ProgressOhio

A people who forget their past, do not have a future. - Mark, Franklin County

The money generated by our taxes must go where it is needed statewide. Not for one place most of us never visit. Please stop all the un-needed luxuries and repair and replace places that are visited countywide. For us it's Ft. Ancient and the Mounds. I'm sure the cost of the employees' salaries laid off would not be a drop in the bucket compared to what you are wasting. Politicians everywhere are being just as selfish and stupid as the major company CEOs that they condemn. WAKE UP or get voted out!!!- Donna, Warren County

Please don't neglect Ohio's important ancient history sites. Serpent Mound is one of the world's most significant effigy mounds. - Liz, Franklin County

This is an outrage! Let those on the board pay for their monument and give proper funding to the historical sites across the state. - Kenneth, Montgomery County

The Ohio Historical Center off I-71 is hands down one of the best museums I've ever visited.I've lived all over the United States, from California to New York, and visited the Smithsonian, Museum of Natural History in NYC, Chicago's Field Museum, as well as many others and I marvel that it is still an undiscovered jewel to many Ohioans. I was was reluctant but pleasantly surprised on my first visit to, "that crazy T looking-building off the freeway", at how wonderful and informative the collections are.Comparing it to COSI (which is closer to me by 20 minutes), better value and never crowded. After visiting the museum, I feel like I have been to three different museums that helped enrich my knowledge and understanding of Ohio and the U.S. This museums deserves to have a packed parking lot and lines out the door, even if it ruins my quiet, little jewel of a museum.- Jim, Franklin County

It is outrageous that the Statehouse museum is eating up so much money at the expense of the Ohio Historical Society ! This needs changed. - Henry, Clark County

Our Ohio history is not just about the statehouse. Funding should be adjusted accordingly.- Tina, Columbiana County

The rich get richer, poor get poorer. Rural areas get hurt the worse.We are at the bottom of the list when it comes to funding. Numbers talk and we can't compete with cities.- Lenora, Meigs County

I love history and have visited most of the historical sites that you mention. I feel that history is undervalued right now. We have lots of state history to be proud of but no funding to tell the stories properly. If we cut funding anymore, how do we get tourists to spend money when they can't find the sites and there is nothing to see if they get there. - Cheryl, Perry County

Ohio has one of the first and finest online encyclopedias of state history, Ohio History Central (www.ohiohistorycentral.org). For over ten years, the Ohio Historical Society has been at the forefront of providing electronic access to our state heritage. Ohio History Central is one of the more popular products the Ohio Historical Society has ever produced for the citizens of Ohio. Over 1.5 million visitors from around the world use this resource annually to learn about our state's history. Sadly, continued development of Ohio's state encyclopedia has been put on hold due to recent cuts in the OHS budget. Although the Society remains committed to the encyclopedia, there is a very real chance that its continued development may languish or that it may simply go away if the OHS budget is not restored. - Harry, Franklin County

Let's trim down at the Statehouse and make sure that we are maintaining ALL of Ohio's varied history. Now, more than ever, we need to learn from history.- Olivia, Montgomery County

OHS museums throughout the state are vital to the history and culture of Ohio and its many communities.The budget for the operation of these facilities should not be so drastically cut while we shore of the budget for the operation of one site. Keep OHS funding intact!- Latonya, Cuyahoga County

I think it would be great for some full time publicists, would not take a rotation in the restroom schedule, to make sure the visitors still have a nice clean facility to use when they visit the Statehouse! The Ohio Taxpayer needs to get their added value for the salaries of publicists! - Dawn, Franklin County

I know there are serious budget shortages and every area from infrastructure to education is in desperate need of money but once our historical sites are gone, they are gone for good. Please do your very best to take care of the them.- Joan, Cuyahoga County

My family visits historical sites all over the state and enjoys all the state parks too. It is sad that the CSRAB board are following the national role model of robbing from the taxpayer to "build" the ultimate "tribute" to themselves!! The statehouse does not even focus on our legacy of presidents!! The Governor and others should stop this ridiculous misuse of funds!! Millions of dollars!!!!!! And, of course, those few citizens able to hold onto the jobs to keep our statehouse looking clean and gleaming and paying taxes from their paychecks for the upkeep of our "monuments" now losing their jobs because of money woes!!!!! And millions of dollars found to "refurb" the statehouse more lavishly than needed. Mr Finan has used us enough. Please let him know he has our gratitude for what he has accomplished now he should RETIRE from public spending!! Fund other sites Mr Finan there is a lot that needs it here in our great state!! Our state is just another state with GREEDY PEOPLE who have the ability to keep their PERSONAL INTERESTS FUNDED BY THE CITIZENS WHO ARE NOT SEEING THE MONEY SPENT IN THEIR BEST INTERESTS!! Help us get rid of these USERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- Frank,County

Pretty soon Ohioians will have no place to go to see their history and relax with family and friends for a enjoyable day in the past. There are lots of historical sites and they should be maintained equally. I know times are hard, but to devote all the funds to one entity just isn't right, while cutting all the rest. Please right this wrong.- Sandi, Franklin County

Ohio built America and has a GREAT history. Without it we are just another forgotten suburb of New York.- Conrade, Franklin County

Please get your priorities straight and fund the Ohio Historical Society for future generations - Randolph, Wood County

Although I have visited the capital museum with my grandchildren, I sorely miss the Ohio Village.When our daughters were young we would visit several times a year. It was one of their favorites because they could run around and learn what it was like back in the early days of our state. We would have a special dinner in the restaurant every year at Christmas time. Listening to the carolers and watching the craftsmen along with a ride with the old fashion Santa in a horse drawn carriage the highlight of the evening. My grandchildren deserve to learn their states history in a fun meaningful way.Please make the funding more equitable and re-open Ohio Village and the other wonderful historic sites in our great state.- Kathy, Franklin County

Please reopen the Fort Meigs historical tourist attraction by sharing incoming federal assistance. Preserve most of our Ohio State history by sharing funding. Thank you – Bonne, Lucas County

Please. I would love to take my grandchildren to historical sites around the state. The Ohio Village used to be my favorite. Now it is so sad to see it so depleted of its historical re-enactments and knowledgeable staff. - Barbara, Franklin County

I say if Ohio truly is the "Heart of it all" – then we shouldn't be cutting the Historical site's monies which attracts tourism and; we shouldn't be laying off workers at said sites. And why is the State House museum favored more so on a budgetary level, anyway? PS: When my kids were younger we visited many interesting places in Ohio, like the Metro & State parks and Historical spots like Slate Run So. of Coulumbus. I hope the tradition of keeping this alive in Ohio can continue. - PK, Franklin County

Priorities!! - Robert L., Hamilton County

The work of the Ohio Historical Society and other historical organization is critical to preserving our knowledge of the past & our cultural heritage.- Chris, Athens County

These politicians are all about GREED !!! They have forgotten why WE have voted THEM into office. They're a JOKE —- JOKE —- JOKE- Kristine, Lucas County

As an Ohio Historical Society member, I ask you to support our state's history.- Rosemary, Cuyahoga County

Let's get the Ohio Historical Society back to where it should be. We can't let it's purpose and focus be hijacked by a small group of individuals who have their own narrow and selfish agenda. We need to restore funding and make sure money spent is money spent wisely. Let's get going!- Bill, Ottawa County

Ohio has a rich background.The sites operated by the Ohio Historical Society are a wonderful way for everyone to see and appreciate some of the outstanding events in the state's history, and get a real feel of them. It is a sad day when these are being closed because we cannot afford to keep them open.Please reconsider the cuts that are directed at the Historical Society. I had thought that most of these were only going to be closed for an additional week out the year, but I recently heard that Serpent Mound would be closed-period-with these cuts.I have gone to Serpent Mound a number of times, and am sad to hear that it will be off-limits, unless a private organization picks up its support. How many other historic sites is this happening to?Please make a difference.- Barbara, Delaware County

A state this rich in history should not be allowing its historical sites deteriorate to this extent.- Laura, Summit County

My son James was one of the first engineering employees laid off via Taft from the Ohio Historical Museum. He did restoration drawings for Harding's home and the Dayton, Ohio poets home place. He was asked by his supervisor, if could drive a truck? He said yes, so he hauled 52 doors from Chilicothe to someplace where Wood Stock was held years ago, The doors were to be refinished there. He drove the truck and they sent a woman with him. He would not let her drive because she was taking sinus medication. When the doors were finished, an higher up requested supervision to send him with my son, the higher upper drove the truck and my son only told him where to drive both ways to Wood Stock and back with the finished doors. My son now lives and works with an archtect in Halifax Nova Scotia. He tells me he really likes it there. He said he loved his job when he worked at the Historical Museum too. Thanks for providing a way to say that I agree with you. If you would like to see his photo and his work discription go to his company web site, www.fbm.ns.ca. - Warren

Quit stuffing the spoiled child—the Capital Square Review and Advisory Board—while the others—Ohio Historical Society—slowly die of starvation.Cut CSRAB and give that money to OHS.- Alex, Franklin County

Please fund the Ohio Historical Society so that it can reopen important sites such as Fort Ancient, and can rehire basic staff. - Lucy, Franklin County

Ohio citizens need to have access to their historic past. It is a mistake to starve historic sites in order to keep the capital spit-and-polished and controlled just for a select few legislators and their cronies. The state has a rich history; how about a little perspective as to where the money goes?- Margaret, County

We visited so many of these sites when I was growing up, both as a family and with school and Scout groups. I am appalled that the State of Ohio is thinking of allowing these very old sites to languish. - Janice, Medina County

As much as anything I am upset by using cuts in custodial staff rather than unnecessary jobs like "communications." I would rather see more money go to the Historical Society and the Main Street historical sites than the Capitol Building.Please tell my Representative Margaret Ann Ruhl from Knox County. Thanks – Eric, Knox County

Please DO NOT close all these facilities….we need to cherish our heritage so as to not be a rudderless society. We need to remember where we came from to clearly know what our goal is and should be. - Julie, Delaware County

Government is supposed to be of the people, by the people, and for the people. It sounds like State government priorities have been misplaced. - Mary Sue, County

Ohio's history is a critical teaching and learning part of curriculum for Ohio's children.Please do not dilute the opportunities for our future citizens to learn about their state by reducing opportunities to interact in the culture. Keep Ohio's story and cultural opportunities safe for our children.- Martha, Knox County

Ohio's history is largely rural, and should be reflected in the state budget. Our grandparents and parents established homes and businesses in small towns and villages before the exodus to cities. It's important to balance this fact with the enormous sums being spent on statehouse upkeep and preservation. - Susan, Cuyahoga County

Please make restoration and staffing equitable. Truly, the historical sites across Ohio made travel in Ohio, which has few natural attractions, much more interesting. If you don't keep them up, not only will you ruin our shared history, you could impact tourist dollars, including those of our own Ohio citizens. Not everything needs to be in Columbus. - Libby, Franklin County

Historical sites around the state are at least as important, if not more so, than the Statehouse.Citizens in other areas of the state need access to the history of their areas which has contributed more to our development and culture than has the Statehouse. Rather than glorifying a government facility, we need to give credit to the people who built it through their communities and commerce.- Georgia, Franklin County

The Cultural Arts Center also needs more funding - Fran, Franklin County

It is history that binds us, and understanding it equips us to create a decent future together. Without it, it's as if the accomplishments of all those who have come before us don't matter. If we just stop to think for even the briefest of moments, we know that is not true. Please help OHS make sure those accomplishments, dreams, aspirations, and perspectives as manifested in Ohio's historic places and museum collections are cared for and made available to all Ohioans, now and into the future.- Connie, Franklin County

On line petitions are easy and cheap. Please forgive that bit.On the other hand historical sites are who we are as citizens. And that is not The State House but Historical Society. Faithfully – Eugene,County

Please reconsider the funding cuts.This would be a tragic loss for our state. - Sandy, Washington County

In this area we have been dreading the call to close Fort Ancient mounds. All of the local Native people go to the mounds several times a year for ceremony. You must provide money so that this tradition can continue, as well as others around Ohio.- Richard, Butler County

At one time Ohio had an estimated 10,000 ancient indian mounds. With in a period of less than a century 99% of them disappeared. Their history was not appreciated or understood, neglect of caring lost this history to us forever. When I lived in Colorado, I was surprised at how many people had been to Ohio for a vacation, not the destination you would expect from people living in the Mountains. Guess why they came? Roller coasters! They never heard of the mounds, didn't explore what they didn't know. We use to have season passes to Kings Island and accidently wound up at the serpent mound. It was so close and we never knew it. It was a great experience, Our State house is nice but it isn't haunted, doesn't have a gold roof, and other than fourth graders it doesn't draw tourists. Stimulus spent on seed money to promote some of these places and the money will come into this state instead of out of it. We are not crowded, not expensive, and great value after the prices of an amusement park. Offer package deals Amusement parks and history can mix. Hold festivals, music, food , culture, we have the largest Amish population in the World and the best roller coasters, the most presidents and the best flea markets, and lots of outlet stores. I went to the state house to hear Obama, and to see the Lima company paintings. It is a nice building to work at, or protest at but why else are people going there? It is a little like Citi bank spending 10 million to downsize/remodel its offices while being bailed out by taxpayers. Its been saved and restored already, now save what is important to the rest of our history.- Candace, Franklin County

Quality of life IS AN institution,let's keep it that way for very little.- Stephen & Connie,County

Several years ago an archivist was laid off from the Ohio Historical Society and it had been down hill since then. I believe the history of Ohio is being neglected and that is a serious mistake. - Bonnie, Franklin County

What an informative email from ProgressOhio. I am a member of the Ohio Historical Society. When our family lived in Columbus, we visited Ohio historical sites as a fun way for our children to learn about early Ohio. I am appalled at the continued cuts to OHS budget while giving excessive funding to the Statehouse. - Marlene, Stark County

For our school age children, many of the historical sites being cut and neglected are close to home and all the schools can afford to visit, given time of travel and expense of busing. Do not let Ohio's rich heritage go to ruin for the sake of one facility that many cannot visit often. And restore our once beautiful state museum by the fairgrounds. - Walter, Morgan County

Our history is important.Why is it being allowed to starve slowly?Please restore funds to Ohio Historical Society and help preserve our history. thank you. - Kathleen, Franklin County

I grew up in Ohio, as did my children, and we treasure our state's rich heritgae as preserved in the many historical sites around the state. We would like to see that continue. Please do not cut funding for the Historical Society.- James, Franklin County

I grew up living near the Newark Earthworks, digging up arrowheads in my yard and spent every possible moment visiting the mounds, flint ridge, Ohio historical center, and alter Ohio Village.I sonet many hours taking nieces,nephews,visitors and myself to Ohio Village.The lack of attention to our Hisotical Society is an abomination. Do not blame the current fiscal crisis. The state has eviscerated its historical heritage sites for decades now. Worse, it has neglected teaching its children. Government has failed us on so many levels.- Louise

We like to criticize special interest groups when their views do not meet ours.It seems that some of those in our legislature seem to think that in their position there is no one that can challenge their position or judgment. So have they become self serving or did we elect them to serve their constituents?- Mark, Franklin County

I live out in the Mahoning County and it has been good to keep in touch with history at the many good places in our area. When I get to the capital it would be great to have a very good look at our history, and I think some the state staff needs to learn to cut down some their expenses - Deane R., Mahoning County

Enough of monument building in downtown Columbus. Don't shortchange the many historical areas in the State that draw far more visitors in a year than the State House does!!!! - William, Miami County

The Statehouse is beautiful and I'm very glad that it was renovated. However, it is not the only important part of Ohio history. In fact, it is only a small part. We should be celebrating the history throughout our state and that of the everyday people who made this state what it is today. Please make our entire history as important as the Statehouse. – Peggy, Franklin County

Historical sites not only add to our states dignity but tell a lot about us to tourists.Please rethink the cuts to the funding of the Ohio's historical sites. - Michael, Montgomery County

i agree with this petition. - S D, Cuyahoga County

I think that we should do all we can to keep Ohio's History where all Ohions and other travelers can see and visit it. - Edith, Butler County

Major savings could be achieved by separating church from state activities. Building maintenance is a legitimate expense but signs about a god making everything possible and paid chaplains and time devoted to prayer and worship are all constitutionally inexcusable. - Shirley, Montgomery County

It is so too bad to use all the money for these museums for only one project.A lot of history will be neglected and forgotten.Please reinstate monies to the museums which will close due to this unfortunate turn of events.- Virginia, Warren County

Shame on our legislators and whoever else was involved, to let the original Historical Village and Museums go to "pot". I have been there in the past and they were great. To have let them detioriate and take aways the care, is callous and political, for sure. Please restore them and have our citizens be proud of them and also those from outside Ohio. - Cecelia, Cuyahoga County

Let's make the funding equitable for all of Ohio's historical sites and operations.One site should not dominate all the others.- Robert, Hamilton County

I am dismayed and disillusioned that one building is draining Ohio's budget by monopolizing dollars that would be best shared with other historically important facilities.Someone or several someones should feel ashamed that we have allowed vital historical sites to dwindle while one monolith has thrived at their expense.Ohio deserves better, and the legislature should make it right! - Deborah, Guernsey County

Help fund the education of our children via these historical sites. - Frank X., County

WE NEED TO HAVE SOME OF THE SITES WE REMEMBER ,FROM OUR YOUTH,TO SHARE WITH OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN,PLEASE REFUND OUR HISTORICAL SOCIETY!!!!!- Tressa, Allen County

You need to fund the Ohio Historical Society properly. We can't afford to let valuable archives be lost and damaged. - Ronald, Franklin County

In these hard times, balance of all things is important in cutting and making a budget that works for all. Do not castrate the heritage of Ohio.- William & Ann, Warren County

As family budgets dictate less expensive, and more local recreation this summer, I hope they don't find Ohio's historical sites closed.- Alan, Richland County

Among three sites in the west central area, Piqua, Ft Recovery and the Neil Armstrong museum in Wapakoneta, are gems that need continued and increased funding. While people are cutting expenses, and having no opportunities to visit local historical sites, much nearby heritage is lost for current generations. It is unlikely that people will make the trip to Columbus to see the statehouse hence both local and distant venues will suffer. Please support all properties that exist in the OHS system. It benefits all those communities, not just the capitol square area.- Joseph, Auglaize County

I strongly agree with the points made above. We need to keep our history alive. - Diane, Cuyahoga County

We need to protect our Ohio historical treasures and deemphasize the "political" technology showboating. When senators retire that should retire and not continue to use taxpayer money for their own rather than the public's good. - Barbara, Mahoning County

For the past 5 years the Ohio Executive and Legislative branches have been ripping the heart out of OHS, an organization that is, or was unequaled in any state.Please don't allow this to continue; restore funding to OHS!- Kenneth, Fairfield County

Dear Governor Strickland and Members of the Ohio Legislature, History is important! It's our responsibility to preserve history for future generations. What's at stake is too great to ignore. Wake up! Have courage and do something. $2 million isn't a lot compared to other programs. Quit spending time raising money for your re-election campaigns and find a way to save Ohio history! Maybe even host a fundraiser for Ohio Historical Society, perhaps?- Tom, Franklin County

Ohio is in danger of losing it's uniqueness and its identity. I use the historical society and have replicated ancient artifacts in my backyard. Under Ohio's legislature, I may be your only resource. We don't need a Walmart on every corner, you can find that everywhere. Keep Ohio's history and our natural resources. Otherwise, why bother with Ohio at all. - Ann, Fairfield County

Damn, another instance of mindless self serving by the powerful few! Time to get smart, play fair and balance the the resources with the needs of other local historical communities and people! To ignore, is to play the part of a fool!- Roger, Preble County

Ohio has such a wealth of historically significant sites that we spent years taking our kids to them. Now that opportunity is disappearing for Ohio's young families. These sites are part of the culture that brings people and businesses to Ohio and our leaders are just letting it fall away. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face… - Sheryl, Franklin County

One man should not have that much power over the heritage of an entire state full of people…My mother's family is officially a First Family of Allen County and a First Family of Ohio…among those who built Ohio with their bare hands.I resent the decisions made that affect all Ohioans, without any input except by his wealthy buddies.It is a shame to watch a great state fall so low.- Sharon,County

It does seem that all counties outlying from Columbus/Franklin County suffer the most cuts in historical budgets…a very skewed political process seems in place concerning what historical venues suffer reduced budgeting. - Naomi, Licking County

Families and school children in Ohio deserve to have access to the wonders of the history of this great state, so rich in heritage. Our history is a wonderful one, and one that every Ohioan should be able to visit by visiting historical centers throughout our wondrous sate. - Susan, Franklin County

To whom it may concern: I think you ought to stop with the StateHouse and start funding the other museums. Maybe Gov. Strickland ought to take an interest in what the people of Ohio think and do something about this.- Rachel, Franklin County

Surely, there's a way to maintain adequate financial support for the Ohio Historical Society.- Roy, Cuyahoga County

Always remember we the People voted you into office and if you do not do as we want we will vote you out PERIOD.- Jeffrey, Franklin County

We do face challenging economic times but I want urge our representatives to carefully consider preserving our history. - Henry, Cuyahoga County

Driving though Ohio most will view some part of Ohio's historical marks. They should be kept up and maintenance done as needed. Too much money has been spent on Government buildings. I as many are more impressed and look for landmarks of history to areas. Rarely would we go visit a Capital building. - Karryn, County

We can not as a nation lose our history and sell our soul! By undermining the role of the OHS we will lose our history from the ponit of view of historians and replace it by history from the point of view of politicians – that should not happen in a democracy! It might be normal elsewhere but not in these United States of America. Please restore funding for the Ohio Historical Village and preserve and enhance the exhibits in museums around the state. They reflect lifestyles, cultural practices, and artifacts from native people who lived in this state for centuries before the European invasion beginning in 1542. Let's preserve the whole history of the state of Ohio! sense The tail seems to be wagging the dog - Raquel, Franklin County

As an educator, I am saddened to hear that once again our museum and Ohio Village are taking a hit. There is no better way to teach than with a hands on experience. The people who are making these decisions must ask themselves how they learned and work to make these options available for our children. We cannot move forward in a positive and productive way if we have no understanding of where we came from. A trip to the OHS & OV is far more memorable than another sporting event. Please-you are negatively affecting the quality of life for everyone in this state. Put education first, for a change. - Amy, Franklin County

I am appalled at the lack of funding for our Ohio historical sites, and the Ohio Historical Museum in Columbus, which needs major work to keep it a vibrant museum.Why are we spending so much money on the Statehouse? Something has to change!- Sara, Butler County

It's time for the little towns to get their share of Ohio history funds. - Barbara, Geauga County

In light of the AIG scandal, where business is using government bailout to take care of it own instead of doing the right, the Ohio Legislature shouldn’t be emulating AIG and using tax payer money to place its priorities over that of the organization that is the "official" steward of Ohio's history. Properly Fund Ohio History TODAY! - Stu, Franklin County

Everyone learns from history. Money is tight, times are hard, but if history has taught us anything it is we need to preserve our past. - Mr & Mrs Gerald L, County

Don't let Ohio's historical sites deteriorate and become defunct! These are priceless and irreplaceable parts of our heritage. Ohio Village used to be a wonderful, thriving living museum. It's like a ghost town now. If you don't maintain and promote our historic sites people will stop visiting them and they will be lost.- Laura, Cuyahoga County

It seems as if our state legislators have forgotten that not everyone in Ohio lives in Columbus.I am surprised and upset by this.- Janet, Montgomery County

We need to change the focus on Ohio history from the Statehouse to the history of the state that once was.The Statehouse is important, but it's only part of what we need to remember and broadcast to our citizens.- Rosemary, Athens County

Brian, Your article demonstrates that elitism knows no party. Good job! Shame on them…- Jeanine P., Lorain County

Let's try to cut the administration at the one site to preserve the many sites that need and deserve attention.- Michael, Cuyahoga County

How will we be able to continue to grow if we cannot see where we have been? - Deborah, Franklin County

Also, please reduce the budget for the building, grounds and maintenance of the Statehouse as a source of this money. - Bob And Mary, Franklin County

Don't cut our heritage!These sites are our history.Give us back our history!The CSRAB budget should be treated like the DoD budget; trimming is in order.- Marsha, Cuyahoga County

Ohio was early America's western frontier and should be remembered and celebrated as such. The state capitol needed restoration and has been restored, in the nick of time. Let's not forget about the rest of the state and it's tiny pockets of timeless energy. - Michael, Huron County

Small museums in small communities are much of the life-blood of those areas. They should be funded so that local jobs remain.I'd rather pay for jobs by funding their existence and staff than pay for unemployment for the same people.- Nancy, Hamilton County

I am a staff member and fundraiser for the Ohio Historical Society and in my travel around the state to raise money for our statewide historic site system, I see first-hand how the citizens of Ohio revere the heritage of their communities and regions and of the natural and cultural sites that demonstrate the history and character of our state. Please lend your support to reducing budget cuts to the Ohio Historical Society.- Kathy, Licking County

I live near one of the historical sites that will receive cuts so the statehouse an old boy system pet project can hurt the rest of the state's history maintenance. Not a smart move for our state's economic future. Columbus is only part of Ohio.- Linda, Stark County

What a shameful thing to do to our state historical museums and monuments. We don't need all that money spent on the one building!! - Laurita, Lake County

Many of our schools don't include history in their curriculum any more – sad. The only way for people to view history, is to see it in museums. We are looking at a coming history-illiterate society. Why is there a power struggle, when it comes to history, and museums? - David, Sandusky County

I am truly sorry to see the funding cuts to the Ohio Historical Society. The fine exhibits and the knowledge of the staff have made this a source of pride to many of us who have taken visitors from other States and Countries. - Wendy, Franklin County

Whenever too few people have too much power the People will always suffer their wrath. Lest they be removed. Fore they will not changed their ways nor relinquish power.- Brian, Hamilton County

Our historical sites and parks need to be maintained. I have live in Lima, Chillicothe, Marblehead and Zanesville. I have been to these sites and others throughout my life and my children are passing this tradition down to their children. The programs teach our children what they do not have time to teach in school, these days. We have not always lived in Ohio and have found such an educational advantage our children have because they have touched history. With the fast pace of today, we can google anything and presto we have it. However we miss the moments, like in the movie "Patton" when the general tells the driver to turn away from the battle field because he could smell the battle ground. He was talking about history of the area and the great battle that was waged there. We miss that sense.- Nancy, Muskingum County

Please preserve the real history of Ohio. Those who forget history are destined to repeat it. If we don\t know our history we can make the same mistakes again…- Mark, Hamilton County

It is important to keep up our shared history, not let it go for a few cents a person. Money is tight. We won't go into why, everyone knows, but please safeguard our historical heritage and keep it from disappearing like so many other things in this world. To keep our history alive. - Maxine, County

Who will stand up for the rest of Ohio's history? So much more of our history can be seen in locations around the state—-well, wait a minute—- maybe now it can't because everyone will be laid off and the sites will close and deteriorate… - Jn, Franklin County

Those who ignore the lessons of history will repeat its mistakes. The Ohio Historical Society has a very important educational function. Keeping the museum going and supporting its staff is much more important than rebuilding the Statehouse. – Gideon Fraenkel, Newman Professor of Chemistry, Ohio State University

Ditto the above message- Jane, Cuyahoga County

It takes assertive action from the legislature to make this important policy change happen and to fund the Historical Society. You can do it. Nancy BUrdick - Nancy, Licking County

Ohio Needs to be proud of its heritage. Maintaining sites throughout the state will serve more citizens far better than pouring so much of our resources in only one site, the statehouse.- Charles, Franklin County

We need to start the trimming from the top of the ladder, not at the bottom.Its amazing that we have not learned anything after the Bush Administration and what he left behind for someone else to clean up. - Donna, Cuyahoga County

Do not lose sight of what is truly valuable. - Matthew, Montgomery County

The Ohio Historical Society and the Ohio Village are places for the entire State of Ohio and it is the responsibility of Ohio Legislators to protect and fund their active preservation of Ohio history. The other Ohio historic sites also should have proportional funding and protection. The Ohio Statehouse should not be elevated beyond other Ohio places of history.Please restore balance in funding for these sites.- David, Franklin County

Please save our Ohio History! it is very important! - Mark, Franklin County

Money supports monuments to itself. These monuments are a type of unspoken propaganda that changes the cultural values of a society. Keep up the opposition- Lolette, Cuyahoga County

In these times of waning funds, we need to spread them around more generally rather than concentrating so much on one site. - Donald, Hamilton County

Is there anything the little people of Ohio can do to take their powers as citizens back from the powerful few in Columbus, or is it a lost cause? Why is the preservation of Ohio's history less important than some legislators' salaries and jobs? If we have lotteries to fund education, why can't we have bonds to fund historic sites? Taxpayers are so tired of being powerless and considered irrelevant. One day what goes around will come around, and one day hopefully we will realize by counting funds to historic sites will be penny wise now, but pound foolish for generations to come. This economic trauma will pass, but once our history is lost, it is lost forever. Save historic sites in this great state.- Marian, Lucas County

Restoring Ohio means not just jobs but pride — and pride in part comes from the state's critical role in the development of this nation. If we have no respect for our history, we have no foundation for the future. - David, Licking County

How sad it is to lose our heritage…villages are dead – killed by the advance of whatever, old buildings are torn down to accommodate highways that miss our past…and we are the losers, again and again. Sad, sad…. - Michael, Athens County

In these times, it is critical to consider the impact of every dollar spent.Please consider that limited funds invested in the Statehouse museum have far less economic impact than allocating those same funds to Ohio's regional museums. Moreover, those facilities are far more accessible to the majority of Ohio's citizens than is the Statehouse basement.- Greg, Cuyahoga County

Protect our rich heritage and ensure our children know their past. - Megan, Montgomery County

I have always taken pride in being born in the state of Ohio, where so much history has taken place, from the geologic history of the Great Lakes to the human histories of Native Americans at Serpent Mound or of African Americans in the Underground Railroad or Thomas Edison's birthplace. Even though times are hard, I urge you to remember that our history must constantly be taught to succeeding generations and whatever is lost of it, may be lost forever.It takes trained staff to care for our historical sites around the state and to teach new generations what they mean.Please reconsider your funding cuts.- Jan, Lorain County

We need to maintain all of our state's historical aeas, not just the statehouse. Resources need to be allotted for this purpose.- Michael, County

The work of the Ohio Historical Society is vital in educating the public about the region's history, from the time before Europeans came to the area and right up to the present.Do not let us lose our sense of the past.- James, Franklin County

Please! Stop excessive spending on the state capitol…one man's pet project…and maintain our other valuable historical sites!Thank you for listening!!! - Jill, Cuyahoga County

Why has Adena been forced to close when there is always money to aggrandize the state capitol but not our historic buildings? Why should small towns in Ohio who need tourism dollars be forced to close their historic attractions when Columbus, a city who is doing well in this downturn, gets more and more money for the state house? - Molly, Franklin County

Keep our History alive.- Patricia, Portage County

Ohio History supports our communities more than the stimulous package.Please give more money to the Historical Society.- Grace, Licking County

Please don't neglect Ohio's important ancient history sites. Serpent Mound is one of the world's most significant effigy mounds. - Liz, Franklin County