From top to bottom: Ohio Supreme Court Interim Administrative Director Mindi Wells welcomed symposium guests to the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center. The Ohio Channel’s Dan Shellenbarger introduced a documentary about the history of the building that now houses the Ohio Supreme Court. The welcome reception was held in the Grand Concourse at the Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

From top to bottom: Ohio Supreme Court Interim Administrative Director Mindi Wells welcomed symposium guests to the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center. The Ohio Channel’s Dan Shellenbarger introduced a documentary about the history of the building that now houses the Ohio Supreme Court. The welcome reception was held in the Grand Concourse at the Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

State and county officials concerned about preserving Ohio’s historic courthouses gathered in Columbus for a symposium that kicked off with a welcome reception at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center on May 15. The Ohio County Courthouses Symposium drew more than 200 participants from across the state.

The opening session on Friday, May 16 was presented by Dr. Richard Guy Wilson, Commonwealth Chair in Architectural History at the University of Virginia. Dr. Wilson detailed how the design of Ohio’s county courthouses responded to the economic and cultural context of their time, and how the buildings have played a role in their communities’ histories.

A panel discussion later in the day tackled the topic of how to fund courthouse renovations. Brian Driscoll of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program explained how they are able to provide state grant funding in exchange for preservation easements to protect and preserve historic courthouses. Another potential funding source idea came from Tony Logan, state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Ohio Rural Development, who said several counties have already received low-interest USDA Community Facilities loans for their courthouse projects.

Other sessions included discussions about courthouse design, technology, project administration, and how courthouses can impact economic development.

“The Supreme Court was happy to be a part of such a wonderful event focused upon the perseveration of the historical courthouses throughout this state,” Interim Administrative Director Mindi Wells said. “The high-caliber speakers from across the country provided valuable information that the attendees can take back to their counties to ensure we have these historical gems for decades to come.”

The Supreme Court of Ohio co-hosted the symposium along with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, the Ohio Historical Society, Heritage Ohio, AIA Ohio, and AIA Columbus. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the restoration of the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, and included the premier of a documentary about the history of the building that now houses the Ohio Supreme Court. The documentary was produced by the Supreme Court and the Ohio Channel and will air later this year on Ohio public television stations.