COLUMBUS — The Ohio History Connection’s Ohio Open Doors program for 2024 will be held Sept. 6-15 at locations throughout the Buckeye State.

From the beautifully restored Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center in Columbus, to Ohio’s remaining and preserved Shaker settlement, White Water Shaker Village in Harrison, to the home of abolitionist and carpenter Wilson Bruce Evans in Oberlin, visitors may explore significant places that reflect Ohio’s rich heritage — some opening especially for Ohio Open Doors events or offering behind-the-scenes looks that are not ordinarily available.

All Ohio Open Doors events are free, and most are special one-day-only opportunities.

“Ohio Open Doors is designed to share stories of important landmarks right in our backyards, highlighting the history and unique nature of some of Ohio’s most fascinating sites and historic places,” said Diana Welling, State Historic Preservation Officer and Director of the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office.

The Ohio History Connection created Ohio Open Doors in 2016 to promote and inspire pride in Ohio’s heritage and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Oct. 15, 1966, the Act has proven instrumental in transforming communities from coast to coast, establishing the legal framework and incentives to preserve historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites. It drives economic revitalization by attracting investment, supporting small business, stabilizing neighborhoods and creating jobs.

The State Historic Preservation Office administers the National Historic Preservation Act in Ohio. Many of the sites featured in Ohio Open Doors events are in the National Register of Historic Places, which the National Historic Preservation Act created.

Ohio Open Doors is sponsored by the Ohio History Connection and includes 200 events in communities across the state. Partner organizations include the Ohio Arts Council, TourismOhio, the Ohio Travel Association and Heritage Ohio.

For a calendar of events and locations, go to ohiohistory.org/opendoors.