Ohio River Museum
Closes for the season: October 28, 2012Reopens: March 30, 2013
The Ohio River Museum in Marietta is pleased to exhibit the extensive collection of the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen. While you tour, discover the golden age of the steamboat and learn more about the ecology of the Ohio River system. The Ohio River Museum consists of three exhibit buildings, the first chronicling the origins and natural history of the Ohio River. The history of the steamboat on the Ohio River system is featured in the second building, along with a video presentation on river steamboats. The last building features displays about boat building, mussels in the Ohio River system, and tools and equipment from the steamboat era.
Outside the museum, on the Muskingum River, visitors can take an escorted tour of the W. P. SNYDER JR.-- the last intact steam-powered "pool-type" stern-wheeled towboat in the United States. After your museum visit, cruise the Ohio River on the Valley Gem, a working sternwheeler docked next door to the Ohio River Museum.
Other exhibits on the museum grounds include the pilothouse from the steamboat the TELL CITY, a full-scale reproduction of a flatboat from Ohio's early settlement period, and an 1800 dug-out canoe used as a ferry between Fort Harmer and Marietta's settlement. Also on site are a series of poles showing the heights of some of the worst floods to hit the area in its recorded history: the 1884 flood at 54.5 feet, the 1898 flood at 49.6 feet, the 1907 flood at 52.1 feet, the flood of 1913 at 60.3 feet, and the 1937 flood at 55 feet.
Changing Exhibits
Captain Posey
This exhibit focuses on Captain Cumberland W. Posey from Belpre, Ohio. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries Captain Posey, a black man, became one of Pittsburgh, PA's success stories, owning and running several towboats, a bank, and one of the first black baseball teams. Truely a man of industry and finance.
The Ritts' W.P. Snyder Jr Legacy
The exhibit features artifacts, photos, and writings by Captain Charles E. Ritts and his son Charles E. Ritts, Jr. Captain Ritts worked for Crucible Steel Company of America over 40 years, most of which in the capacity of Manager of transportation. He was intimately connected with all their boats but seemed especially fond of the W.P. Snyder Jr. Son, Charles Jr was unofficial photographer for Crucible Steel and his artwork is liberally used throughout the exhibit.
The Ritts Collection was donated to Sons and Daughters of Pioneer River by Barbara and Beatrice Ritts in Memory of Captain C.E. Ritts, C.E. Ritts Jr. and C.E. Ritts III.
WP Snyder Jr. Is Back!
The WP Snyder Jr. returned to its Marietta dock at the Ohio River Museum on September 17, 2010, to much funfare and celebration. The WP Snyder is one of the highlights of our river museum. Now that it has a new hull, stop by for a visit! Plans are to complete restoration of the upper levels in the fall/winter 2012/2013.
G. Whitney Snyder Charitable Fund
Bernard McDonough Foundation
Directions
The Ohio River Museum is located at 601 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio, one block from Ohio State Route 7, and minutes from I-77. Free parking is available in the museum parking lot. Ohio River Museum is also wheelchair accessible, except for W.P. Snyder.
If you planning a visit to the Ohio River Museum, also make time to see Campus Martius Museum of the Northwest Territory, just a three minute walk from the Ohio River Museum.
Use the interactive map below for specific driving instructions.
Hours of Operation
The Ohio River Museum will be open the Friday before the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, September 6 & Friday, September 13, 2013!| April - Labor Day | September - October | |
| Monday | 9:30 to 5 | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
| Wednesday-Saturday | 9:30 to 5 | 9:30 to 5, Saturday Only* |
| Sunday | Noon to 5 | Noon to 5 |
| Closed | Easter & November - March** | |
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** Tours available by appointment. |
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Admission Rates
One |
1 Day Pass both Campus Martius & Ohio River Museums |
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| FOM or OHS Member | Free | Free |
| Adult | $7.00 | $9.00 |
| Students K to College (with ID) | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| Children 5 and under | Free | Free |
Educational Programs
Most educational programs at the Ohio River Museum are geared for 3rd through 8th grades with special programming available for all ages. Programs focus on the relationship between people and the river. View steamboat models and artifacts from hundreds of inland boats. Learn about freshwater mussels and the impact that invasive species such as the zebra mussel have had on native species. Many more learning opportunities are available. Ask for details when scheduling!
Ask about Hometown History on Wheels! Bus transportation cost reimbursement available to Washington County schools through donations from area groups and individuals on a limited basis. When scheduling, ask for details.
To plan your visit, contact our staff via email or by calling 1.740.373.3750. And don't forget, the Ohio River Museum is located just one block from Campus Martius. Tour both museums for just $1 more!
Educational Admission Rates
| Museum Tour Only* | 4th Grade Achievement** | Educational Workshop** | |
| Students | $3.00 | $4.00 | $6.00 |
| Chaperones | $3.00 | $3.00 | $3.00 |
| Teachers | Free | Free | Free |
Please note that membership discounts do not apply to educational admission rates. * Add the Campus Martius Museum to your tour for just $1 more! ** Museum tour included. |
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Events
Welcome Back Carp
March 30, 2013
FREE Carp Egg Hunt - 10 AM
1/2 OFF Admission Price to the Ohio River Museum - Programs and speakers included
DID YOU KNOW that carp lay eggs? In fact, a single carp an lay over a million eggs in a year! While it may be difficult to see carp eggs in the river, you can search for them for FREE, on the grounds of the Ohio River Museum during our CARP EGG HUNT!Receive 1/2 OFF Admission Price, which includes programs and speakers, for the enire day! Join us as we celebrate the opening of the Ohio River Museum for the 2013 season!
Brown Baggin' Thru History
April 5, 2013
Where: Ohio River Museum
Time: Noon - 1PM
Cost: Free Program. Discounted admission for tour of museum
Guest Speaker: Jeff Spear, President of Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen
Topic: The Ritts' W.P. Snyder Jr Legacy
Turn your boring brown bag lunch into an enjoyable repast at the Ohio River Museum. Join us for a FREE and exciting program presented by Jeff Spear, President of Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.
Talk and walk-through of "The Ritts' W.P. Snyder Jr Legacy" exhibit. This exhibit covers the lives of Captain Charles E. Ritts transportation manager for Crucible Steel Company of America and his son Charles E. Ritts, Jr unofficial photographer for Crucible. The exhibit contains many wonderful artifacts pertaining to crucible boats and C.E. Ritts Jr's marvelous photographs.
Also discussed will be captain Cumberland W. Posey from Belpre, Ohio. In the late 19th and early 20th centures Captain Posey, a black man, became one of Pittsburgh, PA's success stories, owning and running several towboats, a bank, and one of the first black baseball teams. Truely a man of industry and finance.
Jazzin' Up the Museums
June 14, 2013
Where: Valley Gem Sternwheeler
Time: 6:30PM - 9PM
Cost: $40 Per Person / $75 Per Couple
Reservations required by June 7, 2014
A Benefit for the Friends of the Museums! Join us for a 2 1/2 hour boat ride and a light meal. Music performed by Roger Bush Trio. More information still to come!
Inland Waterways Festival
August 3-4, 2013
Free Admission
A salute to the heritage and continued importance of America's rivers, canals, and lakes. On-going demonstrations, information booths, music, hands-on activities, tours, boat displays - all examining over 300 years of inland waterways history; historic model boats, steamboat whistles; and historic river craft on the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. Story-telling, living history groups and exhibits concerned with current waterway activity.
Click here for more information or to visit the Inland Waterways website!
National Museum Day
September 28, 2013
Where: Campus Martius Museum & the Ohio River Museum
Time: All Day
Cost: FREE Admission
If you’re looking for something fun and cheap to do this weekend, celebrate National Museum Day with the Friends of the Museums. Campus Martius & the Ohio River Museums are joining dozens of others across the nation and by offering Free Admission on Saturday, September 28, 2013!
More information to come!
