Ohioans in Space

**Ohioans in Space** is a monumental oil painting by artist **William D. Hinsch**, commissioned to honor the extraordinary legacy of Ohio-born pioneers in space exploration. Installed in the **Ohio Statehouse Rotunda**, the work is a tribute to the state's outsized contribution to the history of spaceflight and exploration.

This is the **first painting added to the rotunda in nearly 70 years**, following the installation of the Wright brothers' portrait — creating a symbolic lineage from aviation to astronautics, all rooted in Ohio.

# Honored Figures The painting prominently features **five iconic figures**, each chosen to represent a unique and groundbreaking achievement in the history of American space exploration: - John Glenn The first American to orbit Earth aboard **Friendship 7** in 1962. Glenn, from Cambridge, Ohio, later returned to space at age 77, becoming the oldest person to fly in space. - Neil Armstrong From Wapakoneta, Ohio, Armstrong made history as the **first human to set foot on the Moon** during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. His words “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind” became an iconic moment in global history. - Jim Lovell A veteran of **four spaceflights**, Lovell played key roles in two of NASA's most significant missions. As part of **Apollo 8**, he helped execute the first manned orbit of the Moon. On **Apollo 13**, he famously led his crew back to Earth after a critical failure, demonstrating unparalleled courage and leadership under pressure. - Judith “Judy” Resnik A native of Akron, Ohio, Resnik was one of the first women selected by NASA for spaceflight. She flew on **STS-41-D**, the maiden flight of the shuttle *Discovery*, and tragically perished in the **Challenger disaster** of 1986, becoming a symbol of both achievement and sacrifice. - Gene Kranz Though not an astronaut, **Gene Kranz** — a legendary NASA **flight director** from Toledo — is depicted to represent the thousands of scientists, engineers, technicians, and mission controllers who made human spaceflight possible. Kranz is best known for his role during Apollo 13 and his mantra: *“Failure is not an option.”*

# Artistic and Civic Significance Commissioned by the **Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board**, the painting was envisioned as more than just a portrait — it’s a **narrative tableau** capturing the spirit of discovery, resilience, and collective effort. It connects **aerospace heritage to Ohio’s democratic institutions**, bridging civic space and cosmic ambition. The inclusion of Kranz acknowledges that the **space age was not just about astronauts**, but about **systems of cooperation**, **engineering precision**, and **public service** — echoing themes relevant to democratic governance itself.

# Legacy Ohio has produced more astronauts than nearly any other state — over **two dozen**, including **Sunita Williams**, **Michael Foreman**, and **Donald Thomas**. *Ohioans in Space* celebrates this legacy while reminding future generations of the state’s contribution to **exploration, science, and shared national vision**. The work continues to inspire visitors to the Ohio Statehouse, situating **space exploration within the broader story of civic identity and state pride**.

# See - Kleisthenes at the Ohio Statehouse - Museums & Exhibits of Democracy - Wright Brothers and the Spirit of Flight