Ohio’s statewide preservation community is one of the most dynamic – and perhaps most confusing – in the country. Newcomers to the preservation and revitalization scene are sometimes perplexed by acronyms, overlapping organizations and “lingo.” Here’s a quick guide to major organizations and agencies involved in historic preservation in Ohio:

Preservation Ohio is the state’s original statewide historic preservation organization, and was established in 1982 as the Ohio Preservation Alliance. In addition to being the home of the list of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites, Preservation Ohio administers a wide range of programming and regularly brings you MyHometownOhio.

Heritage Ohio is the country’s only combined Main Street coordinating program and statewide preservation organization. In addition to running the Ohio Main Street Program, Heritage Ohio provides information, training and advice to communities across the state seeking to join revitalization and historic preservation.

The Ohio Historic Preservation Office is the official historic preservation agency of the State of Ohio. Its operations include reviews required under federal law for actions involving historic property, as well as providing a number of educational and technical assistance programs. “OHPO” is the home of the widely-successful Building Doctor program.

According to its website, the Ohio Historical Society (OHS) "“…is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1885 "...to promote a knowledge of archaeology and history, especially in Ohio." The mission of the Ohio Historical Society is to help people connect with Ohio’s past in order to understand the present and create a better future.”

The Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums (OAHSM) is a non-profit organization with membership of hundreds of local historical societies and history museums. OAHSM hosts workshops, provides a speakers bureau, conducts training, and provides other services to its members.

The Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board (OHSPAB) advises OHPO and OHS as to preservation issues, and conducts reviews of properties, districts and sites nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

For links to local preservation organizations, preservation-based downtown revitalization organizations and other groups across the state, click here.