News Release
Heritage Ohio is launching a new statewide initiative grounded in a simple but powerful idea: every building has a story to tell. In honor of America 250, “250 Buildings, 250 Stories” will identify, elevate, and focus attention on 250 historic buildings across Ohio, connecting their past, present, and future by telling their stories. Historic buildings are often seen as challenges. Heritage Ohio is reframing that narrative and positioning them as economic assets and community anchors with untapped potential.
“Every building represents a story,” said Matt Wiederhold, Executive Director of Heritage Ohio. “Some represent successful reinvestment. Some have been the location for events and occasions of both local and statewide significance. Others are waiting for their next chapter. This initiative is about bringing those stories forward and using them to expand the revitalization that is already occurring across Ohio, but also to highlight buildings that need investment before they are lost forever.”
Heritage Ohio invites anyone to nominate and submit an Ohio building for consideration, including community members, local leaders, property owners, organizations, and preservation advocates alike. Submissions are encouraged from both large and small communities across Ohio, ensuring that the full diversity of the State’s historic places is represented. This inclusive approach ensures that meaningful stories are revealed from every corner of the state.
Buildings may be nominated in three categories: Celebrated 250, which features completed rehabilitation projects that demonstrate successful reinvestment; Opportunity 250, which identifies buildings at risk or ready for investment and redevelopment; and Legacy 250, which recognizes structures with significant historical or cultural legacies. Together, these three categories create a comprehensive picture of Ohio’s historic built environment by honoring past successes while identifying future opportunities.
Nominated buildings will be featured on Heritage Ohio’s Facebook and Instagram pages as well as on LinkedIn and in the quarterly Heritage Ohio newsletter, Revitalize Ohio. The goal of 250 Buildings, 250 Stories is not just to document history but to activate it. The 250 Buildings, 250 Stories will also be recognized at the Heritage Ohio state conference, to be held in Cincinnati September 29 – October 1, 2026.
Building submission information and additional details will be available at www.heritageohio.org.
Heritage Ohio is a statewide, not-for-profit preservation organization dedicated to assisting people and organizations to protect, preserve and revitalize Ohio’s historic sites, as well as administering the Ohio Main Street Program. Their mission is to empower people to save the places that matter, build community, and live better.
Do you think any Adams County buldings qualify? Learn more at www.heritageohio.org.