This Interpretive Framework for Ohio Civil War 150 consists of an Overarching Statement and three Primary Themes. Embedded within the Overarching Statement and the Primary Themes are several exemplary story lines. The specific stories identified within the Interpretive Framework are included to provide readers with sample stories that can bring to life the broader, more abstract ideas presented here. In other words, these illustrative story lines are included in part to fuel the imagination and suggest a range of possibilities. If this approach succeeds, individuals and groups interested in the Civil War will be inspired to use this framework for programs, research, writing and more, and they will add their own layers of meaning and analysis to it.