Friday, October 24 Ghost Tours are SOLD OUT!

Step into the shadows of The Castle on a lantern-lit guided tour and discover the ghostly legends that linger within its halls. Hear chilling tales of unexplained sounds, mysterious sightings, and eerie experiences reported by staff, volunteers, and guests through the years. Who knows—you may even encounter something unexpected yourself.

Tours begin every 15 minutes and last approximately 45 minutes.

Ticket Prices

• General Admission (ages 8+): $14.50

• Castle Members: $12.50 (use code MEMBER at checkout)

Private Tours
Looking for a more exclusive experience? Book a private tour for groups of 12 or fewer at a discounted rate. Must be reserved at least 4 days in advance by calling (740) 373-4180.

Important Information

• Halloween costumes are welcome! However, costumes must not be obstructive, inflatable, illuminated, or otherwise distracting.

• Large costume items, bags, and backpacks are not permitted on tours. (Small handbags and purses allowed.) Items can be checked at the sign-in counter and retrieved after the tour.

• By purchasing a ticket, attendees agree to follow all tour guidelines.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION TO FOSTER DISCUSSION ABOUT MARIETTA’S STORY!

Your generous support allows The Castle to continue offering dynamic educational programs, preserving and sharing the property and its distinctive collections, and fostering discussion of the story of the Marietta, Ohio community and its role in shaping the past, present, and future of our region, state, nation, and world. Thank you for considering a donation.

Step into the shadows of The Castle on a lantern-lit guided tour and discover the ghostly legends that linger within its halls. Hear chilling tales of unexplained sounds, mysterious sightings, and eerie experiences reported by staff, volunteers, and guests through the years. Who knows—you may even encounter something unexpected yourself.

Tours begin every 15 minutes and last approximately 45 minutes.

Ticket Prices

• General Admission (ages 8+): $14.50

• Castle Members: $12.50 (use code MEMBER at checkout)

Private Tours
Looking for a more exclusive experience? Book a private tour for groups of 12 or fewer at a discounted rate. Must be reserved at least 4 days in advance by calling (740) 373-4180.

Important Information

• Halloween costumes are welcome! However, costumes must not be obstructive, inflatable, illuminated, or otherwise distracting.

• Large costume items, bags, and backpacks are not permitted on tours. (Small handbags and purses allowed.) Items can be checked at the sign-in counter and retrieved after the tour.

• By purchasing a ticket, attendees agree to follow all tour guidelines.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION TO FOSTER DISCUSSION ABOUT MARIETTA’S STORY!

Your generous support allows The Castle to continue offering dynamic educational programs, preserving and sharing the property and its distinctive collections, and fostering discussion of the story of the Marietta, Ohio community and its role in shaping the past, present, and future of our region, state, nation, and world. Thank you for considering a donation.

Although Col. Edwin L. Drake is widely credited with drilling the first oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1859, growing evidence suggests that the roots of the petroleum industry may reach further back—into western Virginia (now West Virginia). Join Dr. Robert Chase, PE, for an engaging look at the early history of the oil and gas industry across West Virginia and Ohio, tracing its development from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s.

Reservations are required. Space is limited (40 seats).
This program is donation-based.

Registration has closed. Please call (740) 373-4180 with any questions.

This year’s Cultural Caravan will visit several extraordinary prehistoric earthwork sites in southern Ohio. These will include the unique Serpent Mound effigy, preserved remnants of an unusual earthwork at Portsmouth, the world-class Tremper Mound depository, and a special “mystery location”. Each of these sites present unique features that provide special insights regarding the prehistoric Native American cultures of the region. A preparatory lecture will be given by Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke, who will also lead the trip, and a picnic lunch at Serpent Mound State Memorial Park is included.

Agenda:

An informative lecture about the sites we are visiting will be provided by staff archaeologist Wes Clarke at The Castle on the Thursday evening before our trip.

Morning: We will make a brief visit to an unusual prehistoric “mystery location” on our way to Serpent Mound. We will then arrive at the Serpent effigy with time to explore this unique earthwork, the museum and gift shop, and enjoy a box lunch at the spacious picnic shelter.

Lunch:  Box lunches prepared by Parkhurst Food Services (Marietta College) will be distributed for lunch in the picnic shelter at Serpent Mound.  You will have several choices of sandwich (to be pre-selected by you) including a vegetarian option.  Restrooms are nearby.

Afternoon: After lunch there will be additional time at Serpent Mound, then we will head to the Tremper Mound Earthworks preserve near Portsmouth. Tremper is an unusual site and, among other significant remains, produced one of the largest groups of Hopewell Culture smoking pipes ever found. After a short walk to visit Tremper, we will travel into Portsmouth to see remnants of the unique earthwork layout at that Ohio River location.

This trip will involve a moderate amount of walking on developed paths and pavement. (Participants can personally adjust some of the walking distances if desired.) Rest stops are scheduled as we travel in our comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus.  Please join us as we experience these extraordinary destinations!

Time: 8am – 6:30pm

Departure & Return Location: 

Marietta College Physician Assistant Parking Lot, Corner of 3rd & Butler. 

Price:

 $95/Nonmember
$85/Castle Member & Volunteer (Use Code "MEMBERSAVE" at check out)
$70/Student (Use code “STUDENT” at checkout. Students age 8 & above may purchase tickets at the reduced rate; a valid student ID is required for college age students.)

Thanks to the generosity of the Marietta Community Foundation’s Dorothy A. Oyster Fund, we are able to offer a subsidized student rate this year. This support helps us engage more young people in our Cultural Caravan trips.

**Reservations required by 5pm Monday, Oct. 6**

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• In addition to payment, a registration form must be filled out online or in-person and submitted by 5pm Monday., Oct. 6.

• The complimentary pre-trip lecture will be held at The Castle on Thurs., Oct. 9th at 7pm. 

Join us for Autumn After Dark: Fall Fest at The Castle!

Step into the magic of fall at this one-night-only event at The Castle, where history meets harvest charm! Enjoy delicious appetizers, sip on a specialty historic-themed cocktail, listen to a live band and explore unique offerings from talented local vendors from the Mid-Ohio Valley. Plus, don’t miss your chance to take an exclusive twilight tour of The Castle—available only during this event. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season in style!

Tickets: $30/ person

Your ticket includes:

• Live Music!

• Appetizers

• Opportunities to shop with local MOV vendors!

• Exclusive twilight tour of The Castle!

• 1 Drink Ticket (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

• 1 Historical drink sampling for those 21+

• An evening of connection as we celebrate the new season!

What you need to know:

• Age recommendation is 18+

• Priority reservation is encouraged

• Space is limited, so purchase your ticket soon!

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors:

Are you interested in supporting this event through a sponsorship or featuring your business as part of the experience?

Our sponsorship packages start at $250. These are great ways to support a local, community organization as well as promote your business. In recognition of your support, we can offer the following:

• Event signage featuring your company logo

• Logo on website and event page for Autumn After Dark

• A social media acknowledgement to our 5,900 subscribers on Facebook

Use the button below to purchase tickets or submit your sponsorship contributions

History comes to life—right before your eyes.

Step into the past as Oak Grove Cemetery’s “residents” return for one morning only in this captivating living history tour. Through costumed interpreters stationed throughout the grounds, real individuals buried in Oak Grove will share their fascinating stories—tales of resilience, tragedy, accomplishment, and surprising connections that shaped Marietta and its community.

Each stop along the tour reveals a new voice from the past—brought vividly to life by talented performers who embody the people they portray. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Marietta’s local history and the remarkable lives that helped shape it.

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, curious minds, and families alike.

This year’s characters include: 

Ticket Information

• General Admission: $14.50 (ages 8 and up)

• Castle Members: $12.50 (use code “Member” at checkout)

• Children 7 and under: Free

Important Tour Details

• Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes

• Walking will include uneven ground and standing for extended periods

• Dress appropriately for the weather; bring water, walking sticks, or folding chairs for added comfort

• If you have pre-purchased tickets, check in with a Castle team member upon arrival

• Onsite tickets will be available – exact change is appreciated

Please note: Photos taken during the event may be used for future promotional purposes.

Space is limited—reserve your spot today and experience local history like never before.

Did you know the Harmar community was involved in the anti-slavery movement and was a refuge for multiracial families before the Civil War? Join us to hear the stories of the Underground Railroad leader whose local court case had national implications, a founding family’s legacy that inspired radical abolitionist John Brown to take up his cause, three free-born Muncey brothers who served as bodyguards to a Union general during their Civil War service, a highly respected man who escaped enslavement and served with the famous Iron Brigade, and more.

Tickets:
Just $12 per person.
Castle Members: Use code “castlemember” at checkout for your free admission benefits:
• Contributing ($50): 2 free cemetery tour tickets
• Patron ($100): 4 free cemetery tour tickets

Important Tour Info:
• Tour lasts about 75 minutes
• Walking includes uneven ground and standing for extended periods
• Dress for the weather – bring water, walking sticks, or folding chairs for comfort
• Already have tickets? Check in with a Castle team member upon arrival
• Onsite tickets available – exact change is appreciated

Please note: Photographs from this event may be used for promotional purposes.

Secure your spot today – space is limited!

The summer solstice is a celestial event that has been important to cultures around the world for thousands of years. At Marietta, this event was marked by Native Americans with alignments on the prehistoric earthworks. This year for the first time The Castle will celebrate the summer solstice with an outdoor concert by the band R&R, and commentary by staff archaeologist Wes Clarke.

Admission is Free. Seating is limited and offered on a first come first serve basis.

We encourage guests to bring their own folding chair or blanket, but please note that we can not permit saving spaces on the grounds earlier than 6:30pm. While food and drink are permitted on the grounds, no alcoholic beverages are permitted and the lawn where the concert is taking place will be a smoke-free area. In the case of inclement weather, a rain date will be established.

This concert is generously sponsored by the Washington County Public Library

About R&R:

West Virginia natives, Rick Poling and Roger Bush, who began playing music together in their pre-teen and teenaged years, are the vocal and instrumental duo R&R. Roger is well-known in the mid-Ohio Valley area for his stellar vocals, and he also brings his distinctive drumming and percussion skills to the duo. Rick, known to many West Virginians as a former West Virginia University “Mountaineer” mascot, as well as an accomplished pianist and vocalist adds vocals, piano/organ/synth and left-hand keyboard bass to complete R&R.

Here’s what you need to know: 

• We suggest arriving at least 6 - 8 minutes in advance of 7pm, but no earlier than 6:30pm.  

• Remember to bring a folding chair or blanket for a seating area. Seating is first come first served. The location of the band will allow for few, if any obstructions to sight or sound.

• Guests who may need special accommodations should contact The Castle by calling 740-373-4180.

Have questions? Contact us at education@mariettacastle.org or call 740-373-4180. 

1pm – 4pm Interactive Living History Displays & Activities – Free
1pm – 4pm Immersive “1918” House Tours (Reservations Required)

Travel back to 1918 in Marietta and experience history come to life. Through immersive, ticketed tours of the house, costumed interpreters will portray members of the Davis family, Red Cross volunteers, and local community figures, offering a glimpse into their daily lives during this pivotal time. Outside, the grounds will feature interactive educational displays and hands-on activities highlighting Marietta’s Red Cross and Ohio National Guard company. While the house tours require reservations, the outdoor exhibits are open to all, free of charge, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with the past.

Interactive Living History Displays & Activities -- FREE (donations encouraged)

Admission to the grounds to see the outdoor living history displays and engage with educational activities is free. Activities will be held in The Castle’s Courtyard and Summer Kitchen. Donations to support The Castle’s educational mission are appreciated.

Over Here Living History Day Activities

Pack A Comfort Kit Activity
In this hands-on activity, you will learn what comfort kits were, who made them, and how they aided soldiers in World War I. You will have a chance to pack a kit, and to consider what you would send to a friend in a comfort kit. 

Bandage Rolling Activity
An easy way for groups like the Red Cross to send relief to soldiers and civilians during WWI was to make bandages. In this activity, you’ll get to make a bandage with the help of the Red Cross and add it to our relief supplies.

Military Touch Table
At this station you can touch and even try on various pieces of WWI equipment and uniform items used by soldiers. This is your chance to learn more about the life of a WWI soldier in a hands-on way.

Pack A Pack Activity
Test your organizational and critical thinking skills by choosing what should go into the soldier’s pack. Soldiers in WWI had one of the most complicated packs ever devised, but they still needed to carry things with them on the march such as food, extra clothes, and important equipment. Learn more about these items and see if you can pack a pack for the soldiers.

Immersive 1918 House Tours -- TICKETED RESERVATION REQUIRED

Step into the past with an immersive, specialized tour of The Castle, where living history interpreters bring to life the Davis family, Red Cross volunteers, and local community members. Travel back to April 26, 1918, and explore the impact of World War I on Marietta, the nation, and the world. Through engaging activities, discover how the U.S. and Marietta became involved in the war, the vital role of the local Red Cross, and how grand homes like The Castle supported the war effort.

Guests will also have the unique opportunity to taste and discuss the effects of food rationing, gaining a deeper understanding of life on the home front during this historic time.

Tours will start on the hour at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Reservations must be booked in advance – limited spaces are available. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

*Note: Specialized tours offer different content than do regular tour visits.

You may purchase tickets online or by calling 740-373-4180.

Immersive “1918” House Tours Price:

 $14.50/Non-Member Adults & Kids (Ages 8 & up)
$12.50/Member Adults & Kids (Ages 8 & up) (Use Code "Member" at check out)
Ages 7 & Under: Free

1918 Tours Discussions and Activities

Chronology of a Nation at War
Begin your journey in the Sitting Room with William and Betsey Mills, who are eager to share how America—and Marietta—were drawn into the Great War. In this interactive discussion, Betsey will enlist your help to piece together the key people, places, and events that led up to April 1918.

The Role of the Red Cross
In the Parlor, meet Lucy Nye Davis, the home’s owner, as she shares the critical work of Marietta’s Red Cross chapter. Guests will also take part in a hands-on Red Cross class, learning how to properly bandage wounds—a vital skill on both the battlefield and home front.

Preparing for Dinner
Step into the Dining Room with Ida Wylie, the Davis family’s domestic servant, and discover how something as simple as the dinner table played a role in supporting the war effort. You may even be asked to lend a hand in setting the table for the evening’s guests.

Food for Thought
Enter the kitchen to explore the challenges of wartime meal planning and rationing. Learn how households adapted to ensure soldiers and allies overseas were well supplied. You'll even get a taste of history by sampling the popular “war cake”—a sweet treat made with substituted ingredients.

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to get involved in your community? The Castle Museum Community Day & Volunteer Fair is your chance to explore exciting volunteer opportunities, connect with fellow history lovers, and experience the museum like never before!

Discover how you can make a difference by joining our team of passionate volunteers. Whether you’re interested in leading tours, providing activities for field trips, joining archaeology digs, assisting with special events, or working behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone!

Enjoy an evening of free activities, including interactive exhibits, hands-on crafts, and live demonstrations. Meet current volunteers, hear their stories, and find the perfect opportunity that fits your interests and schedule.

✨ Why Attend?

✔ Learn about volunteer roles at the museum

✔ Enjoy free family-friendly activities and exhibits

✔ Meet museum staff and current volunteers

✔ Make connections with your local community

Be a part of something special—help preserve history, inspire visitors, and share your love of learning!

We can’t wait to welcome you!

We're excited to welcome the Rhododendron Ice Cream Truck, based out of Parkersburg, WV! They'll be bringing their delicious hand-dipped ice cream to the event—perfect for a sweet treat while you enjoy the festivities.

If you have any questions please contact us at 740-373-4180 or education@mariettacastle.org.