The Columbus Historical Society move location to COSI

(by Sandi Latimer, staff writer - January 09, 2012)

The Columbus Historical Society (CHS) prepares to observe the city’s 200th anniversary from a new location.

The CHS, which formerly operated from the Jefferson Center, now occupies space at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI).

“We’re excited,” CHS Executive Director Jeff LaFever said. “We have tripled the exhibit space, plenty of office space, better facilities for archiving, and expanded opportunities for membership and volunteers.”

At its new location at COSI, exhibition space more than doubled to 2,300-square feet and office space tripled. The space will also include interactive multimedia displays. Hours will match those of COSI and more membership benefits are on the horizon for both organizations.

The extra space and expanded hours will allow for the development of a volunteer program coordinated by historian and local author Jim Tootle.

“We are excited to see the historical stories the CHS has to integrate our guests’ experiences that will allow both COSI and our visitors to reflect on the abundant history of our great city of Columbus,” said David E. Chesebrough, president and CEO of COSI in a press release.

“Having the Columbus Historical Society inside COSI is a great opportunity for city of Columbus residents and visitors to COSI to learn more about the rich history of Columbus,” Mayor Michael Coleman said. “Especially during its bicentennial year. More than half of COSI’s visitors each year are not from the Columbus area, meaning more exposure to a wider audience.”

The historical society’s first exhibition will open in February and is focused on the first 100 years of Columbus. This showcase will run through July, LaFever said, when the exhibit will update to the latter 100 years until closing in February 2013.

At the same time COSI will feature an exhibition detailing the life of Columbus residents in 1812.

^ back to top