History is Accessible
The Ohio History Connection welcomes all to discover Ohio’s stories. We strive to create a safe, accessible and friendly environment to explore our sites and collections. Our core value of inclusivity challenges us to constantly seek out and remove barriers to participation, empower underserved audiences and improve how we deliver our services.
Accessibility Information for the Ohio History Center & Ohio Village
Parking
- Designated spaces are located at the front of the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village parking lots for Visitors with Disabilities.
- Special arrangements can be made if attending a dinner or other public programs in Ohio Village.
Entrance
The front doors of the Ohio History Center are located on the lower level, with a sloped sidewalk leading into the building. The entrance is near the three flagpoles south of the stairs to the Plaza level. There is no entry on the Plaza level.
Sensory Inclusive certified by KultureCity®
For guests who have sensory processing needs:
The Ohio History Center & Ohio Village has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests during all events. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by supplying our staff with annual training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.
KultureCity® Sensory bags and weighted lap pad
KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones, as well as a weighted lap pad, are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Front Desk located at the Ohio History Center Lobby. Sensory bags can be used for all abilities of all ages.
Quiet Areas
Quiet areas are located at Nature of Ohio weather area, Follow the Flag, and Gallery 2.
Headphone Zones
Headphone zones (loud areas) are located at Discovery Park, Gallery 1, Gallery 3, and 1950's: Building the American Dream.
Quiet Space
A Quiet space is available off the Ohio History Center Lobby. Please visit the Front Desk for access.
Social Story and KultureCity®App
Download the KultureCity® App HERE to get your social story to help you further with your visit to the Ohio History Center & Ohio Village:
• App Store: http://bit.ly/KCiphone
• Google Play: http://bit.ly/KCandroid
Elevator
An elevator is available for Visitors to access the second and third floors of the Ohio History Center.
Accessible restrooms
- Accessible restrooms in the Ohio History Center are available on the first floor next to the elevator.
- Accessible restrooms in Ohio Village are located in the John Hauck Foundation Welcome Center and the American House Hotel.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs (including one motorized wheelchair) are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. These wheelchairs are available free of charge at the front desk. Advance reservations are not available.
Access to buildings in Ohio Village
- Ohio Village is a recreated 19th-century town. While each building is wheelchair accessible, assistance may be needed with threshholds. Please ask an Ohio History Center staff member for assistance when entering buildings in Ohio Village.
- When entering Ohio Village via the Ohio History Center, Visitors with mobility needs are encouraged to use the paved path to the right of the doors leading to the village.
Groups with Disabilities
All are welcome at the Ohio History Center! To schedule a visit, please contact our Lead Scheduler at 614.297.2663 or send us a message on our Contact Us page by selecting the "Public Programs and Tours" option.
Sign Language interpretation
ASL interpreters are available for groups of 10 or more. Please call our Lead Scheduler at 614.297.2663 or send us a message on our Contact Us page by selecting the "Public Programs and Tours" option at least two weeks prior to your visit to arrange to have an ASL interpreter present.
Blind or visually impaired Visitors
The Ohio History Center is in the process of upgrading the indoor lighting to include LED lightbulbs that better illuminate the objects and exhibits throughout the museum.
Service animals
Service animals are welcome in both the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village.
Visitors with young children
- Changing tables are available in both the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village.
- Visitors are welcome to nurse while in the Ohio History Center or Ohio Village. If you prefer privacy, a Nursing Room is available off the Welcome Lobby at the Ohio History Center. Check with the Front Desk for access.
- Strollers are available to Visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. These strollers are available free of charge at the Ohio History Center Front Desk or John Hauck Foundation Welcome Center (when open). Advance reservations are not available.
Visitors using caregivers or aides
Visitors that use a medical caregiver or aide are welcome to bring their caregiver and receive one complimentary adult caregiver admission with the purchase on one or more regular paid admissions. Upon arrival, please let our Visitor Services Associates know that you would like to use the complimentary medical caregiver benefit.
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 a discounted rate to your caregiver or aide with the purchase of one or more regular paid special event tickets. 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.
Plan in Advance
When visiting other Ohio History Connection sites, please contact the site you plan to visit in advance to check on accommodations.
Site LocatorAccessibility Committee at the Ohio History Center Mission Statement
The Accessibility Committee at the Ohio History Connection serves to address accessibility and disability compliance efforts organization-wide. The committee reviews, comments and makes recommendations as necessary in order to coordinate and improve efforts to provide programs, activities and facilities that are accessible as well as build positive lasting relationships for a safe, fun and educational experience.