Supreme Court of Ohio Visitor Education Center Receives National Award
The Supreme Court of Ohio Visitor Education Center has received the American Association for State and Local History's Award of Merit for its exhibits capturing the history and importance of courts in Ohio. The association's Leadership in History Awards, in its 61st year, recognize achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.
“It is an honor to be recognized for the Visitor Education Center's creative approach to explaining the rule of law,” said Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer. “Touring the center is an enlightening experience in civic education that provides visitors a strong sense of the importance of democracy and a better understanding of the judicial system.”
The American Association for State and Local History's awards for 2006 represent 84 organizations and individuals from throughout the United States. Award winners were honored on Saturday at a special banquet in Phoenix, Ariz. The association, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history.
The Ohio Museum Association in April honored the center with its highest award for institutional excellence.
The Visitor Education Center, which opened in December 2005, features an array of interactive, bold graphic displays and videos designed to provide adult and student visitors with an understanding of the history, role and responsibility of the Ohio court system. The 4,442-square-foot center is located on the Ground Floor of the Ohio Judicial Center, 65 South Front Street, in Columbus.
The exhibits encourage visitors to become involved. True-to-life displays illustrate important rulings and constitutional issues that have touched the lives of Ohio citizens. Visitors are invited to balance the three branches of government on an interactive scale, role play in mock courtrooms, and take in videos that go behind the scenes of the judicial system.
The Visitor Education Center also provides a hands-on opportunity for educators to meet curriculum benchmarks for elementary and high school students. Key concepts, including the Ohio and U.S. Constitutions, separation of powers, checks and balances and the role of the judiciary, reinforce classroom lesson plans. Other features of the center include legal pioneers, mediation, and the art and architecture of the Ohio Judicial Center.
Tours of the Visitor Education Center are scheduled 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To arrange a tour, call 614.387.9223 or e-mail courttours@sconet.state.oh.us. Please allow about one hour for your visit. More information about the center can also be found at www.ohiojudicialcenter.gov.
