Contacts: for Immediate Release
Contacts: For Immediate Release:
Gregg Dodd September 5, 2012
Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board
614/728-2130■ ■
School transportation grants FOR ohio statehouse VISITS all dispersed
Columbus – The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board and Capitol Square Foundation announced that the school transportation grant program is now closed. All funds made available for the 2012-2013 academic year have all been allocated. A total of $72,000 has been allocated to 240 schools throughout 59 counties. The grants were awarded to schools throughout Ohio to help defray transportation expenses to the Ohio Statehouse.
The school transportation program was created in 2009 through gifts from Honda of America Mfg., Inc. and the Walmart Foundation. The grants were made available to Ohio schools that receive state funding. Only one transportation grant was awarded to a school regardless of the number of buses or students visiting the Ohio Statehouse.
“We are grateful for the support from Honda of America and the Walmart Foundation,” said Charles Moses, Capitol Square Foundation Chairman. “This funding will allow thousands of young people throughout the state to visit the Ohio Statehouse and its Museum during this academic school year.”
Eighty (80) grants were awarded in three mileage categories on a first come, first served basis.
The three mileage categories included:
1 to 50 miles, $ 200.00 transportation grant;
51 to 100 miles, $ 300.00 transportation grant; and
101+ miles, $ 400.00 transportation grant.
“Honda is pleased that this program has been so well received by schools across Ohio,” said Caroline Ramsey, Manager of Government and Community Relations for Honda of America. “We believe that one of the best ways to learn and understand something is to go exactly to the spot, and that is why we are proud to provide funding for this student learning opportunity at the State Capitol.”
“Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to continue this partnership with the Capitol Square Foundation enabling thousands of Ohio students to visit one of Ohio’s greatest treasures,” said David Gose, Walmart’s Regional General Manager for southern Ohio. “We believe a visit to the Ohio Statehouse is an important educational opportunity for students. Not only do they learn about state government but they discover so much about Ohio’s history.”
William E. Carleton, Executive Director of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, said “With all of these funds being allocated so quickly year after year, it is evident that teachers need the resources to help bring their students to the Ohio Statehouse to learn about government and democracy.”
About the Ohio Statehouse
After 22 years of construction, the Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 at the beginning of the American Civil War. One hundred and fifty years later, the Ohio Statehouse continues to serve as heart of Ohio democracy.
The Statehouse is considered to be one of the most significant architectural accomplishments of the early republic. Its Greek Revival Doric architectural details and proportions give the impression of permanence, elegance and grandeur deserved by the original State Legislature who passed a law on January 26, 1838 to build the new Statehouse. Restored to its 1861 appearance, the Ohio Statehouse maintains its historic character as it continues to function as the center of state government in Ohio.
About the Ohio Statehouse Museum
The Ohio Statehouse Museum functions as an interactive place for learning about Ohio government for nearly 90,000 tour visitors annually. The Museum enriches the experience of Statehouse visitors by providing stronger and more diverse orientation and education about Ohio government and history.
The Museum includes interactive, hands-on exhibits that challenge visitors' knowledge about Ohio history and the workings of state government, while equipping them to more fully participate as citizens. The Museum offers exhibits that encourage visitors to participate in the government process by making choices, expressing their opinions, comparing viewpoints and even becoming a part of an exhibit by giving a State of the State address.
To view this press release and others, visit
The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The Ohio Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit
The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.
The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum shines a light on the history of this great edifice, its symbolic meaning and its vital historic and ongoing connections to the daily lives of all Ohioans.
The Capitol Square Foundation was established in 1987 to increase public awareness of and to involve citizens in the history of the Ohio Statehouse. Its purpose is to raise funds to obtain, restore and maintain artifacts and other items related to the history and enhancement of this grand monument and its adjoining grounds, so that the seat of Ohio's government may reflect the dignity of the state and its citizens.
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Gregg Dodd
Deputy Director
Communications, Marketing and Events
Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board
Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol Square
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614/728-2130
614/752-5209 FAX