Budget cuts may cost city some history

NORTH OLMSTEDGov. Ted Strickland's proposed $6 million budget cut for the Ohio Historical Society has Landmarks Commission member Dale Thomas wondering if history may be lost.

The proposed 45 percent cut in funding threatens the Ohio Historical Marker program, National History Day in Ohio and the coordination of activities commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War through which the city has a site, according to information released by the Ohio Historical Society.

There are seven Ohio Historical Markers noting significant sites throughout the city, and installing an additional two celebrating the 50th anniversary of Frostville Museum and 175th birthday of Olmsted Unitarian Universalist Congregation may not become a reality.

"Any marker now is only a dream," said Thomas, also the archivist and director of the Olmsted Historical Society.

To local history buffs, historical markers are key in honoring the past and educating the future.

"These markers affect people who aren't aware of the local history here," Thomas said. "Even people who own the property the markers are on are shocked and sometimes had no idea of the significance of that area. Without new ones, that introduction to local history will all be lost."

Andy Verhoff, a local history coordinator in the Ohio Historical Society's Columbus office, said several Ohioans have phoned in to ask about the future of the markers program.

"We have to think we'll survive in some form," Verhoff said. "Until we know how the state budget shakes out, we don't know and it's hard to say."

Started in 1957, the Ohio Historical Markers program now has 1,300 sites throughout the state, many of which were added between 1998 and 2003 for the bicentennial celebration.

A matching grant program allows half the costs of a marker to be funded, Verhoff said.

Markers range in cost from $1,700-$2,250, and are produced in Marietta's Sewah Studios. Prices depend on the size of text and added graphics....