Ohio Open Doors is state-wide event that takes place every other year. During Ohio Open Doors, stewards of historic buildings, places and spaces, open their doors to the public for special tours and programs. Many events are exclusive to Ohio Open Doors.
Ohio Open Doors is sponsored by the Ohio History Connection and partner organizations, including America 250-Ohio, Heritage Ohio, Ohio Local History Alliance, Ohio Museums Association, Ohio Travel Association, and TourismOhio. Ohio Open Doors made possible by the 300 organizations hosting events. Thank you!
In celebration of America 250, our original goal was 250 events, with at least one event in each of our state’s 88 counties. Every place has a historic buildings and places that tell the stories about their communities, as the outpouring of events shows. Get out there and enjoy yours and find new (old) places, too!
The Ohio History Connection created Ohio Open Doors in 2016 to promote and inspire pride in Ohio’s heritage and to celebrate the National Historic Preservation Act.
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Oct. 15, 1966, the Act has proven instrumental in transforming the face of communities from coast to coast, establishing the legal framework and incentives to preserve historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites. The Act drives economic revitalization by attracting investment, supporting small business, stabilizing neighborhoods and creating jobs.
“Ohio Open Doors shares stories of important landmarks and interesting places right in our communities, highlighting the history and unique nature of some of Ohio’s most treasured sites,” says Diana Welling, Director of the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office.
Many of the locations featured in Ohio Open Doors events are in the National Register of Historic Places, which the National Historic Preservation Act created. The State Historic Preservation Office of the Ohio History Connection administers the National Historic Preservation Act in Ohio.
Ohio Open Doors happens every other year, so our next event is in 2028. A date for 2028’s event will be determined by the spring of 2027. Check this page for details.
In the meantime, history and historic preservation groups can learn more hosting an event in 2028 by seeing the materials shared with host organizations in 2026. (These materials are still available to 2026 hosts.)
Thanks for your interest in hosting an event for Ohio Open Doors 2026. Event registrations are closed. Please plan to host an event when we have Ohio Open Doors again in 2028.
