"Voinovich's View" - Avoid High Travel Costs by Visiting Ohio's Museums

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"Voinovich's View" - Avoid High Travel Costs by Visiting Ohio's Museums

High gas prices and the increasing costs of travel have caused many Ohio families to readjust their normal summer schedules. For many Ohioans, vacations and unnecessary expenses have been cut altogether from the family budget. In other words, times are tough, and belts have been tightened.

That doesn't mean, however, that Ohioans can't find local, entertaining and educational places to visit for little or no cost. In fact, there are museums throughout the state that are among the most prestigious in the country. From art and historical artifacts to hands-on educational exhibits, Ohio museums have something for everyone.

Here is a sampling of museums across the state I recommend visiting that won't drain your gas tank or purge your pocketbook:

The Cleveland Museum of Art: The Cleveland Museum of Art re-opened 19 of its galleries on June 29 with more than 900 pieces of art after undergoing extensive renovations. As the former mayor of Cleveland, I have visited the museum many times, and I even attended the re-opening event last month. Admission to the Cleveland Museum of Art is free and it's also within walking distance of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Western Reserve Historical Society and Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Art.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: I have secured funding for Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in the past and I will continue to work for more funding because of its important mission. This museum chronicles both how our society failed to provide all men and women equal rights and, just as important, tells the glorious story of their triumphant fight for freedom. I truly believe that those who traveled the Underground Railroad and those who risked prosecution for helping it succeed were soldiers in the fight to ensure that all Americans were given the freedom guaranteed by our Creator. And that is a story that must be told for generations to come.

The Works: The Works museum in Newark is a Smithsonian affiliate featuring hands-on activities the entire family will enjoy. With an outdoor wood shop, print shop and glass-blowing gallery, there is bound to be something for children, teens and adults alike. There's even an outdoor summer concert series that features local artists.

The Butler Institute of American Art: Youngstown's Butler Institute of American Art is known internationally as "America's Museum" because of its 20,000-work extensive collection spanning four centuries. Dedicated in 1919, it is the first museum of American art. Admission is free.

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center: Fremont's Hayes Center owns 13,000 artifacts from former President Rutherford B. Hayes' estate and includes two floors of exhibit galleries and a research library. Of those artifacts, 1,785 are on permanent display, chronicling Hayes' life and Ohio's history. Hayes is one of eight U.S. presidents from Ohio - a number larger than in any other state.

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage: I spoke at Beachwood's Maltz Museum when it opened in 2005 and, let me tell you, this museum is more than just a collection of artifacts. It illustrates the struggle Jewish immigrants faced when coming to America and how they were able to overcome significant obstacles and take advantage of the great opportunity our country provides. The Maltz Museum is not a Holocaust museum, but it recognizes that the Holocaust, and the hatred and anti-Semitism that generated it, is very much a part of the history of the Cleveland Jewish community and Jews around the world. This is particularly important today when anti-Semitism is rearing its ugly head in the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

National Aviation Hall of Fame: Aviation is an important part of Ohio's history and Dayton's National Aviation Hall of Fame features Ohio's own aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright as well as Ohio astronauts Neil Armstrong and John Glenn. Since coming to the U.S. Senate, I have secured funding for the hall, which is also attached to the U.S. Air Force Museum. Admission to both of these museums is free.

National Ceramic Museum and Heritage Center: Southeast Ohio is often referred to as the "clay belt" because of its rich history in ceramics, which began 800 B.C. with the Woodland Indian cultures. Because of its abundant natural resources and waterways, Ohio was at the forefront of the pottery industry. Crooksville's Ceramic Museum contains pottery dating back to 1880, including works from the well-known, Ohio-based Roseville and McCoy companies.

Even if high gas prices have thrown a wrench in your travel plans this summer, visiting a museum is a great and affordable way to end the season. Each of these museums represents Ohio's rich history and dedication to the arts. I encourage Ohioans everywhere to take advantage of the educational and cultural exhibits right here in the Buckeye State.

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