"I do, we do, you do"

Since 2010, the Ohio History Service Corps, an AmeriCorps program, has been working with local history organizations and communities in each of the Ohio Local History Alliance’s 10 regions throughout the state. They provide coaching and training in completing activities suggested by the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH)’s STEPS program to help organizations become more effective and sustainable, and help communities take the first step in historic preservation. Through member-facilitated assistance, organizations gain an increased knowledge of the public history field’s standards and best practices and/or the creation of new programs, policies and procedures that meet those standards, such as:

  • Historic site survey
  • Collection digitization
  • Capacity building for local historical organizations
  • Volunteer recruitment and management
  • Event planning
  • Cultivating partnerships
  • K-12 education outreach
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Questions?

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Contact Us

Interested in hosting an Ohio History Service Corps member?

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We are currently accepting applications to host an Ohio History Service Corps AmeriCorps member for the 2025-2026 program year. Applications are due March 10, 2025 for the program year beginning September 2025.

Please reach out to Program Manager Dr. Betsy Hedler with questions.

How does the Ohio History Service Corps work?

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Members are hosted at sites in regions across the state where they provide capacity-building services to their local communities and history organizations. Spending 50% of their time at their host sites, Local History members help with projects ranging from collections management, program development, facilitating and building youth programming, and developing and training volunteers. The other 50% of members' time is dedicated to assisting local organizations - many of which are volunteer - to identify and develop plans and procedures to become more effective in engaging current and future audiences.

Community Surveyors help communities take the first step in historic preservation. Surveyor members complete research and document the built environment within the communities across the state. They complete Ohio Historic Inventory forms of structures and places representing underrepresented populations, historically significant events and buildings constructed between 1945-1970.

Members serve a 1-year term with the opportunity to serve two additional 1-year terms. In that short time members leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve. While members can make a lasting impact on the communities they serve and provide assistance with capacity-building projects, there are a few activities members are not permitted to engage with.

Interested in working with an Ohio History Service Corps member?

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See the Member Directory below to find contact information for the member nearest you!

Alumni Engagement

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The Ohio History Service Corps alumni continue to impact their communities serving in various roles in museums, archives, as architectural consultants, independent contractors, and other non-profits and in international business. Members of past years regularly engage with current members through professional development sessions and events including a “Life After AmeriCorps” training for current members. Alumni participate in resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, tips for making the most of the last few months of service and provide unique perspectives from those who served.

Alumni, interested in getting engaged and re-connect with fellow members? Get in touch to update your information today!

Local History Member - Region 1

Emily Kay
Center for Archival Collections
Bowling Green State University

419-372-2393, c: 731-441-6462
Local History Member - Region 3

John Clement
Lorain Historical Society

440-245-2563 x7005, c: 216-302-4981
Local History Member - Region 4

Jason Long
Youngstown State University

c: 330-651-6512
Local History Member - Region 5

Erin Hartzell
National First Ladies Library & Museum

440-717-3746 x1746
Local History Member - Region 6

Bekah Mertus
Rickenbacker Woods Foundation

c: 585-794-1560
Local History Member - Region 7

Erin Deliman
National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center

c: 937-718-3307
Local History Member - Region 8

Elizabeth Coleman
Center for the City
University of Cincinnati

c: 513-292-7966
Local History Member - Region 9

Chan Haggis
Southeast Ohio History Center

740-592-2280 x105
Community Surveyor - Region 8

Alison Barjaktarovich
City of Cincinnati

513-352-4841

2024-2025 Program Year Applications

Ohio History Connection is no longer accepting applications for AmeriCorps Members to serve in the Ohio History Service Corps. We have filled the 10 member slots for the 2024-2025 cohort year. Please check back in April of 2025 for the 25-26 program year applications.

Members commit to a full year of service from Sept. 16, 2024 - Aug. 31, 2025. Benefits include a living allowance ($20,500), health insurance, eligibility for childcare assistance, professional development, and the ability for members to place qualifying student loans into forbearance for the duration of their service term. Additionally, members who successfully complete 1700 hours of service will receive an education award the equivalent of a Pell Grant ($7,395).

 

2024-2025 Ohio History Service Corps FAQ

2024-2025 Ohio History Service Corps Position Description

Testimonials

ServeOhio

Ohio History Connection's Ohio History Service Corps AmeriCorps program is made possible with a grant from ServeOhio and a matching grant by Ohio History Connection with costs being partially offset by host site fees and donations to Ohio History Connection.

ServeOhio is Ohio’s Governor-appointed Commission on Service and Volunteerism. Their mission is to strengthen Ohio communities through AmeriCorps and volunteer engagement by supporting and funding programs and initiatives that engage thousands of Ohioans of all ages.