For those of you who are asking the question
"Who is the Ohio Exploration Society?", we've decided to put together
this page to let you know what we're about. If you have any other questions
about the OES that is not answered on this page, please feel free to email
with
your inquiry.
| WHO'S THE OES? |
| The Ohio Exploration Society is a group of urban explorers and paranormal investigators who reside in the state of Ohio. Members of the OES vary in age, education, profession, etc. and includes people from all walks of life. We all share one thing in common, however, the desire to explore and preserve the history and legends of not only historical, but abandoned/forgotten sites in Ohio as well. Click Here to meet the members. |
| IS THE OES NON-PROFIT? |
| Yes, the OES is a non-profit organization, just not officially. We hope to be one day, but do not have the funds or time to officially register with the United States government and the State of Ohio as a non-profit organization. While we do not charge for anything we do, any revenue generated from donations or purchases made at our online stores go directly back into the OES. |
| WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE OES? |
| The Ohio Exploration Society was formed in the summer of 2000 in Columbus, Ohio. Originally consisting of only three members, the OES began by exploring old cemeteries around Franklin County. During the first few months of the society's existence, no pictures were taken and no historical information was researched. Then in October of that year, the three members decided to create a Web site to document the locations they were visiting. The original six pages of the Web site were uploaded and the OES' presence on the Internet began. In the fall of 2004, the OES began offering private paranormal investigations to property owners. With nearly 800 megabytes of material on the Web site today, the OES has grown drastically as a group and as a resource of information to those interested in the lost and forgotten histories of Ohio and its legends. |
| WHAT DOES THE OES DO? |
| In the most basic sense, the OES explores and documents the history and legends of the locations visited. Sometimes in full gear and sometimes only armed with a camera, the OES explores the man-made and natural wonders of the state. We've been to well-known historical sites, abandoned prisons, dilapidated cemeteries and beautiful parks. We photograph and document these locations, publishing them on our Web site for all to view and enjoy. |
| WHY DOES THE OES DO IT? |
| The OES wants to raise the awareness level of the general public about all of the wonderful but forgotten sites in Ohio. Every day hundreds of people pass these types of places on their way to work, while walking their dog or while on vacation. Some may notice them, ponder about it for a few moments, and then go about their lives. They will never know that the namesake of the road they're driving on is buried in that old run-down cemetery they just passed. They'll never know that there was once a busy factory or ancient earthwork on the site of a new shopping center where they just purchased their Gap jeans. That's why we do this. So that these places being overcome by new development, or just plain forgotten, will survive in the photos that we take and in the minds of those who knew about them. |
| VOLUNTEER SERVICE |
| The Ohio Exploration Society enjoys giving back to the community. The OES has adopted several lots at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus. Our members are responsible for the care and upkeep of these lots. Some of the lots that we have adopted are the Hayden Mausoleum, "Georgie's Grave" and the John Barr lot. The OES also helped clean the nearby Green Lawn Abbey during the summer/fall of 2004. If you would like to adopt your own lot at Green Lawn cemetery, stop by the Green Lawn office for the paperwork or apply online by Clicking Here, it is free. |
| HOW CAN I HELP? |
| If you'd like to help the Ohio Exploration Society, there's a few things you can do. If you know of a lost, forgotten or historical place that you'd like to see on the Web site, fill out our Exploration Submission Form. If it's a haunting that you know of, use our Hauntings Submission Form. If you have photos that you'd like to contribute, please email . Any contributions made will be credited to you, if you so desire. If you'd like to help financially, we have six Online Stores where we sell various merchandise with our logos, and an online Gear Shop where you can purchase the equipment you'll need to explore abandoned locations & investigate the paranormal. You may also use the donation button below to make a financial donation. Any financial contributions to the OES will go directly back to the OES for things like additional equipment and Web site costs. |
| E-Mail Addresses |
| Mailing Address |
| Ohio Exploration Society |
| P.O. Box 163 |
| Brice, Ohio 43109 |
