On May 1, 2024, Governor Mike DeWine launched the Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM) program at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. The Lincoln Theatre has been in operation since 1928.
The event featured a screening of the award-winning theatrical documentary Apollo 11 directed by Buckeye State native Todd Douglas Miller. Alex Rich, NATO’s Associate Director of State Government Affairs, and Jordan Hohman, Executive Director of Heartland NATO, attended the event demonstrating the exhibition industry’s support for this historic initiative.
Ohio Goes to the Movies is a statewide program highlighting Ohio’s contribution to the motion picture industry including homegrown stars, behind-the-scenes talent, and the movie theatres that bring these stories to audiences across the state. The program runs for 100 days beginning in mid-February through May 2026 as part of the state’s America 250 celebration.
Governor DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine shared that their first date was to see 1962’s What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? in a movie theatre and they have remained avid moviegoers since.
Exhibitors who would like to participate in OGTTM should contact Program Director Molly Kreuzman (mkreuzman@ohiohistory.org) for more information.
NATO is looking to enact similar state-based programs inspired by Ohio Goes to the Movies across the country. More details to follow.