Third Thursday Talks
Interested in learning about local history? Third Thursday Talks provide educational presentations on a diverse array of Marietta/ Washington County history topics. Each talk occurs the third Thursday of the even numbered months at 7:00 PM at The Castle.
Cemetery Tours
Our Cemetery Tours explore exciting topics at cemeteries in and around Marietta. Check out the listing for these tours in June – August. Group tours are available for Mound Cemetery by Appointment.
History on Trial
Would you vote guilty or not guilty if sitting in the jury box 75, 100, or even 200 years ago? By experiencing our annual court room dramatizations you will have the opportunity to do just that. History on Trial takes cases from Washington County’s past and retries these cases based on the evidence available and according to the law at the time of the case. This program is great for adults and student in grades 3 and above. The cases provide an interesting look into the history of federal, state, and local law.
Food History
What could be better than food AND history?! In partnership with The Cook’s Shop, The Castle’s Food History program highlights regional appetites through the decades as described in cook books, menus, newspaper articles, and other primary sources. We’ve put a tasty twist on history education and we hope you will join us to sample our three course menus and learn about the people, places, and events that made this experience possible.
Cultural Caravan
Our annual Cultural Caravan bus trips explore regional sites of historic, cultural, or artistic significance. Check our calendar to see what exciting adventure we have in store for you!
Herb Day Luncheon
Enjoy our tasty rendition of the Herb of the Year with a luncheon highlighting the versatility of herbs. Two luncheon seatings are offered with a presentation discussing topics such as gardening, cooking with herbs, and horticultural history.
The Castle’s Annual Garden Party Fundraiser
We hope you will join us for The Castle’s Garden Party Fundraiser the fourth Thursday of June. This is your chance to learn more about the great education and entertainment opportunities at The Castle and meet our staff and board. We invite you to enjoy refreshments and live music at this fun social occasion benefiting the museum. We look forward to seeing you.
History Camp
Travel back in time with a 5-day camp filled with historic hands-on activities for students in grades 3rd-6th. Crafts, games, tours, music, dancing and more. The themed time frame for each History Camp changes each year and returning campers learn about different points in American History each year.
Archaeology Camp
The Castle’s Archaeology Camp for Kids is for grades 6th-8th. Campers will experience a real archaeological dig on the site of one of the oldest pottery manufacturing sites in Ohio, learn how archaeologists sort and sift for objects, as well as examine and identify artifacts! Leading this camp will be professional archaeologist Wes Clarke.
Archaeology Field School
The Castle’s Archaeology Field School is for high school age students and adults. This week-long experience will begin with introductory discussions and hands-on activities regarding the goals and methods of modern archaeology. Field work activity will be at a moderate pace that can be geared to the preference of each participant. We will be excavating a real archaeological site, processing the recovered artifacts, and discussing what they tell us about past human activity on The Castle grounds. This is a great opportunity for adults to participate in an archaeology project lead by professional archaeologist Wes Clarke.
Night at the Museum
Do you ever wonder what goes on after we lock up the museum? Well, it seems after we turn the key, those men and women from our local history come to life! Join us for this rare opportunity to meet individuals from Washington County’s past right here at The Castle! This event takes place the first Saturday of November.
Gingerbread House Workshop
Come celebrate the holiday season with gingerbread house making at The Castle! In this workshop, adults and kids (ages 8 and up) will be aided in making a Gingerbread House of their own. Materials and instruction booklets provided. This family friendly workshop takes place in November.
Solstice Watch
One function of the large earthwork complexes, such as the ones found at Marietta, was to track the passage of seasons through astronomical observations. Aligned along the parallel walls of “Sacra Via” is the winter solstice sunset. On the day of the solstice (usually December 21st) at 4pm, we hold a solstice sunset watch at Sacra Via Park (between Third and Second Streets.) If the weather cooperates, we will view the sun setting on the western Muskingum Valley bluff between 4 to 4:30 PM in near perfect alignment with Sacra Via. The event will be FREE and open to the public, with maps and a brief commentary provided by Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke.