PERRYSBURG, OH -- Ohio historical sites are fighting for funding.
They are dealing with slashed budgets in this economic downturn.
Here locally, Fort Meigs is at serious risk of shutdown, leaving many to fear future generations will not be able to get up close and person with the nation's largest, wooden-walled fort.
History lovers are calling it the third siege on Fort Meigs.
"We've had two prior sieges. The British tried with the Canadians and the Indians. We won those two battles and now our third one is to survive," said Dr. Richard Ruppert, Ohio Historical Society.
Fort Meigs, once an important part of the War of 1812, is operating on a budget slashed down to 1986 levels.
"For the entire {Ohio Historical} Society we're not even getting what one division had about five years ago," said Rick Finch, Fort Meigs Site Manager.
The risk of closure is real. And to combat the possibility Fort Meigs will soon be jointly operated by a non-profit group dedicated to fundraising.
"We're really under tremendous pressure to become involved in helping raise funds to operate this fort," said Ruppert. "If we can't we're going to shut down the fort."
"Right now, there's enough funding to keep us going through the end of the year and then after that it's really up in the air whether or not they'll have the funding if this management agreement isn't in place," said Finch.
So why should you care?
This living history is hands-on learning.
"I'm a science teacher and I can do a whole lot of experiments in the classroom. But to really live it and see it being lived is invaluable," said Eileen Harford, a Fort Meigs visitor.
Harford is taking her son Ryan on a statewide tour of Ohio history... and he is actually enjoying it!
"It was very fun and I had a great time with my mom," said 11-year old Ryan.
And Fort Meigs is not just any old fort.
"Without this battle, almost all Ohioans, you and I would be Canadians," said Ruppert.
Historical sites also boost tourism.
Fort Meigs brings in about 30 thousand visitors each year... who spend money in the community.
"You match that up with tourism and you match it up with the scholars for new information. Just because it happened 200 years ago doesn't mean there's not new information that needs to be found and shared with the people," said Jon Stealey, Fort Meigs volunteer.
Another argument is a little more dire.
"If we don't keep {historical sites} open, we're going to lose them," said John Burkett, Fort Meigs volunteer.
"If we get moth-balled and we close down we lose all of that momentum and it's almost like going back to square one and starting all over again," said Finch.
And one of the first things to go, could be the special events that really bring Fort Meigs to life.
"Some events that we have participated in that were probably 10 to 12 years in longevity have ceased to exist because of funding issues," said Burkett.
But you can help just by paying a visit.
"I think it makes it more real and interactive for visitors and I don't mind paying to see some of it to support it," said Josh Comes, Fort Meigs visitor.
You can also help by donating to the Campaign for Fort Meigs and by putting pressure on budget-makers.
"In my history of the budget for the state and the nation it's the worst I've ever seen by far," said Ruppert. "For the state it really has been a disaster."
They say the community needs to take action now, before it is too late.
"I think the number one priority for history is preservation of historical sites because once we lose those then it's gone forever." said Stealey.
Click here for a list of upcoming events at Fort Meigs.
Click here to find out more about donating to the Campaign for Fort Meigs.
