Ohio Humanities Council Wins Transportation Enhancement Grant ODOT/TE funds will be used for The New Ohio Guide Heritage Tours
COLUMBUS, OHIO – February 2010 – The Ohio Humanities Council has been awarded a $115,000 Transportation Enhancement grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation to produce The New Ohio Guide Heritage Tours.
The funds will support production of audio guides and a multi-media website of driving tours based on The Ohio Guide, written by the Federal Writers Project in the 1930s and 1940s.
Published in 1940, The Ohio Guide sought to capture local history, boost local economies through tourism, and introduce travelers to scenic and historic treasures along the state’s roads. Written long before the introduction of the interstate highway system, the original publication outlined 23 tours along what became Ohio’s secondary highways. The New Ohio Guide will echo the original purpose – to introduce motorists to the rich travel opportunities available in Ohio and to assist local tourism economies.
“Ohio’s rich heritage marks critical places in the rise of civilization, growth of democracy, and spirit of invention,” said Dr. Julie Goldsmith, executive director of the Ohio Humanities Council. “The Ohio Humanities Council will serve as a catalyst for economic development by advancing tourism related to the state’s history and culture.”
The Transportation Enhancement grant will help underwrite recreation of ten of the original tours. Partnering with public broadcasting stations, independent media producers and scholars, the Ohio Humanities Council will select routes that make a compelling case for travel in Ohio. From the mound structures built by ancient civilizations, to the pathways to freedom bravely forged by slaves along the Underground Railroad, to the aviation pioneers who saw mankind’s dreams in the skies, Ohio’s story is an inspiring one that we will celebrate through tourism.”
Production on The New Ohio Guide Heritage Tours will begin in 2011 and continue throughout 2012.
CONTACT: Fran Tiburzio
Pat Williamsen
1-800-293-9774
614-461-7802