Constructed Authenticity at the Ohio Village

Journey With Purpose

Imagine speeding along the interstate, catching a fleeting glimpse of a quaint village green where a baseball game is being played under the summer sun. Nestled in Columbus, Ohio, this isn’t just any village—it’s Ohio Village, a meticulously constructed historical town where the past comes to life. From Victorian parlors to Civil War-era baseball games, and from turn-of-the-century bakers to suffragists rallying for the vote, Ohio Village offers an immersive journey through time. Join us as we explore the stories, challenges, and triumphs of creating and maintaining this living history museum with Andrew Hall, the mastermind behind its educational programming.

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Show notes & links

• Ohio Village & Ohio History Connection
• Photos: Ohio Village from its beginning
• Ohio Village to close for renovations as part of update to Ohio History Center
• COSI – the Center of Science and Industry, Progress Street

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Guest Bio

Andrew Hall is the manager of Ohio Village’s educational programming at the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, Ohio. With a focus on planning and executing a wide range of educational content, Andrew ensures that both day-to-day visitors and large public events, like the annual July 4th celebration, are engaging and informative. Under his leadership, Ohio Village offers a unique living history experience, showcasing different time periods and evolving stories that reflect the diverse history of Ohio. Passionate about authenticity and community involvement, Andrew collaborates with dedicated volunteers and local community members to bring a variety of perspectives to the forefront, making Ohio Village a vibrant and dynamic resource for all who visit.

“Ohio village is this really great community space. That is a great example of what living history can and what I think should be. Ohio Village just being what it is gives us a chance to create this really fascinating cross section of individuals that then creates this great framework by which we can share all these stories.”

Top takeaways

1. Ohio Village’s Purpose and Design: Ohio Village is a constructed historical town designed to showcase different periods in Ohio’s history. Built in 1974 for the bicentennial celebrations, it includes around 20 buildings in various architectural styles representing the state’s early history.
2. Educational Programming: Andrew Hall manages Ohio Village’s educational programming, which includes day-to-day activities for visitors and large public events. The programming is designed to be flexible and cater to the interests and stories of the local community.
3. Evolution of Storytelling: The stories told at Ohio Village have evolved over time based on public interest and relevance. Initially, it focused on early Ohio history, later shifted to crafts and heritage, and most recently centered around the 1890s, reflecting contemporary social concerns.
4. Living History Concept: Living history at Ohio Village involves immersive education that prioritizes sensory experiences to make history feel alive. This includes both third-person (demonstrations) and first-person (role-playing) interpretations.
5. Community Involvement: Ohio Village works with volunteers and community members to incorporate diverse perspectives and stories into their programming, aiming to reflect a wide range of historical experiences.
6. Authenticity and Adaptability: The village’s buildings act as stage sets that can be adapted to different time periods and narratives. This flexibility allows Ohio Village to tell a variety of stories without being tied to a specific historical period.
7. Challenges of Transformation: Changing the village’s theme or time period involves altering building interiors, signage, and props. While some events require minimal changes, others involve significant collaboration with experts to ensure authenticity.
8. Muffin Baseball Team: The Ohio Village Muffins is a vintage baseball team that plays by 1860s rules, using original-style equipment and uniforms. This team is a consistent feature of the village’s programming and connects visitors to historical sports practices.
9. Balancing Consistency and Change: Ohio Village aims to maintain a balance between offering new experiences and retaining familiar ones for repeat visitors. This approach ensures that the village remains engaging and relevant.
10. Importance of Authenticity: Authenticity is a key focus at Ohio Village, guiding their decisions on which stories to tell and how to present them. This includes making efforts to represent historically marginalized communities and constantly re-evaluating their narratives to ensure they are accurate and inclusive.

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