Celebrate Local Belmont County History at Ohio Open Doors Weekend
Celebrate the local history of Belmont County on September 14th and 15th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm! Enjoy free admission to eight local museums along with tours, activities, and more. This family-friendly event includes eight stops which can be visited in any order; make sure to grab your passport along the way and get it stamped for a chance to win a Belmont-themed prize basket!
Stop 1: Watt Center for History and the Arts
The Watt Center for History and the Arts is a museum that preserves artifacts depicting the rich history of business, industry, and agriculture of Barnesville and surrounding areas. The building was originally founded in 1863 as the Watt Car and Wheel Company, which first patented the self-oiling mine car wheel. Inside, discover six unique vaults, original wood paneling and tin ceilings, and exhibits that preserve the history of our heritage.
Stop 2: Victorian Mansion Museum
Step back in time on the white-washed, wrap-around porch and experience life during the Victorian era. Learn the history of the Bradfield family who once called this gorgeous, 26-room mansion home as you tour the historic building built in 1893. Discover room after room of opulence and fine details; from the carved winged griffin in the entryway to the eleven different fireplaces, a powder room with a ruby red marble sink, and 22k gold inlays.
Stop 3: Tri-State Military Veterans Museum
The Tri-State Military Veterans Museum’s mission is to honor our country’s veterans and to educate future generations on the price of freedom. Learn about the rich history of military veterans from Belmont County and the surrounding regions, and about the sacrifices they made for our freedom.
Activities at this museum include:
- Flag-folding and handling demonstrations
- Veterans talking about their service
- Motorcycle safety demonstrations
Stop 4: Underground Railroad Museum
Founded in 1993 by the late Dr. John Mattox and his wife with the mission to preserve the past for future generations, the museum’s exhibits display what is known about slavery and the Underground Railroad in Ohio. Much of the information and artifacts gathered are from local sources. Learn about how the Ohio Valley was active in the Underground Railroad during the 19th century and the importance Quaker settlers had as abolitionists.
Stop 5: Great Western Schoolhouse
Come sit a spell and relive the past in this one-room school! A tour of the building includes school history, one-room-school stories, and a glimpse at historic archives. Visitors can enjoy looking through the McGuffey Readers, practicing their cursive writing skills on the slate board, and learning some inside-period games. The schoolyard is a pleasant place to sit on picnic benches under the trees or participate in outside games such as Drop The Handkerchief or Graces.
Stop 6: Belmont County Heritage Museum
The Belmont County Heritage Museum is located in the former Sheriff’s Residence in historic downtown St. Clairsville. Explore collections of Belmont County communities that represent industry, landmarks, and significant historical figures from our county’s history. From the designer of the USS Constitution to a significant role in the glass industry, visitors can discover the hidden gems Belmont County holds in its history. Plus, learn about the importance of the Hopewell culture in the region, state, and world at the featured exhibit; “Mounds, Moons, and Stars: The Legacy of Ohio’s Magnificent Earthworks.”
Stop 7: Sedgwick House Museum
Take a step back in time and relive the vast history of Martins ferry at the Sedgwick House. Built in the 1870s, this was the home of the Sedgwick family until the 1960s. The Martins Ferry Area Historical Society established the museum in 1970 to display relevant historical displays about the Martins Ferry area. The collection includes antique furniture, quilts, memorabilia from the schools, businesses, and industry that impacted the region.
Stop 8: National Imperial Glass Museum
For over 20 years, the National Imperial Glass Museum has created a lasting legacy for the Imperial Glass Company, one of the largest handcrafted glass companies in America. Dedicated to the now-closed company and its employees, this Blue Star museum is home to impressive displays that showcase the design, manufacturing, and marketing of glass pieces.
Activities during this event include:
- Napkin folding demonstrations
- Table scape competitions
Don’t forget your passport! Complete a passport by checking in at every museum and receiving a stamp. Museums can be visited in any order. Turn in your completed passport at any museum for a chance to win a Belmont County-themed gift basket (valued at $150)! Download your passport or pick one up at any of the museums.
