Johnson Recognizes the Scioto County Heritage Museum

COLUMBUS - State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) was honored to introduce and celebrate the Scioto County Heritage Museum at the 2024 Appalachia Heritage Luncheon at the Ohio Statehouse. The museum received an award for its success in uplifting its community and region. 

"Southern Ohio has a rich heritage and legacy, predominately because of the wonderful people who work together to strengthen community bonds. The Scioto County Heritage Museum is the incredible product of this connection," Johnson said. "A group of Scioto County natives who love our local history saw the need to showcase our past to our next generation, who will inspire our future. They brought that idea to life and the museum is now a success story."
 
Locals who had their own historical collections participated in an event at Portsmouth High School in 2019 and realized there was a need for a museum on local history. That idea spurred the opening of the Scioto County Heritage Museum in 2022 in a borrowed space in Portsmouth. Later that year, the building was sold and the curators needed to find a new space. The museum was offered two historic public buildings for use free of charge, and has agreed to restore them and hold them in the public trust. In just two years, the museum has become an integral part of the Portsmouth and Scioto County community. 

The museum was one of nine honorees at this year's event applauded for their impact on Appalachia's growth and success. More than 100 honorees have been recognized since the event began in 2011.