Capitol Day

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors: Malone University and Kids on the Square
Malone UniversityKids on the Square TM


Join Us at the Ohio Statehouse on
 Tuesday, May 5, 2026 

Capitol Day is a great field trip for students and teacher alike! It provides an important opportunity for home educators to better understand the legislative process in Ohio and how we can positively affect this system. This event is also a wonderful way to fulfill some of the history requirements for your school year!

Come and enjoy engaging speakers, Statehouse tours, legislative updates with Melanie Elsey, an interactive Scavenger Hunt for all our guests, giveaways and more!

We hope to see you in 2026!

 

Basic Information

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 8:45 am – 3:30 pm
Address: Ohio Statehouse,
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215

Registration Fees

CHEO Members: $25/family
Non-Members: $40/family
On-site Registration: $40/family

Frequently Asked Questions

Have additional questions regarding this event?

Learn More

 

Capitol Day Speakers for 2026!

Legislative Liaison, Melanie Elsey

 

Melanie Elsey has been on staff with CHEO since 1994. Over the years she has been instrumental in safe-guarding the rights of families to freely home educate. Having formerly taught in the public schools, she left the classroom to focus on home educating her (now grown) children.

In addition to her work with CHEO, Melanie serves as the National Legislative Director for the American Policy Roundtable and is a Panelist on The Public Square® radio broadcast. She can be heard weekly on The Public Square® radio program, co-hosted by Dave Zanotti and Wayne Shepherd.

Melanie lives in Uniontown, Ohio with her husband, John.

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Ray and Charlene Notgrass

Ray and Charlene Notgrass are Christian authors, educators, and the founders of Notgrass History, a widely used homeschool curriculum publisher. With decades of experience in ministry, homeschooling, and teaching, they are known for presenting history through engaging narratives grounded in faith and biblical values.

Ray holds advanced degrees in history and New Testament and served more than 20 years in ministry, while Charlene is a longtime homeschooling mother and curriculum writer who encourages families through writing and speaking. Together, they have helped equip generations of families with thoughtful, accessible history education.

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Capitol Day Schedule for 2026!

  

                                               2026 Capitol Day Schedule:

NEW! Available all day for younger students: Coloring pages and coloring supplies in the Ladies’ Gallery Room.

8:30  Registration

9:00  Prayer

NEW!  Pledge lead by Trail Life & Heritage Girls Troops from Randolph, OH

9:15   Announcements and Welcome, Door Prize Drawings

9:30  Statehouse Tour #1 (Takes 45 minutes and requires registration. Max 50)

9:30  NEW!  Workshop A in Atrium: “Ohio Government 101: Structure and Citizen Action”

10:30  Keynote Speaker in Atrium: Ray and Charlene Notgrass “America’s 250th Birthday”

11:30  Statehouse Tour #2  (Takes 45 minutes and requires registration. Max 50)

12:30  Lunch in Atrium w/ CHEO legislative update.
Come fellowship with CHEO board members and other homeschooling families!
NEW! (Pre-Order Box Lunch information can be found on the FAQ page.)

1:30  Statehouse Tour #3 (Takes 45 minutes and requires registration. Max 50)

1:30  NEW! Workshop B in Atrium with American Policy Roundtable: “Ohio’s Constitution: A Biblical Perspective”

2:30  NEW! Statehouse Tour #4  (Takes 45 minutes and requires registration. Max 50)

2:30  NEW! We encourage you to use this time to make an appointment to meet your legislator.
Conversation starters and suggested questions will be included in your registration packet to
spark meaningful conversation. Find your representative here and
schedule an appointment @ legislature.ohio.gov

3:30  Scavenger Hunt Due and Dismissal

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Open ALL day to explore:

● The Museum Education Center

● America’s 250th Anniversary: Freedom Train Exhibit
https://www.ohiostatehouse.org/calendar/event?id=1719

● Mapping the American Revolution Exhibit
https://www.ohiostatehouse.org/calendar/event?id=1718

*There is no registration required for workshops.

Registration - Opening Soon

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