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 about the history of the Ohio River. It is located in Marietta, Ohio, right where the Muskingum River meets the Ohio River. The museum first opened its doors on March 16, 1941. In 2016, it celebrated its 75th birthday!
The museum has many interesting things to see. One of its most famous items is the W.P. Snyder, Jr. This boat was the very last steam-powered towboat to operate on the river.
Contents
Exploring the Museum's Collection
The Historic W.P. Snyder, Jr.
The W.P. Snyder, Jr. is a real piece of history. It is a towboat that used steam power to push barges along the river. This boat shows us how important river transportation was in the past. It helps visitors understand the hard work of river workers.
The Steamboat Tell City Pilothouse
Another amazing part of the museum's collection is the pilothouse from the steamboat Tell City. A pilothouse is where the captain steers the boat. The Tell City was built in 1889. It carried people and goods on the Ohio River.
The steamboat was named after Tell City, Indiana, a town on the riverbanks. Sadly, the Tell City sank on April 6, 1917, near Little Hocking, Ohio. But its pilothouse survived! You can see it on display right outside the museum building.
Location and Future Plans
The Ohio River Museum is very close to another important museum, the Campus Martius Museum. They are only one block apart.
The Ohio River Museum is currently closed. A new and exciting museum is being built on the same spot. This new project is a team effort. Partners include the Ohio History Connection, the Friends of the Museums (also known as the Northwest Territory Museum Society), the Washington County Public Library, and the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneer Rivermen. They are all working together to create an even better museum for everyone to enjoy.
External links
- Ohio River Museum - Ohio History Connection
