The Ohio History Center's sudden closure through early December was prompted by a potential problem with the 56-year-old building's fire-safety system, an Ohio History Connection official said Sept. 17.
The museum announced Sept. 16 that it would close for building-system upgrades and pause nearly all public events, but initially did not disclose what prompted the unexpected closure.
Neil Thompson, marketing department manager for the Ohio History Connection, told The Dispatch that officials acted immediately after learning of a potential problem with the fire-safety system that arose before the organization had planned to replace it.
"Although this closure of the museum through December was not expected when we made it yesterday, we always have been aware that many building-system upgrades are going to be necessary because of the age of the building," Thompson said.
The Ohio History Center opened in 1970.
Was the Ohio History Center closure planned?
While the immediate closure was not planned, renovations and building upgrades at the History Center have been anticipated as part of the Ohio History Connection's broader Campus 2.OH project.
The initiative, underway since 2022, aims to modernize the organization's 17th Avenue campus, where most facilities are more than 50 years old.
The project has included a reimagining of Ohio Village and the Collections Care Center, which was completed in 2024. The History Center is the final component of the initiative, Thompson said.
Ohio History Connection board meeting minutes from June also show that officials had contemplated temporarily closing the History Center during renovations.
The organization received $58 million in the state's capital budget for facility improvements, according to the minutes. Its fiscal year 2027 budget identified the "potential temporary closure of the History Center during renovations" among the risks and opportunities associated with carrying out its capital projects.
But Thompson said the fire-safety problem occurred before the system was scheduled to be replaced.
"We have a responsibility to create safe, stable and sustainable facilities that support our mission and protect the people, collections and resources entrusted to our care," Thompson said.
The organization has not announced a specific reopening date beyond saying the museum will remain closed through early December.
What events are affected by the Ohio History Center closure?
Fewer than 10 events and programs are affected by the closure, Thompson said. Nine school group reservations also were affected.
The Archives & Library will begin taking appointments again Oct. 8, while the Collections Care Center will remain open.
Events scheduled at Ohio Village will also continue, including All Hallows' Eve on Oct. 17 and 24 and Holidays at Ohio Village on Dec. 11-12.
Programs and events at the Ohio History Connection's more than 50 other sites across the state are not affected.
What happens to Ohio History Connection employees during the closure?
Essential employees will continue to have access to the History Center.
Other employees will work remotely through Oct. 2, Thompson said. He said the change will be relatively limited for some departments because the organization has maintained hybrid work arrangements since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Archives & Library employees will resume normal operations when appointments begin Oct. 8, despite the museum remaining closed.
The Ohio History Connection said it plans to provide additional updates on the museum's reopening in December.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio History Center closes until December over fire-safety system issue
