Friday, August 7, 2020:

Southeast Ohio History Center announces reopening, reducing of ticket prices

The Southeast Ohio History Center will reopen to members and the public on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Members can enjoy special members-only hours Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The History Center will close each day from Noon to 12:30 to clean and sanitize public spaces before reopening to the public from 12:30 to 3:30.

The History Center has also announced that it will reduce the cost of admission. Tickets are now $5 for adults, and $3 for students, seniors, military personnel, first responders, and educators. History Center members are free.

"We recognize that the economic impacts of COVID-19 have deeply affected our community," says Jessica Cyders, Executive Director. "We believe history should be accessible to everyone and we want to encourage people to come explore our region's stories."

"We are excited to reopen," says Tom O'Grady, Director of Development and Outreach. "We believe that history is essential to maintaining the strength of a community. We have worked hard to ensure that our patrons can visit safely."

All visitors to the History Center will be required to wear a mask or face covering. Sanitizing stations will be available throughout the building. The exhibit galleries are set up in a one-way directional path to encourage social distancing.

"Our new exhibitions focus on Appalachian Renewal and explores our region's environmental history," says Brad Davis, Collections Manager. On view through the summer are:

When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike: featuring the artwork of Erica Magnus and text by Michelle Houts

Documerica: How Environmental Photography Captured an Era

Turning Global, Local: Environmental Activism in Southeast Ohio

Stop in and see other recent changes in the History Center and connect with the rich history of our region.

Southeast Ohio History Center Visitor Tips

Thank you for planning to visit the Southeast Ohio History Center! We are committed to providing a safe, healthy environment for our staff and patrons.

Here are the answers to some questions you may have about the “new normal” at the History Center.

What should I do when I arrive at the History Center?

Our main entrance will be through the Elevator Lobby on Congress Street.

Please check in with the reception desk on the Main Level.

What are the History Center’s hours?

We are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. We will have members-only hours from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We will then close from 12:00 to 12:30 PM to clean and sanitize surfaces. We will reopen to the general public at 12:30, and close at 3:30 PM for cleaning.

Am I required to wear a mask inside the History Center?

Visitors are required to wear face coverings.

Governor DeWine instituted a mask mandate for all Ohio counties effective Thursday, July 23 at 6:00pm. For more information on this mandate, click here for the State of Ohio media release.

Guests should bring masks with them; they will not be available at the History Center.

Our staff will be wearing masks.

What cleaning efforts are in place to ensure my safety?

All high-touch areas will be disinfected frequently throughout the day.

A thorough sanitization will occur at the end of each day and mid-day.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, when the History Center is closed, the building will be deep-cleaned.

What precautions will help ensure my safety?

Interactive exhibition components have been removed.

Our exhibition gallery has been arranged in a one-way orientation so that social distancing can be observed

Signage throughout the building guides guests and reminds them of safety procedures.

Will hand sanitizer be available during my visit?

Yes.  Sanitizer containers will be stationed throughout the public areas.

Are the restrooms open?

Yes, but a limited number of people can enter at one time for distancing purposes.

Is the Hayes Family Genealogy Center open?

The Genealogy Center and Levering Research Library are open by appointment only. Please call 740-592-2280 ex. 106, or email library@athenshistory.org if you have any research questions!

Can I donate artifacts to the collection?

To ensure the safety of our staff, we are asking that anyone wishing to donate artifacts to the collection to please make an appointment. Email our Collections Manager, Brad Davis, at brad@athenshistory.org to set up a time.

Is the Museum Store open?

Yes! We have rearranged our museum store so that you can browse without having to handle items.

We have samples of t-shirts and hats on display, please ask if you need a specific style and size and we will get it from the back!

Shoppers are encouraged to pay by credit card or check.

Our online store offers shipping and curbside pickup is available!

Is the elevator operational?

Yes, but capacity is limited to two people (except families with small children).

Is there a wheelchair available for use at the History Center?

Yes. A wheelchair is available in the Elevator Lobby; it is sanitized before and after each use.

Where can I park?

We have free parking available in the parking lot behind our building on Congress Street

We hope to see you soon at the History Center!