Ohio History Connection Revenue and Competitors

Today, the Ohio Historical Society (OHS) conducts an expanded range of activities related to interpreting, collecting and preserving the state's heritage. In the last century, the society has collected more than 1.5 million items pertaining to Ohio's history, archaeology, and natural history. One of the largest state historical organizations in the country, OHS now has membership of over 9,000. A private, not-for-profit organization, the society serves as the state's agent in historical matters in return for financial subsidy support that constitutes two-thirds of the OHS operating budget. (The remaining revenues are obtained from varied sources such as grants, private and corporate gifts, and earned revenue from admissions and gift shop sales.) By statute, the State contracts with the Society to provide a variety of history-related services. Click here for a listing of the mandated services outlined in the Ohio Revised Code, Section 149.30. Services provided to the state include managing state archives, administering the state's historic preservation office, and operating a network of historic sites and museums. The state's interests in the Society's activities are represented by nine trustees appointed by the Governor. Nine other trustees are elected by the board of trustees.