per fiscal year (including a $125,000 earmark for the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center) to support traveling exhibitions, K‑12 field trips, survivor visits, professional development for educators and higher‑education program development. “Field trips are transformative learning experiences,” Brookover said, citing recent student and teacher testimonials and noting exhibit schedules that may bring large numbers of students to public exhibits.
Committee members asked about which line items were pass‑through funds versus operating support and discussed comparative prioritization among competing budget requests. No votes were taken during the hearing.
