The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - Except for special events, the 19th century Ohio Village probably won't reopen this summer during the state's bicentennial year, the Ohio Historical Society said.

The society cited budget cuts in announcing Wednesday that the summer reopening of the tourist attraction adjacent to the state fairgrounds has been postponed indefinitely.

Rachel Tooker, society deputy executive director, said it's ironic that the village will have to remain closed for much of the state's bicentennial year when people are particularly interested in historical sites.

Ohio Village, which opened in 1974 to re-create 19th century life and crafts, experienced its first significant cuts a year ago, when 14 full-time jobs, including seven craftspeople, were eliminated and hours were reduced. A spokesman said the village brought in $450,000 in 2001 but cost $1.3 million to operate.

Last year, the village offered public hours on summer weekends and for holiday events. Seasonal interpreters replaced the craftspeople, and attendance dropped.

Tooker said the historical society will wait for the Legislature to finish work on the next budget, which takes effect July 1, before deciding when - or whether - public hours will be restored.

Since 2001, the state has reduced funding for the society by 16.5 percent, or nearly $2.4 million.

Tooker said the proposed state budget does not restore the lost funds.