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Preservation Ohio is Ohio’s statewide historic preservation organization, and is presented by Ohio Preservation Alliance, Inc.. We are an independent, non-profit organization recognized under Chapter 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, established to enhance the understanding and appreciation for Ohio’s historic resources, and serve as a focal point for Ohio organizations, municipalities, corporations and individuals who care about those resources and are concerned about preservation for future generations.

In May 1982, a group of individuals concerned about Ohio history met in the Departments of State Building in Columbus to establish a statewide preservation movement. First known as Ohio Preservation Alliance, the organization’s public identity was changed to Preservation Ohio in November, 2005. During that 25 years, OPA and Preservation Ohio have led the way to bring the many benefits of historic preservation to the Buckeye State. The organization sponsored the first statewide meetings on preservation-based downtown revitalization and smart/sustainable growth in Ohio. Board members and officers have included many of the leaders in preservation in Ohio, past and present.

On March 24, 2007, Preservation Ohio celebrated its 25th Anniversary by hosting an open Board Meeting and Annual Meeting in the auditorium of the Columbus Main Library in downtown Columbus. Current Trustees, past Trustees, members and friends joined to look back at the last 25 years, and ahead toward the future.

Currently, the organization is involved in efforts as diverse as downtown revitalization planning, hosting America’s most visited statewide preservation and revitalization online magazine, heritage tourism, providing technical advice, advocating for local historic resources and much, much more. You have the opportunity to become part of the statewide preservation movement in Ohio by joining Preservation Ohio today!

Preservation Ohio Board and Staff members include past and current chairpersons of local historic preservation commissions and design review boards, the co-founder of one of Ohio’s first official local “Main Street” programs, successful grant-writers responsible for millions of dollars in preservation and economic development monies, one of the largest investors in historic downtown real estate in Ohio, the department head of a collegiate historic preservation program, a former director of Scenic Ohio, the former Chair of Advocacy for the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, past and current Board members of local preservation organizations, and past and current Board members of historic road and heritage corridor management organizations.

Preservation Ohio Board of Trustees

Jim Beier – Columbus, Franklin County – Treasurer
Alex Bobersky – Warren, Trumbull County – Second Vice-President
Dr. Donna DeBlasio – Youngstown, Mahoning County
Larry Frimerman – Oxford, Butler County
Cyndie Gerken -New Carlisle, Clark County
Bruce Goetzman – Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Ralph Johnson – Toledo, Lucas County
Michael Manoloff – Springfield, Clark County
Carol Merry – Columbus, Franklin County – Secretary
Mo Orsatti – Lewis Center, Delaware County – First Vice-President
Marian Vance – Springfield, Clark County – President

Preservation Ohio Staff

Thomas Palmer, Executive Director
E-Mail: tpalmer@preservationohio.org
Direct Phone: (614) 437-8393
Cell Phone: (567) 876-1914

Scott K. Crider, Director of Field Services
E-Mail: skcrider@preservationohio.org