FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2007
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
Wood County Historical Center and Museum: Christie Raber – 419.352.0967 x102; director@woodcountyhistory.org
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Approves $220,000 for Wood County Historical Center and Museum
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $220,000 at its quarterly meeting today for the Wood County Historical Center and Museum.
The Wood County Historical Center and Museum is located on a 50-acre site that was formerly the Wood County Infirmary and Poor Farm. It was turned into a museum in 1975. The former infirmary building now has over 30 rooms of exhibits that interpret the history of the infirmary and Wood County. The grounds surrounding the museum serve as a public park and contain a number of other historical buildings, including a corn barn, ice house, asylum, working oil derrick, blacksmith shop, and an herb garden. Wood County, acting as the local project sponsor, will use the state appropriation to replace the porches that wrap around three sides of the infirmary, which was constructed in 1868.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows Wood County to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 699 of the 126th General Assembly. Wood County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include Senator Randy Gardner and Representative Robert Latta.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed nearly $400 million of capital funds appropriated by the legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at non-profit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues.
The Commission partners with non-profit groups and local governments on nearly 250 projects in 65 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.
