Ohio Civic Tourism Initiative

. . . with hundreds of local history organizations and museums highlighting archaeology, arts, literature and material culture, more than 2300 miles of designated scenic by-ways, and dozens of agricultural and food fairs, among other attractions, a trip anywhere in Ohio can provide an exciting, rewarding experience.
OHC Pathways

The Ohio Humanities Council plans to conduct five, regional workshops on Civic Tourism this summer in areas that will showcase some of the state’s heritage resources. The Spring 2008 issue of the OHC’s Pathways outlines the plan for the new place-based initiative. The goal of the workshops and special grant opportunities is to “help communities reframe their discussions about cultural and heritage tourism” as “a means for preserving community integrity and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.” The workshops will feature noted writer and civic tourism advocate, Dan Shilling, the author of Civic Tourism: The Poetry and Politics of Place.

Ohio cultural heritage organizations began looking at one tool for engaging audiences with historic sites and neighborhoods, collections, stories, and culture yesterday at a meeting hosted by the Ohio Humanities Council. Tom Scheinfedlt, Managing Director of the Center for History and New Media showcased their new Omeka online collections and exhibit application and James Calder and Mark Tebeau from Cleveland State University introduced the virtual history corridor being developed using Omeka as part of the Euclid Corridor Transportation Project.

This fall, Wright State University history students will build on previous student research to launch “At Home,” a Web resource—powered by Omeka—about housing, domestic life, and material culture in Dayton and the Miami Valley.