ODNR Offers Glimpse of Past With Virtual Museum

(Columbus) – Artifacts, historic patches, sculptures, and artwork- all these things can be found hidden within Ohio State Parks and nature preserves. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is putting these pieces of history right at your fingertips with the Cardinal Collection, a brand-new virtual museum.

“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,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “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.”

Available in an easy-to-use database, digital images and descriptions reveal what objects you can discover when you visit an ODNR property, or you can simply browse and explore each artifact online.

Some featured items include:

East Liverpool ceramics from the Pioneer Village at Beaver Creek State Park.

Art Deco horse figurines from the Big House at Malabar Farms State Park.

Black and white photos from a 1953 visit to Lake Hope State Park.

Coast Guard surf boat from 1931 at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park.

You can search by ODNR property or by the type of artifact you would like to view. New artifacts will be added frequently, so check back often. You can find the Cardinal Collection, our online museum, here.