FAQ

The program was conceived during the state’s sesquicentennial in 1953.

The first marker was dedicated in 1957, commemorating the history of Akron’s PORTAGE PATH between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers. It is marker #1-77 in Summit County.

There are currently more than 1,700 markers around the state, with at least three in each county. That number, however, changes constantly as we place approximately 20-30 new markers every year and older markers are (infrequently) retired from the program.

There is no printed “list” of markers, but RemarkableOhio.org includes a posting, by county, of every marker and is as up-to-date as possible. Photographs, marker text, location information, and more are posted as soon as a new marker has been placed or dedicated by local sponsors.

Our current platform does not support the old marker APP. RemarkableOhio, however, displays well on most mobile devices.

The markers program reserves the right to limit an application cycle to specific topics. By making such a “special call,” the program can balance the topics, identities, and locations covered across the state. The Ohio Historical Marker program embraces all stories and by doing so, hopes to create an equitable Ohio narrative.

• Every marker contains a title, a text paragraph, a list of marker sponsors, the year the marker was created, and a county and sequence code. Marker text can be the same on both sides, tell a different story on each side, or continue from one side to the other.
• County and Sequence Codes, the hyphenated numbers found on the lower right corner of the marker, represent the county where the marker is located and the sequence number of the marker in that county. For example: Marker #31-25 (Norton Field, Franklin County)
  • #31 indicates that this particular marker is the thirty-first marker to be installed in Franklin County;
  • #24 is the designated number for Franklin County. We use the Ohio Department of Transportation numbering system so County Codes are assigned alphabetically with Adams as #1 and Wyandot as #88.
• Due to administrative errors, some markers can be found with incorrect numbers, multiple markers might have the same number, and, some numbers have been skipped altogether.
• We have tried to provide the most accurate information possible using the RemarkableOhio Alerts on each marker listing.

Ohio Historical Markers gain in popularity every year. During our last application cycle, more the 60 applications were submitted.

• In order to ensure the integrity and historical accuracy of every marker produced and erected, program capacity means we do have to limit the number of applications accepted in any given marker cycle. In order to be as fair as possible, we submit all applications to the scrutiny of both internal and external reviewers before making the final selection.
• We can only entertain one application from an individual or organization in any given round of applications.

• No, applications must be resubmitted for consideration in the next annual deadline.
• We encourage re-submissions, and recognizing that every marker is significant, hope to be able to guide every application toward final acceptance into the program. We are always available to discuss how to strengthen your application for the next round.
• We do ask that after 2 application returns, that you sit out 1 marker cycles before resubmitting the same topic. Use that pause to seek more to rethink the focus of your statement of significance, suggested marker text, and sources.

We suggest you begin working on your marker application at least 2 years prior to the event you hope to commemorate. Applications can take many months to compile, funding may take time to obtain, the committee review process takes another few months, and Ohio History Connection historical research and editorial process can take many more months after acceptance into the program. The actual production of a marker can take 6 months. To be considerate of everyone’s workload, we ask that you honor this 2-year expectation.

We love the idea of a marker series, but recognizing the demand for Ohio Historical Markers across the state, we can only entertain one application from an individual or organization in any given round of applications.

• We try to be as fair as possible by having multiple professionals read the applications and final decisions are made in committee so that all voices are heard.
• We take very seriously our request for documentation, maps, permission and maintenance letters, and all other materials. We will return incomplete applications and ask for resubmission in another marker cycle.
• We strive to represent all the stories across the state and to uphold the Ohio History Connection’s core values of relevance, authenticity, inclusivity, stewardship, and working together.

Marietta’s Sewah Studios, has produced Ohio Historical Markers since 1957.

An Ohio Historical Marker will have both our recognizable Ohio outline framed with buckeyes at the top and our name on the bottom sponsor line.

The Corporate Limit marker is limited to 15 words and is in the shape of Ohio.

Every marker contains a title, a text paragraph, a list of marker sponsors, the year the marker was created, and a county and sequence code. Sometimes, a marker includes special artwork or logos (such as Ohio Bicentennial, Civil War 150, or William G. Pomeroy Foundation). Marker text can be the same on both sides, tell a different story on each side, or continue from one side to the other.

County and Sequence Codes, the hyphenated numbers found on the lower right corner of the marker, represent the county where the marker is located and the sequence number of the marker in that county. For example:

Marker #14-18 (Parker Ranch / Adele Von Ohl Parker, Cuyahoga County)

• #14 indicates that this particular marker is the fourteenth marker to be installed in Cuyahoga County;
• #18 is the designated number for Cuyahoga County. We use the Ohio Department of Transportation numbering system so County Codes are assigned alphabetically with Adams as #1 and Wyandot as #88.

That’s the way it is supposed to be, but it hasn’t always worked out like that. Due to earlier administrative and oversight errors, some markers can be found with incorrect numbers, and in some cases, multiple markers can have the same number, while some numbers have been skipped. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience concerning marker numbers, and have tried to provide you the most accurate information.

Your marker is manufactured to last many, many years. Before placing your marker carefully consider the following:

• An annual (National Marker Day is the last Friday in April) bath using soap and water will prevent build-up of lichen and other harmful matter that will harm the finish.
• Most marker damage is done by lawn mowers and snow plows that crack the marker or snap it off the cap.
• Your marker is safest if located in a landscaped bed rather than an open lawn, in a city right-of-way, beside a busy road, or near utility poles.
• When located under a canopy of large trees, markers often are harmed by mold, lichen, and other growth. Be extra vigilant about regular cleaning.
• Be aware of the mature height of plantings around your marker. Small bushes can grow to obscure one side of the text when full grown.
• Your marker will fade from shiny dark brown to a duller lighter shade of brown after about 10 years. If well cared for the gold lettering and edging should wear well over the years.
• Should you need to do a paint touch-up, contact Sewah Studios for paint colors and any information you might need

How to Clean an Ohio Historical Marker (PDF)

Not at the moment, but we are working on adding it to Remarkable Ohio. You can help us by sending photos and location information for any CLM in your community.

No. We do not take funding into consideration while reviewing marker applications. The acceptance or rejection of an application is based on the strength of the research, the documentation provided, the statement of significance, the suggested marker text, and the bibliography. Each application will be ranked and only after initial decisions are made will they be forwarded to grant committees.

• First, store the damaged marker safely.
• Send photos of the damaged marker to the Ohio Historical Markers program using our “Contact-Report a Problem” form on this website.
• File a police report and insurance report if your marker was vandalized.
• The marker program will work with you and your community to order a replacement marker.
• Remember, the organization listed on your original applicaton #7 “Maintenance of Marker” will ultimately be responsible to pay for the repair and/or replacement.