Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett immigrated to America from Ireland in 1796 and built a mansion on an island in the middle of the Ohio River. The Blennerhassetts didn’t get to enjoy their new house for long because Harman became involved with Aaron Burr and was accused of treason and forced to flee south in 1806. The Blennerhassetts never returned to the island and the house was destroyed by fire in 1811.
The mansion has been rebuilt and the island is now a state park. The mansion is opened for tours from May to October. The museum is open all year. The museum contains archeological and historical exhibits pertaining to the island and the surrounding communities. The story of the Blennerhassetts isn’t told very well in the museum (there’s a film but it wasn’t working when we visited) and the other displays could be improved by better interpretation too. The basement has a very large collection of arrowheads and Native American artifacts amassed by Henry Stahl who lived in the area for years. Most of the artifacts were found on the island.
All three floors of the museum are accessible.
Follow the signs for RVs and buses to avoid low underpasses. Parking is in the marked lot or in the spaces along Juliana Street that are marked for museum parking. Do not park in the private lots. Museum
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