Five of Chillicothe’s museums, historic sites, and organizations are planning one big open house to commemorate Ohio Statehood Day, Saturday, March 2. Among the featured highlights will be exhibits and programs on the founding of the State of Ohio and many other aspects of Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio and U.S. history.

The Lucy Hayes Heritage Center at 90 West Sixth Street, Chillicothe, birthplace of Lucy Webb Hayes, wife of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, will be open 10am to 4pm. Featured will be displays of Hayes memorabilia, documents from Chillicothe’s first mayor and Ross County’s first sheriff, 19th century home furnishings, and rare antique and historical dolls.

The Ross County Heritage Center, 45 West Fifth Street, Chillicothe, will be open 1-4pm. Featured will be special, one-day exhibits of rare Ohio statehood documents and Civil War firearms and armaments from local collectors. Also featured will be exhibits on Ohio’s role in the War of 1812, World War II on the home front, and a new photo history of Chillicothe and Ross County businesses, manufacturing, early resorts, academies, and transportation. All other museum exhibits will also be open. Following the open house at 4pm, historic preservationist, Kevin Coleman of the Chillicothe Restoration Foundation, will present a program on Chillicothe’s Statehood era architecture.

The David Nickens Heritage Center, located at 71 West Fourth Street in Chillicothe, will be open 1-4pm. Exhibits on local, regional, and national African American history and culture will be featured, including "Freedom’s Journey: The Underground Railroad," "African American Women in the 19th Century," and "The Black Church in America."

Adena Mansion & Gardens, located at 847 Adena Road, Chillicothe, will be open 1pm-4pm. Adena is the historic home (built 1806-07) and grounds of Thomas Worthington - Ohio’s first U.S. Senator, sixth governor, and "Father of Ohio Statehood." From the front lawn can be seen the view that served as the inspiration for the Great Seal of Ohio. Visitors will be treated to a special Ohio Statehood drama featuring actors in historical costumes posted throughout the mansion. The Worthington & Early Statehood Museum located in the Adena Mansion & Gardens Education Center will also be open.

The Ross County Genealogical Society located at 444 Douglas Avenue, Chillicothe, will be open 9am-3pm. The public is invited to stop in and learn about the large number of resources available for anyone interested in researching their family tree.

Chillicothe’s annual Statehood Day commemoration is free and open to the public and is a great opportunity for learning more about many fascinating chapters in local, state and U.S. history. For more information, please call (740) 772-1936.