In commemoration of Ohio’s founding, the Ohio Historical Society and its partners, including the Ohio Archaeological Council, invite you to join a broad coalition of history advocates on Thursday, March 1 at the Ohio History Center in Columbus beginning at 9:30 a.m. As part of the celebration at the Ohio History Center, admission to the general public will be free on March 1.

Statehood Day is a celebration of Ohio and its history, as well as a legislative advocacy event. This year’s event will be a celebration of the persistent efforts of Ohio history advocates. For example, just in 2011 the Ohio General Assembly approved:

• The OHS income tax check-off. The state’s 2011 income tax form will allow taxpayers receiving a refund on their state taxes to contribute a portion of their return to the Society. OHS will, in turn, use these contributions to create a new competitive matching grants program for history-related projects throughout Ohio.
• The state historic tax credit program that was initiated in 2006 was made permanent, with up to $60 million being authorized in annual credits to be awarded to qualified rehabilitation projects throughout Ohio. This successful program is administered as a partnership among the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Department of Taxation.

There are more successes to celebrate, and other legislative priorities to work on.

To register ($25 for lunch and to participate in Statehood Day activities) and for more information about Statehood Day 2012, see www.ohiohistory.org/statehoodday.

During 2011, OAC members learned of the deaths of four colleagues: Kent Vickery (June 1, 2011), Kevin Gibbs (August 28, 2011), Tony DeRegnaucourt (October 17, 2011), and Julie Quinlan (November 2, 2011).  Each made contributions that help us to better understand and appreciate archaeology, and, especially Ohio archaeology.  Though no disrespect or offense is intended, it is with humility that I write this remembrance knowing that I likely overlooked someone or omitted something.  Perhaps each of us can take time this week to raise a toast and thank colleagues near and far, living and no longer with us, for their friendship, comradeship, and efforts to make archaeology better for all of us.