Kent State’s May 4 site has passed state approval to become an official national historic site.

The Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board approved the nomination of Kent State’s May 4 site Friday in Columbus.

English professor Laura Davis described the hearing as “amazing” and filled with many tears.

The nomination for the 17.24-acre site, including the Commons, Blanket Hill and the Southern Terrace, now goes to Washington, D.C., for national approval.

Kent State plans to create a guided walking tour of the site for the 40th anniversary next year.

The university is also raising funds to build a May 4 visitor center, which will cost $1.4 million, university spokeswoman Emily Vincent said.

Vincent said national approval should be decided in about 45 days.