ODNR opens digital museum

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is offering a glimpse into the past with their brand-new virtual museum, the Cardinal Collection. This museum showcases many historical treasures that have been tucked away at state parks.

See objects from the ice harvesting industry at Lake Loramie, a Pulitzer prize-winning author’s office at Malabar Farm or a U.S. Coast Guard’s lifesaving station at Marblehead Lighthouse. The museum features many different artifacts from across the state including old children's books, ashtrays, calendars, tools and various artworks.

“Every part of the state has unique stories to tell in both its natural settings and the histories of the people who lived and worked there,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.  “Everyone with a thirst for knowledge can take a hike through history, go on a visual tour of artifacts from an old homestead or examine artwork from another time. This new online platform makes these treasures accessible to each and every person who wants to appreciate them.”

ODNR currently has over 300 items in the database but is planning on adding more in the future. Currently the museum has items from the following locations:

• Barkcamp State Park

• Beaver Creek State Park

• Hueston Woods State Park

• Lake Hope State Park

• Lake Loramie State Park

• Malabar Farm State Park

• Marblehead Lighthouse

• Zaleski State Forest - Hope Schoolhouse

• ODNR Office Collection

The museum also features a collection of patches from various OSNR divisions and events that have taken place over the years. All of these objects will still be able to be seen at their original locations as well as online.

The Cardinal Collection is free to view and offers visitors pictures and descriptions of the various artifacts. To view see the collection guests can visit the Cardinal Collection section of the ODNR website.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: ODNR opens digital museum