As the final activity to observe ONA’s 75th anniversary, work has begun on www.newspapersmakehistory.com, a Web site intended to draw public attention to the valuable role Ohio’s newspapers play in chronicling the significant events in people’s lives.

The Web site is targeted for a public launch in September. The plan is to post front pages or headline pages covering 100 Ohio historic events from 1933, the year of ONA’s founding, through 2007 — a total of 75 years. Publishers and editors at ONA’s member daily newspapers have been provided with that list and are being asked to submit the coverage of the events from their local areas.

ONA’s weekly newspaper members are being asked to choose a front page for any date of their choice from Jan. 1, 1933 to Dec. 31, 2007. That request has also been sent to publishers and editors.

Submissions to the Web site can be made electronically in jpg or pdf attachments. Printed pages may also be sent to ONA for scanning and return to the appropriate newspapers. The deadline for all submissions is July 21.

When completed, the Web site will include an overview of ONA and its anniversary, a general description of Ohio’s newspapers, and an opportunity for readers to comment on the role of newspapers in their communities. The site will also include a chance for readers to vote on their choices for top news stories of the 75 years, with those results announced at the end of 2008.

All of ONA’s members will be asked to provide a link to www.newspapersmakehistory.com from their local newspaper Web sites.

Any questions about the anniversary Web site project should be directed to Frank Deaner, executive director.

Posted: 06|27|08 at 9:04 am. Filed under: Announcement.