Ohio River Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 16 March 1941 |
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| Location | Marietta, Ohio |
| Type | maritime museum |
| Key holdings | W. P. Snyder Jr. (towboat) |
| Nearest parking | On site (no cost) |
| Marietta Museums | |
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The Ohio River Museum is a special place that teaches us all about the amazing history of the Ohio River. This museum is located in Marietta, Ohio, right where the Muskingum River meets the mighty Ohio River. It first opened its doors on March 16, 1941. In 2016, the museum celebrated its 75th birthday!
The museum helps visitors understand how important the Ohio River has been. It shows how people used the river for travel, trade, and everyday life throughout history.
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Exploring the Ohio River Museum
The Ohio River Museum is home to some really cool and historic items. These items help tell the story of the river and the boats that traveled on it.
The W.P. Snyder, Jr. Towboat
One of the most famous things you can see at the museum is the W.P. Snyder, Jr. This boat is super special because it's the very last steam-powered towboat that ever worked on the Ohio River. Imagine a boat powered by steam, pushing other boats along the river! It's like a floating piece of history.
The Tell City Steamboat Pilothouse
Another unique item on display is the oldest remaining pilothouse from a steamboat called the Tell City. A pilothouse is where the captain steers the boat. The Tell City steamboat was built way back in 1889. It carried both people and goods up and down the Ohio River.
The steamboat was named after Tell City, Indiana, a town right on the Ohio River. Sadly, the Tell City sank on April 6, 1917, near Little Hocking, Ohio. But guess what? The pilothouse survived! Today, you can see this historic pilothouse outside the museum. It's a great reminder of the old steamboat days.
Future Plans for the Museum
The Ohio River Museum is currently closed because exciting new plans are underway! A brand new museum will be built on the same spot. Many groups are working together on this new project. These partners include the Ohio History Connection, the Friends of the Museums, the Washington County Public Library, and the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneer Rivermen. They are all working to create an even better museum to share the history of the Ohio River.
