November 21, 2025
LANCASTER, OH – Ohio’s story is America’s story – and now, for the first time, 250 objects bring the state vividly to life in one landmark exhibition. From industrial innovations to personal keepsakes, these artifacts reveal the people, culture and enduring influence of the Buckeye State on the nation.
Opening January 31, 2026 at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, Heartland: The Stories of Ohio Through 250 Objects invites visitors to explore the people, ideas and moments that have shaped the state. Each artifact highlights the state’s ingenuity, resilience and cultural impact, offering a fresh perspective on both familiar milestones and lesser-known stories.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, curators Andrew Richmond and Hollie Davis explore how Ohio and its residents have been a part of most major events in U.S. history.
“We were a crossroads, a bellwether, a mother of presidents, a leader in flight – but we are also changing,” Richmond said. “With three major cities and vast swaths of rurality, we are extremely diverse in every sense of the word.”
Yet that breadth and variety make it difficult to define a single cultural identity for the state, he says. This exhibition will make that clear, but show how our past can be part of that unifying identity.
“In 2025, discussions of culture and history so often become quickly divisive,” Richmond said. “We hope that the breadth and diversity of objects and stories presented will allow anyone who visits to feel some connection to our shared past, because we need to feel that connection to our past, our present, our future, and one another.”
Richmond and Davis own Marietta-based Meander Auctions, which sells antiques, art and collectibles, many of which are made or used in the Ohio River Valley and Midwest. Richmond earned his Master of Arts in American Material Culture from Winterthur Museum/University of Delaware, while Davis earned her Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign.
Complementing Heartland in the museum’s lower gallery is Journey Through Ohio’s Counties, curated by artist Tina Husted. Take a journey through Ohio’s counties in this exhibition, where Husted’s paintings highlight local history, hidden gems, iconic landmarks and special places. Husted also invited high school students from across the state to share their own creative interpretations of these places. Their works reflect the collaborative spirit of the arts and celebrate the state’s unique beauty.
Heartland: The Stories of Ohio Through 250 Objects and Journey Through Ohio’s Counties run from January 31 through April 26, 2026. Programming designed to enrich the visitor experience will run alongside the exhibition as well.
JUNK JOURNAL
Sunday, January 25, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM | $25/$20 members
Turn recycled envelopes into a one-of-a-kind junk journal in this hands-on class with instructor Nancy Simmons. Using envelopes as your base, you’ll design and assemble a personalized journal filled with texture, color and imagination. All supplies will be furnished, but you’re welcome to bring your own embellishments like stickers, photos, ribbon, old magazines or Aleene’s Tacky Glue.
CURATOR TALK
Heartland: The Stories of Ohio Through 250 Objects
Sunday, February 1, 2:00 PM | $10/$5 member, $15 at the door
Join Curators Andrew Richmond and Hollie Davis as they share how 250 carefully chosen objects tell the story of Ohio’s people, places and spirit. Discover how art, everyday items and ephemera come together to celebrate the state’s role as the heart of the nation.
CURATOR TALK
Journey Through Ohio’s Counties
Sunday, February 15, 2:00 PM | $10/$5 member, $15 at the door
Join Curator and artist Tina Husted as she shares the stories and inspiration behind her paintings of Ohio’s counties. She’ll discuss the people, places and personal connections that inspired each piece, from well-known landmarks to hidden local treasures.
BARNSTORMING OHIO: TO UNDERSTAND AMERICA
Sunday, April 12, 2:00 PM | $10/$5 member, $15 at the door
Award-winning author David Giffels will explore America’s identity through his home state, revealing how Ohio mirrors the nation’s complexity and character. Characterized as “a voice of the Midwest” by Library Journal, Giffels will share insights from his book that reflect on what it means to live in “an all-American buffet.”
COLLECTORS ON COLLECTING
Sunday, April 26, 2:00 PM | $10/$5 member, $15 at the door
Explore the fascinating world of collectors and their passions in this program that dives into the stories, strategies and treasures behind the art of collecting. Andrew Richmond and Hollie Davis, curators of the exhibition Heartland: The Stories of Ohio Through 250 Objects, will lead a panel discussion with three collecting couples who generously loaned pieces to the exhibition.
Registration for programming is available at decartsohio.org. High-resolution photos are available upon request.
About the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
The Decorative Arts Center is housed in the Reese-Peters House, a Federal/Greek Revival masterpiece at 145 E. Main Street in Lancaster’s Historic District. Admission is always free. For information about exhibitions or programming, visit decartsohio.org.
