Tour operators and other groups of 20 to 55 are invited to visit Capitol Square. The Ohio Statehouse offers specialized
tours and boarding house-style meals at "Miss Emma's Table" Our group package tours are available to bus tours, clubs,
office parties or other groups of 20 to 55. Contact Barry Hayden at 614/728-2695 or 1-888/OHIO-123 for more information
and to schedule a group package tour today.
Miss Emma's Table Program
The Ohio Statehouse offers an "experience that will take you back in history" for motor coach tours, conventioneers, garden
clubs, political organizations and families arriving by bus. This group package tour can accommodate groups of 20 -55.
The Capitol Cafe offers a Victorian lunch or supper of regional home cooking served boarding house-style in the tradition of
Miss Emma Jones, a historical figure who lived on Capitol Square. After the meal, visitors will be given an experiential
tour of the Ohio Statehouse, learning about the history and architecture of the building.
You too can dine at Miss Emma's Table and become part of the story.
Miss Emma was a socialite related to Columbus' founding families. She and her family often provided gracious hospitality in
her home and at her table, offering hearty food for the leadership of the Ohio House and Senate, legislators from all
corners of Ohio and officers of the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Miss Emma lived in her home on Capitol Square across from the Statehouse from 1850 to 1938. Miss Emma's home was built in
1850 and was the last private residence on the Square when it was demolished in 1939.
Menu Options
Group package tour planners may select one of the following meals:
Warren County Turkey
or
General's Favorite Fried Chicken
Both meals are accompanied by celery and sage dressing, Miss Emma's butter mashed potatoes, creamy pan gravy, fresh seasonal
vegetables with Gahanna herbs, cranberry bog gelee and warm Capitol bread pudding and Ohio forest cobbler. Meals include a
beverage service of coffee, tea and soft drinks.
The Experiential Tour
As a part of the Miss Emma's Table experience, visitors will be treated to a tour of the Ohio Statehouse. Since 1861, the Ohio
Statehouse has served as the literal and symbolic center of Ohio State Government. The building's striking Greek Revival
architecture expresses the pride of citizens and their fondness for democratic ideals, first among them that all Ohioans are
welcome and invited to participate in the process of governing. Restored to its original beauty, Capitol Square is a living
monument to be shared with all who visit the buildings and grounds.
The Statehouse Education and Visitors Center staff and volunteers will provide a 45-minute tour.
Tour Options
There are two tour options to choose from. Whichever tour you choose, you will take a step back in time and have an experience of a lifetime.
The Classic Tour
The Classic Tour of the Ohio Statehouse is intended to introduce visitors to the buildings on Capitol Square. It includes a general
overview of the history, art and architecture of the site and also its ongoing use as a working government building. The Classic
Tour focuses on the Rotunda, Atrium and the Chambers which are still used by the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives as they
make the laws of Ohio. The historical interpreter leading the tour will be in classic 1860's period clothing.
Ohio Portals of History Tour
Bring history to life as you meet characters from the past at the Ohio Statehouse! The Ohio Portals of History Tour is a guided
first-person tour that lasts about an hour. Visitors meet first-person interpreters who portray people who have either worked at or
visited the Ohio Statehouse in the past or who are prominent figures in Ohio's history. These historical actors will talk about their
experiences with the buildings and the surrounding area. Visitors may talk with these actors and ask them questions about what it was
really like to work in or visit the Statehouse in Ohio's past. The Ohio Portals of History Tour uses the Statehouse as a gigantic
stage for Ohio history. The Ohio Portals of History Tour availability is limited during the months of March, April and May due to the
high volume of school group tours. The Ohio Portals of History Tour is not available on weekends.
The Fees
Boarding House-Style Lunch
Preferred seating at 11 a.m. OR 1 p.m.
$13.95 per person plus tax and 18% gratuity.
Boarding House-Style Supper
Preferred seating at 5 p.m.
$18.95 per person plus tax and 18% gratuity.
A deposit of 50 percent of total charges due, including tax, is required thirty (30) days prior to your scheduled date of arrival.
A $120 charge for the tour is assessed to all weekend and after-hour evening tours.
Availability
Miss Emma's Table availability is limited during the months of March, April and May due to a high volume of school group tours
and busy legislative session days.
How to Schedule a Miss Emma's Table For Your Group
Miss Emma's Table is designed for groups of 20-55. Please make your inquiries at least three months in advance of your event to
assure availability.
Contact
Barry Hayden, Manager of Educational Services
614/728-3726
1-888/OHIO-123
Sign an Agreement
A contract with a confirmation of your date and time of your scheduled Miss Emma's Table experience will be mailed to you. Sign and
return one copy of the agreement via fax to 614/728-2699
or:
Statehouse Education and Visitors Center
Statehouse
Columbus, Ohio 43215-4210
Reservations are only considered final and binding upon signing of the contract and receipt of the required deposit.
Museum Shop Discounts and Prizes
Participants in the Miss Emma's Table experience are eligible for discounts on any merchandise in the Statehouse Museum Shop excluding
Ohio wines and the Ohio Governor's Residence Cookbook. Hosts or tour operators will receive free coupons good for a ten percent discount
to present to each person in the group. Each coupon when presented at check-out will offer participants 10 percent off their entire purchase.
One coupon on each bus will be marked in a special way. When the coupon is presented at check-out, the bearer will win a free prize from the museum shop staff.
The Driver and Escort Amenities
Professional drivers and escorts of tours are offered special amenities and conveniences when bringing a tour to Capitol Square.
Convenient Parking - All buses unload their passengers on the Third Street entrance (east side) of the Statehouse complex. Third Street runs
one-way, north to south. Once unloaded, buses may park at the curb on State Street (south side of the Statehouse) across from the Ohio Theater
or on Broad Street (north side of the Statehouse). Drivers may turn off their bus engines, lock and leave the buses or stay with them. The
Statehouse strongly urges all drivers to turn off their engines in consideration of the environment and numerous air intake ducts on buildings
in the vicinity. Passengers may be picked up when they are leaving Capitol Square at the Third Street entrance, or walk to board their bus on
State Street.
Complimentary Meal - Drivers and escorts will be served a complimentary lunch or supper that the visiting group has selected. A carryout meal will
be delivered by staff to a driver who elects to stay with his or her vehicle.
Groups Larger Than 55
Large group meals at the Statehouse may become a special event when the group tour exceeds 55 people. Non-profit organizations such as veterans
groups, reunions or civic organizations may use the Statehouse facilities for a breakfast, lunch, dinner or a reception and program.
The Statehouse is able to accommodate large groups of up to 400 people at a seated meal and up to 600 at a standing reception. Seating groups
of 55 or more individuals requires additional costs for rental and service staff.
The Statehouse Special Events team is pleased to offer assistance to suit the needs of your large group. Visit the Events tab or
contact Kathryn Jordan, Assistant Deputy Director for Special Events, at kjordan@csrab.state.oh.us or at 614/466-2125.
Miss Emma lived in her home on Capitol Square across from the Statehouse from 1850 to 1938. Miss Emma's home was built in
1850 and was the last private residence on the Square when it was demolished in 1939.
