Capitol Day

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors: Malone University, Kids on the Square and IEW
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: 8:30 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: $50/family

**Online Registration Closes April 18**

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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Douglas P. Angeloni

A historian and amateur archaeologist, Doug has assisted with archaeological excavations at Fort Laurens since 1986. He currently serves on Ohio’s 250th Commission as Co-Chair of the Historic Research Committee for Fort Laurens projects.

He earned degrees in American History and Special Education from West Liberty State College and the University of Akron. He later taught middle and high school history and social studies for 35 years at Brown Local Schools in Malvern, retiring in 2013.

Doug is a member and volunteer with the Ohio History Connection and the Ohio Archaeological Society (O.A.S.), including its Sugar Creek Chapter. He is also a member of the Ohio Valley Military Society and the Malvern Historical Society.

An active member of the Brigade of the American Revolution since 1984, Doug participates in this nonprofit educational living history organization dedicated to portraying the life and times of the common soldier of the American Revolution. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation, where he has been involved since its founding in 1994.

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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 led by American Heritage Girls

9:15   Announcements and Welcome, Door Prize Drawings

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

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

10:30  Keynote Speaker in Atrium: Douglas Angeloni – History of Fort Laurens

10:45  NEW!  Statehouse Tour #6 – FULL  (Takes 45 minutes and requires registration. Max 50)

11:30  Statehouse Tour #2 – FULL  (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 – FULL (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 – FULL  (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

 3:00  NEW! Statehouse Tour #5 – FULL  (Takes 45 minutes and requires registration. Max 50)

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.

Register Now

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