When visiting Hocking Hills, you may be interested in showing your family the many exciting and educational attractions the area has to offer. You are in luck, as our nearby neighbor, Marietta, features an abundance of exciting museums that are currently open to visitors. Marietta Museums is the collection of these educational centers where you can learn about a variety of topics with hands-on exhibits. You can visit the Campus Martius Museum for educational exhibits on the founding of Marietta or visit the Ohio River Museum to learn how the river played a critical factor in the development of the area.
Campus Martius Museum
Many may not know that the nearby town of Marietta is the first settlement created in the Northwest Territory back in the colonial days. You can learn all about how the region got started and how Marie Antoinette’s support with the French helped out our fledgling colonies during the Revolutionary War. Campus Martius Museum also features a rotating lecture series where historians will offer a unique look into the past surrounding area. If anyone in your family loves boats, they will be thrilled to visit the Ohio River Museum. This part of the Marietta Museums focuses on the importance of the Ohio River and the development of steamboats to help expand the area. You will learn some fascinating aspects about the river and even get to see the last of the steam-powered boats from this era, the W.P. Snyder, Jr. Yearly events and rotating exhibits help change the information offered at the Ohio River Museum to always include more to learn about.
Special Events
As mentioned, the Ohio River Museum will have yearly events that will change the exhibits located in the vicinity. Most of these events are free to attend with regular admission into the museums. The events change throughout the season focusing on a different aspect of the Ohio River. One such event is the Visit the Shant Boat Folks exhibit that takes place each spring in April. This special event has the shanty boat typically found back in the 1930s land at the Ohio River Museum. With it comes the shanty boat folks who will demonstrate how they previously lived on the river back in the 30s. The Great Depression impacted many locals in the area preventing them from having permanent homes on land. Instead, they took new opportunities to the water with their floating homes that were often created using salvaged wood and materials. The shanty boat people would often travel city to city for any work that would be available. Those who were able to dock for longer periods of time would be able to raise livestock such as chickens. The original shanty boat houses are practically nonexistent so the arrival each spring at the Ohio River Museum is always a welcome addition to the rotating events. Additional events throughout the year can include conservation panels and much more that are open to museum members and the public to attend.
Marietta Museums Facility Rentals
If you are looking for a unique location to host a special event during your stay in Hocking Hills, look no further than the Campus Martius Museum or Ohio River Museum. These museums have been used for special events ranging from lectures and conferences to more intimate affairs such as receptions and private parties. The museum setting provides a sophisticated ambience while encouraging adventurous thinking through the many galleries and exhibits that will be on display. Additional activities can also include candle-lit tours of the General Rufus Putnam House among others. Hosting also allows you to have access to the three separate museums through a facility rental package. For those interested in hosting a private event at the Marietta Museums simply call 740-373-3750 to get started. A Facility Rental Agreement and deposit are required for all facility reservations.
Finding the Marietta Museums
Come explore the Campus Martius Museum found at 601 Second Street in Marietta. This museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM each week. Call 740-373-3750 to purchase your tickets in advance. The Ohio River Museum is found nearby at 601 Front Street and is open during the same hours. Tickets can also be purchased in advance by calling 740-373-3750.
More Learning and Fun in Hocking Hills
As you can see there are plenty of exciting yet educational attractions around Hocking Hills for you to enjoy during your stay. A visit to the Marietta Museums is a great way to explore the rich history of the area or escape a hot summer day where the temperatures have skyrocketed. Make your vacation one to never forget by reserving one of our vacation rentals in the area. Contact us today to enjoy luxury amenities and plenty of space that you cannot find at any local hotel.