"... to promote a knowledge of archaeology and history, especially in Ohio."

    In 1885 a group of Ohioans established the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society, proclaiming in its charter the goal of preserving aspects of the state's past. They were concerned that, without a statewide organization dedicated to the preservation of Ohio's history, much of the physical evidence of Ohio's past would be, at best, preserved by museums and libraries outside the state, or at worst, lost entirely.

    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 State contracts with the Society to provide a variety of history-related services including managing state archives, administering the state's historic preservation office, and operating a network of over sixty historic sites and museums.