Why become a member?
Here's what our members are saying!
Seniors (60+)
Discount of $5 off any level for Seniors (60 +) is available online using coupon code OHCSenior. You may also apply your senior discount in person, through the mail or by calling 800.686.1545. Discount may not be applied retroactively. Only one discount can be used per purchase.
Active Educators, Active Duty Military, or Local History Organization
Discounts of $5 off for Active Educators, Active Duty Military, or Local History Organization may be applied to any membership level (limit one discount per membership). These discounts are not available online. To apply one of these discounts, please call 800.686.1545, mail in a completed membership form or show valid ID at one of our 50+ historic sites and attractions! Discounts may not be applied retroactively. Only one discount can be used per purchase.
Family Access
$35 discount on Household level only. Requires photo ID and WIC, Ohio Directions or Medicaid (from Ohio). To apply this discount, visit one of our 50+ historic sites and attractions or call our membership office at 800.686.1545. Discount may not be applied retroactively. Only one discount can be used per purchase.
International Members
We are pleased to welcome members from all over the world! Please note that members who live outside the United States will not receive a physical copy of Echoes Magazine. International members will be able to access the magazine online. Please contact the Membership Office at 800.686.1545 for instructions for accessing the online version.
Membership Benefits
| Membership Levels and Benefits | Individual+Guest $50 | Duo $55 | Household $70 | Plus $95 | Premium $160 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of named members/membership cards | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Includes children 18 and under in member’s household or member’s grandchildren | ● | ● | ● | ||
| Unnamed Guests (free general admission or special event discounts) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Free admission to Ohio History Center and 50+ sites | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Reciprocal admission benefit at over 300 museums nationwide through the Time Travelers program* | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Reciprocal admission benefits at select Central Ohio attractions through Columbus Member Advantage program* | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Reciprocal benefits at more than 1,000 museums nationwide with North American Reciprocal Museum program (NARM)* | ● | ||||
| Discounted tickets for special events and programs** | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Free tickets to Ohio History Center Signature Events** | ● | ||||
| Member-only events | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Pre-sale tickets and early entry at popular events | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| One free Genealogy Workshop (Contact the Membership Department to register) | ● | ||||
| Discounts on most purchases made online, at the Ohio History Center and at participating sites | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| 10% off wedding and private event space rental | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Smithsonian Affiliate Membership (one year subscription to Smithsonian Magazine and additional Smithsonian discounts and opportunities) | ● | ||||
| Bi-monthly Echoes Magazine and weekly e-news | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Vote in Ohio History Connection Board of Trustees election (one vote per membership) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Benefits are tax deductible*** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
*For details on reciprocal benefits visit our Reciprocal Benefits page. Discounts vary by location. Please call ahead to confirm discount.
**Our 3 Signature Events are all held at the Ohio History Center in Columbus and include Night at the Museum, Fright at the Museum and our Holiday-themed event in December. Discount applies to tickets covered by membership in the same time block on the same date. When purchasing event tickets online, select child tickets for all children ages 4–18. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
***Please consult with a tax advisor for individual applicability.
General
Can I give membership as a gift?
Yes, gift memberships are available for birthdays, graduation, holidays or any other occasion. You can register friends, family, or associates for a gift membership on your renewal notice or application, by calling the Membership Office, or online. When purchasing a gift membership online, be sure to check the box that indicates "This membership is a gift" that appears just above the line where you provide the first name of the member.
In the "Gift Information" section, be sure to choose the options that work best for your gift giving needs. In the "Send renewal notice to" section, you can opt to send all future renewal notices to you (the gift giver), the gift recipient or both. And most importantly, in the "Deliver membership to" section, you can choose who will receive the initial communication that contains the gift membership cards. If you choose "gift recipient," your gift recipient will receive an email in five days with their new membership cards. If you choose "myself," you will receive an email in five days with your gift recipient's new membership cards. You can forward this email to them at your convenience.
Questions about gift memberships? Please contact the Membership Department. We're happy to help!
I need help registering for an event.
Need help registering for an event and receiving your member discount? Click here for a step-by-step guide.
I'm using Ohio ACE funds to pay for my membership. How does that work?
Ohio ACE families are able to be reimbursed for the purchase of a Household level Ohio History Connection membership. This membership costs $70. Be sure to save your receipt to submit for reimbursement with your Ohio ACE funds. Need more info about the program? Visit aceohio.org.
My organization or business would like to join. How do we do that?
We have many businesses and organizations that join the Ohio History Connection. However, because of system limitations, business and organization memberships cannot be completed online. Please give us a call at 800.686.1545 to talk about your options and purchase your membership over the phone. We're happy to help!
Can I purchase memberships in bulk for my staff, team or other group?
Yes! Contact Truda Shinker, Membership Manager, at [email protected] or 614.297.2334 to discuss pricing, processing time and other details.
How do I donate money to Ohio History Connection?
We accept monetary donations online, by mail, and over the phone. Please visit our donations web page for more information.
How do I donate items to Ohio History Connection?
For information on how to donate historical items such as books, manuscripts, audiovisuals or artifacts, please visit our Collections Registrar page.
What are your hours?
Our museums' hours vary by site, season and weather conditions. Please visit our Historic Sites page to get contact information. We always advise that you call ahead to get up to the minute information about operating hours and event details. You may also contact Ohio History Connection by calling 614.297.2300 or 800.686.6124.
Still Have Questions?
Feel free to contact us at 614.297.2332, 800.686.1545 or [email protected].
Credentials
Digital Membership Card FAQ
I just purchased an Ohio History Connection membership, but I haven’t gotten an email with my digital card yet. When will I receive it?
- If you purchased your membership online, you’ll receive an email with your digital membership cards five (5) days after your purchase. This gives our staff time to process the membership.
- If it’s been more than five (5) days since you purchased your membership online and you still don’t have an email from us in your inbox, be sure to check your junk or spam folders. Sometimes our emails are routed there. You can also contact the Membership Department at [email protected] or 800.686.1545 to confirm that we have the correct email address for the Primary Member on the membership. You may also need to make [email protected] an allowed sender to your email account.
- If you purchased your membership at the front desk of the Ohio History Center, you will receive an email with your digital membership card five days day after your purchase.
- If you purchased your membership through the mail, over the phone with the Membership Department or at one of our 50+ sites around the state, you will receive your digital membership card as soon as the Membership Department staff is able to process your membership application.
The other person on my membership didn’t receive their digital membership cards. Can you resend them?
The Ohio History Connection sends digital membership card emails to the Primary Member on a membership. The Primary Member will need to forward the email to the second person on the membership so that they can access their digital membership card.
How do I download my digital membership card or add it to my Apple or Google Wallet?
Simply click on the link to download your membership card that is included in your “Ohio History Connection Digital Membership Card” email.
When you click the link, you’ll be taken to a screen with options to print, download the card to your device or add it to your Apple or Google Wallet.
- When you click on the “Print Membership Card” option, you will be taken to a screen that will allow you to choose your printer and then print a copy of your card that you can take with you when you visit one of our sites. The printed version will include your name, membership level, expiration date and bar code.
- When you click on the “Download Membership Card” option, a PDF version of the card image will pop up. You can save this to your phone or tablet and pull it up when you visit one of our sites.
- When you tap on the “Add to Apple Wallet” option, you’ll be taken to your Apple Wallet. Tap “Add” at the top of the screen. Even if you don’t see a confirmation message, the card now appears in your Apple Wallet and you can pull it up when you visit one of our sites. PLEASE NOTE: YOU CAN ONLY SAVE TO YOUR APPLE WALLET FROM YOUR PHONE. This process will not work from your computer or tablet.
- When you tap the “Add to Google Wallet” option, you’ll be taken to your Google Wallet. Tap the purple “Add” button at the bottom of the screen. You’ll then see a screen with a big blue check mark on it, your membership card and a purple “View in Wallet” button. This means you’ve successfully added your card to your wallet. You can now pull up your membership card from your Google Wallet when you visit one of our sites. PLEASE NOTE: YOU CAN ONLY SAVE TO YOUR GOOGLE WALLET FROM YOUR PHONE. This process will not work from your computer or tablet.
I didn’t download my card and I can’t find the email with the link to access my card. What can I do?
No problem! Just contact the Ohio History Connection Membership Department at [email protected] or 800.686.1545 and we’ll resend the email to you.
I just mailed my membership application/renewal form and payment. When can I expect to receive my new membership cards?
All members will receive an email with a link to their digital membership card once their mailed form and payment have been processed. For members who opt to receive a physical membership card, you will receive your card in 2-3 weeks.
I just joined online. When will I receive my membership card?
Members who join through our online form can use their receipt email as a temporary membership card if they want to start using their membership benefits right away. Five days after members join online, they will receive an email with a link to their digital membership card. And if they opted for a physical card, they can expect to receive the card in 2-3 weeks.
What do I do if I need a replacement membership card?
Contact the Membership Office to request a replacement card or to ask the Membership Department to resend the digital membership card email.
Benefits
Will I ever pay for admission at an Ohio History Connection site?
Your membership includes free regular admission at all of our sites. Discounts for events can vary, so Ohio History Connection members may be asked to pay admission or purchase tickets for special events and activities. If you are unsure if an event is included with regular admission or if there will be an additional charge, contact the historic site directly or contact the membership office.
If I purchase a new membership online, can I begin taking advantage of my membership benefits right away?
Yes! After you make your online membership purchase, you will automatically receive an email receipt. Present that receipt at any Ohio History Connection site to receive the admission benefit for your membership category.
If you don't see this email, be sure to check your junk or spam folder--these automatic emails are often routed there. If you still don't see the email, contact the membership office at [email protected] or 800.686.1545 for assistance.
I’m a Premium Member and want to reserve my free Signature Event tickets. How do I do that?
As a Premium member, you are eligible for free tickets to our three Ohio History Center & Ohio Village Signature Events. Your tickets must be reserved in advance, either online at ohiohistory.org, over the phone at 800.686.6124 or in person at the Ohio History Connection front desk. Your tickets must all be in the same time block on the same date. Your Premium membership covers the two named adults on your membership, two guests and all the children and grandchildren 18 and under in your household. If you need additional tickets, you’ll be charged the regular member rate.
My family uses a caregiver or aide. What are my admission options with my membership?
Our member families that use a caregiver or aide have the following daily admission options when visiting the Ohio History Center & Ohio Village without the named member present:
Household membership:
Dependents admitted free with paid admission for caregiver/aide
Membership card must be present
Plus/Premium membership:
Dependents admitted free
One (1) caregiver/aide admitted free
Membership card must be present
This policy covers general admission (not group admission) only. For events with special ticketing (for example, Night at the Museum), we are happy to offer the member discount rate to your caregiver or aide. Please call our Reservations Office at 614.297.2663 to purchase your tickets.
If you’re planning to visit one of our 50+ sites, please call the site directly to verify admission prices and policies.
How do I use my 10% shopping discount at the online Ohio History Store?
Enter the membership coupon code into the box on the online shopping cart, prior to clicking the Checkout button. To obtain the coupon code, please contact the Membership Office at 800.686.1545 or [email protected].
Why doesn't my member discount show up on my online ticket purchase?
To access your membership discount you must first register for an online account and then sign in. If you have registered directly from the ticket page rather than through the personalized link we periodically send to set up your registration, it is possible that the system generated a duplicate record and does not recognize that you are a member. If you believe this to be the case, please send us an email and we will connect your user ID to your membership.
Once you are signed in, please note that the member price shows up as a discount on eligible tickets rather than a separate member price. This discount does not appear until AFTER you click "add to cart."
Managing Your Membership Record
How do I renew my membership?
Approximately two months before your membership expires, you will receive a renewal notice. You may return the notice with payment by mail or renew your membership online. You can also renew in person at many of our 50+ historic sites and museums or call the membership office at 800.686.1545.
For online renewals please note: Our online system does not ask for a Member ID #. The transaction uses the name, address, phone number and email address provided during check out to connect to your existing membership record and renews the membership. If you have previously created an online account, you can sign in prior to your purchase however it is not required. If you have not created an online account and you wish to do so you can check the box next to "Register for our website" right before check out.
If you have moved since your last renewal, please call 800.686.1545 or email [email protected] so we can update our records!
Online Account
You will need to register for an online account to access your member discounts on event tickets and to RSVP for member events online. Signing in before you renew your membership will also help us make sure we maintain your membership history.
If you need assistance with creating your online account, please contact the membership office.
Don't forget that you can always purchase event tickets through our reservations office at 800.686.1541 and RSVP for members events through the membership office at 800.686.1545 or by sending us a message by visiting our "Contact Us" page and selecting "Membership" from the drop down menu.
I opted in for auto renewal of my membership. How do I opt out?
If you opted in to auto renew your membership via your credit card and you no longer want that option, simply contact the Membership Department at 800.686.1545 or [email protected] so we can update our records. Cards are charged on the day of the membership expiration date. For example, if your membership expires on 1/31/2023, your card will be charged for the next year's membership on 1/31/2023.
What if I receive another renewal notice after I have sent in my payment?
Please disregard the notice. Sometimes your payment and a reminder notice will cross in the mail.
How do I change my address or correct a misspelled name?
You can send us an e-mail with your name, member number, former address, new address and any other changes. Your information will be updated within 3 business days.
I filed a change of address form with the Post Office when I moved. Do I still need to send you my new address?
We receive address updates from the Post Office approximately every three months. To ensure you receive all your membership materials, please contact us with your new address shortly before you move.
