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.