Preparations are under way for a Civil War-era winter ball being held Saturday at the Ohio Statehouse. Members of the in the Capitol's historical re-enactment group - 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A - are hosting the annual event in the Statehouse Atrium from 7 to 9 p.m. It's open to all ages. Participants may come to dance the reel or waltz or other period dances, or just to watch. Historical dress is encouraged but not required. An optional dance practice will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. More information including how to make reservations is available at the Statehouse website.
A native of Chicago, naturalized citizen of Cincinnati and resident of Columbus, Alison attended Earlham College and the Ohio State University. She has equal passion for Midwest history, hockey and Slavic poetry.