America 250 - Washington County

10/15/2026

🏛️ TONIGHT! Step Back in Time with The Castle! 🇺🇸

Join The Castle for their Third Thursdays program featuring “Opening the Door West: The Story of the Ohio Company of Associates.”

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM
📍 Marietta College – McDonough Auditorium
215 5th Street, Marietta, OH

Discover the fascinating story of America's westward expansion and the founding of Marietta in 1788!

🎬 Opening the Door West is an award-winning historical documentary that brings history to life through more than 200 historical reenactors, expert historians, and historically accurate filming locations.

🎤 Special Presenters:
Ellen Shelburne, documentary producer, and Bill Reynolds, historical consultant, will share their experiences bringing this important piece of American history to the screen.

This special program is presented in partnership with the Marietta College History Department.

💰 Admission is donation-based!
⚠️ Reservations are required, and space is limited!

👉 Reserve your spot today:
https://www.mariettacastle.org/events/thirdthursdayoct

🇺🇸 What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the history that makes Marietta so special during America's 250th anniversary year!

10/14/2026

🚨 ATTENTION! IMPORTANT AMERICA 250 COIN UPDATE! 🚨

🇺🇸 All of our 4th and FINAL round of America 250 commemorative coins have officially been CLAIMED!

However, we still have a large number of coins that have NOT been picked up!

⏰ PICKUP DEADLINE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 19TH!

American Flags & Poles will hold all previously claimed coins until Monday, October 19th. Any coins that have not been picked up by that date will be RELEASED BACK FOR SALE!

📍 Pickup Location:
American Flags and Poles
276 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio

If you have already claimed a coin, PLEASE make arrangements to pick it up before the deadline!

🇺🇸 Remember, this is our FINAL round of America 250 commemorative coins, and we already have a waiting list of people hoping to purchase one!

We want to make sure everyone who claimed a coin has the opportunity to get theirs, but we also want these special keepsakes to find a home!

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post! 🇺🇸

10/12/2026

🇺🇸🎉 OUR FINAL AMERICA 250 COIN GIVEAWAY! 🎉🇺🇸

What an incredible year of celebrating America's 250th birthday here in Washington County! ❤️🤍💙

As we wrap up a year filled with history, celebrations, community pride, and unforgettable memories, we want to hear from YOU!

🎁 We're giving away ONE FINAL commemorative America 250 coin!

🇺🇸 HOW TO ENTER:
Comment below and tell us what you loved most about our America 250 celebration this year!

Was it a special event? A community celebration? A favorite memory? We want to hear what made this historic year special to you!

🏆 The winner will be announced THIS THURSDAY, October 15!

Thank you for being part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration and helping us make history right here in Washington County! 🇺🇸

09/28/2026

📜 Please join the Washington County Historical Society for a special presentation: Washington County’s Underground Railroad History

📅 Monday, October 5, 2026
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 424 George Street, Marietta, Ohio
🎟️ Open to the public

Ty Mayle, curatorial assistant at the Belpre Historical Society and Farmers Castle Museum, will present an informative look into the origins, network and impact of the Underground Railroad in Washington County, Ohio.

The presentation will explore early anti-slavery sentiment on the Ohio frontier, local conductors, safe houses and secret routes, as well as how the local network evolved during the years leading up to the Civil War.

Ty’s research focuses on the museum’s Underground Railroad Gallery and expanding the historical documentation established by the late historian Henry R. Burke. He is also a direct descendant of Washington County’s historic multiracial community through the Mayle and Ward families.

Come learn more about the people, places and stories connected to this important part of Washington County’s history.

09/24/2026

🇺🇸 Our FOURTH and final America 250–Washington County commemorative coin is here!

Only 250 coins were produced, and they officially go on sale tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 25!

This limited-edition coin features a lantern and highlights an important part of our nation’s history. The back features “Article VI” and “1787” across the top, “Northwest Ordinance” along the sides, and “Underground Railroad” along the bottom. And if you look closely, you’ll also spot seven stars incorporated into the design! ⭐

✨ Even better—the “Underground Railroad” portion glows in the dark!

The opposite side features the America 250–Washington County logo and is individually numbered, making each coin one of only 250 produced.

🪙 $22 each, tax included
📍 American Flags & Poles, 276 Front St., Marietta
📅 On sale Friday, Sept. 25
⚠️ First come, first served while supplies last!

09/21/2026

🍂🏰 AUTUMN AFTER DARK: FALL FEST AT THE CASTLE! 🏰🍂

Celebrate the start of fall with a special evening at The Castle this Thursday!

📅 Thursday, September 24
⏰ 7:00–9:00 p.m.
📍 The Castle | 418 Fourth Street, Marietta

After welcoming more than 200 guests to last year’s inaugural Fall Fest, The Castle is bringing it back for an even bigger evening of history, music, food and fall fun!

🍁 Your evening includes:
🎶 Live music by R&R
🍴 Delicious appetizers
🛍️ Shopping with local Mid-Ohio Valley vendors
🏰 Exclusive one-night-only themed Castle tours
🥂 One drink ticket — alcoholic or non-alcoholic
🧠 Food History Trivia Challenge with prizes
🍂 Plenty of fall atmosphere at one of Marietta’s most beautiful historic landmarks!

This year’s special tour theme is “The Modern Age Comes to The Castle: 1910–1940.” Explore the Sitting Room, Parlor and Dining Room to discover how entertainment, drinking culture and dining traditions changed during the 1920s and 1930s.

🧠 Food History Trivia begins at 8:00 p.m. during the band’s intermission, with prizes for top scorers!

You’ll also have the chance to shop and enjoy offerings from local vendors including handcrafted goods, cozy knits, jewelry, teas, goat milk soaps and lotions, ice cream, locally crafted c***r and more.

🍂 Grab your friends and enjoy Autumn After Dark at The Castle—a perfect way to welcome fall in Marietta! 🏰✨

Buy your tickets in advance- https://www.mariettacastle.org/shop/p/autumn-after-dark

09/12/2026

🎆 IMPORTANT FIREWORKS UPDATE 🎆

A notice from Director General and Fireworks Chairman Dennis Blauser:

We will be closely monitoring the weather throughout the day and into this evening. If any changes need to be made to tonight’s fireworks show, we will notify everyone via our page as soon as a decision is made.

At this time, the fireworks show is STILL ON for 9:30 p.m. tonight! 🎆

Please note: There will NOT be a rain date. The fireworks show will take place tonight.

Please plan accordingly and continue to watch our page for any updates or changes.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to make the best and safest decision for everyone. We’re looking forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary with you tonight! 🚢🎆

09/09/2026

🇺🇸 September 11, 2026 — 25 Years Later, We Remember.

This Friday marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our nation.

We invite our community to gather at The Levee in Marietta, Ohio, for a solemn ceremony honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the countless acts of courage, sacrifice, and unity that followed.

📅 Friday, September 11, 2026
⏰ 8:30 a.m.
📍 The Levee | Marietta, Ohio

Twenty-five years have passed, but our promise remains the same:

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

Please join us as we come together in remembrance, reflection, gratitude, and hope. ❤️🤍💙

09/08/2026

09/01/2026

🚣 DISCOVERING HISTORY: Catch to Finish: The World of Competitive Rowing 🚣

Have you ever wondered what competitive rowing is really like?

From the outside, rowing may look serene, graceful, and beautiful—but behind every stroke is a sport that is relentless, demanding, and often painful.

Join Tanner O’Connor for an engaging look at the evolution of competitive rowing, from its origins on the River Thames to the sport we know today!

📅 Friday, September 4, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 Campus Martius Museum
601 2nd Street, Marietta, OH
🎟️ FREE & open to the public!

Through videos, images, and even a hands-on opportunity to try an ergometer (indoor rowing machine), attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and its impact on athletes and communities around the world.

🚣 Meet the Presenter:
Tanner O’Connor is a 2011 graduate of Marietta High School and a 2015 graduate of Marietta College. He currently serves as Director of Rowing for the Harmar Rowing Club and Head Coach of the Marietta Tiger Navy. Now in his 15th year of coaching, crews under Tanner’s leadership have earned titles at the Dad Vail Championships, Midwest Championships, and National Championships.

📺 Can’t attend in person? The program will also be livestreamed and recorded on the Campus Martius Museum YouTube Channel:

This event is sponsored by the Washington County Public Library.

Come discover the history, intensity, and excitement behind the world of competitive rowing! 🚣‍♂️