History: The East Cell Block

Written by admin on August 6, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

Pictured here is the East Cell Block of the Ohio State Reformatory. This cell block was completed between 1908 and 1910 and was in operation until the building closed in December of 1990. This was the second of the two main cell blocks to be completed and consists of 6 tiers. The cells in the East Cell Block measure 7 ft by 9 ft, and hold two men to a cell. The cells were originally intended to house one inmate each, but due to overcrowding conditions, these cells were fitted with bunks that could instead hold two men to a cell. If you visit the Reformatory today, you can still see many of the original bunks and cell contents.

Want to learn more? We’re currently open seven days a week, 11 AM to 4 PM, and offer both guided and self-guided tours! Check on our website for current tour availability!

The North Central Ohio Industrial Museum

Written by admin on August 3, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

Admission to The North Central Ohio Industrial Museum is included with the purchase of a self-guided or guided tour ticket. The museum is located off of the bullpen, between the East and West cell blocks.

History: “The Alley”

Written by admin on May 29, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

At the center of each tier in the cellblocks, in between the two ranges of cells, is a door that opened to an area known as “The Alley.” Pictured here is one of the alleys on the East Cell Block. The alley contains all the utilities for the cells. This space made it convenient for maintenance personnel to inspect the utilities and was also used as a method for guards to maintain discipline amongst inmates. For example, guards could walk through the alleys and listen in on inmate conversations, monitoring for any misbehavior. Once during each shift, a guard was required to walk the length of the alley down a narrow catwalk for security purposes.

Want to learn more? Visit us for a self-guided tour and explore the building! We’re open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m!

Guided Tours Are Back!

Written by admin on May 28, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

The Ohio State Reformatory is pleased to announce that public guided tours are starting up again on June 2nd. We will be adding both the History Meets Hollywood and the Beyond the Bars tours to our regular offerings. Tickets will be available for purchase on-site at the ticket desk on a first-come, first-serve basis. At this point in time, Beyond the Bars will be offered on Saturday and Sunday only. If you have questions, please reach out to our Guest Services Coordinator, Ashleigh Ramey, at ashleigh@mrps.org or by calling 419-522-2644 ext. 101.

Hollywood News: Judas and the Black Messiah

Written by admin on May 27, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

Hollywood Update

We are excited to announce that Judas and the Black Messiah, which was partially filmed here at the Ohio State Reformatory, received 6 Academy Award nominations and won 2 of the 6 nominated categories. The nominations included best picture, best original screenplay, best cinematography, best original song, and 2 nominations for best-supporting actor: Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield. Of the 6 nominations, the film won Oscars in the categories of best-supporting actor: Danial Kaluuya and best original song: “Fight for You” by H.E.R. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Judas and the Black Messiah!

For more information, click here.

Restoration Updates

Written by admin on April 20, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

Restoration Updates

One never knows what one will find behind a corner, lodged in a cell crevice, or behind a cupboard. Restoration at the Reformatory is always an adventure and prepping the room off the Armory was no exception. The room contained a wooden cupboard that had to be removed in order to open the passageway for handicap accessibility from the Central Guard Room elevator. No big deal, right? The cupboard came down relatively easily but behind the cupboard lay 9 metal pieces. Keith picked them up and turned them over only to be met with the faces of 9 inmates. The dates indicate that these particular inmates were here from the early 1970s and one inmate is smiling as if he just got the news he was released! But how did they end up there? These were the inmate IDs that an inmate had to always carry on their person. Disciplinary action could result if they did not have it when asked. Was it a joke or were these the 9 men designated to build the cupboard? Like a builder leaving an item in a wall to leave their mark so to speak, were these men doing the same. We may never know!

(pictured above: Inmate I.D. cards)

ParaPsyCon 2020

Written by admin on January 17, 2020. Posted in Uncategorized.

Paranormal and Psychic Convention at one of America’s most famous Haunted Prisons

ParaPsyCon 2019

Hosted by the Tri-C Ghost Hunters, this annual event features speakers that include well-known authors, psychics, paranormal investigators and other experts in the arenas of the paranormal. A wide array of quality vendors offer unique, hard-to-find, and handmade items.

Learn More about ParaPsyCon

North Central Ohio Home & Garden Show

Written by admin on January 17, 2020. Posted in Uncategorized.

2020 North Central Ohio Home & Garden Show

Friday, April 3, 3 PM-6 PM
Saturday, April 4, 10 AM-6 PM
Sunday, April 5, 11 AM-3 PM

Entry to H&G Show $2 OR (2) non-perishable canned goods per person.
Entry to H&G show is included with General Tour Admission. ($15)

*Handicap accessibility is available.

HOSTED BY THE BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
The Building Industry Association is a professional, non-profit, trade association affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Ohio Home Builders Association (OHBA). Our goals are the promotion of new home construction, home remodeling, membership education, consumer education, and sensible regulations dealing with home construction. Our paramount responsibility is to our customer, our community, and our country.

Learn More about Home and Garden Show