Originally housed in an unfinished basement, the Ohio River Museum has come a long way since it first opened in 1941. Having relocated to a new facility on the banks of the Muskingum River decades ago, the museum has expanded its collection through the years but can no longer function in its current space.
"The original building was built in the early 1970s," Beth McFarlane, chief architect and project manager for the Ohio History Connection (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) told Construction Equipment Guide. "There were upgrades needed to make the museum more accessible to visitors with limited mobility and to make the museum better able to host events, school groups and bus tour groups. It's also necessary to improve the overall operation and interior environmental conditions for maintaining historic artifacts."
Lepi Enterprises photo
In April 2025, local and state officials gathered in Marietta for the official groundbreaking for the $14 million, 29,000-sq.-ft. structure. When completed, it will serve the local Marietta and Washington County area, the greater Ohio River Valley Region and countless visitors from across the nation. McFarlane said allowing for shared space and year-round access was critical during the planning stage.
"The original museum consisted of three buildings connected by outdoor bridges. This design was not conducive to operating a museum year-round and being open only in the summer limited visitation and revenue. The shared space grew out of conversations with the Washington County Public Library. Both organizations had a desire to host programs of interest to the public, including genealogy research, book signings and history presentations.
"The initial plan was to add on to the existing museum and enclose the bridges, but because of building code issues, changes to flood level design requirements and upgrades needed to the existing building equipment and infrastructure, it became more cost- effective to build a new facility. Feedback to date has been supportive, and the community is excited to have a new facility for the museum, library and for hosting events."
McFarlane noted the previous Ohio River Museum had a primary focus on the steamboat era. For years, it has prominently featured the W.P. Snyder Jr., the last of the steam-powered, stern wheeled towboats in the country and a national historic landmark. The museum's re-envisioned exhibits will expand the interpretation to include the impact of the river on statehood, industrial and economic development, environmental and cultural impact. The museum and library will have meeting and event space to provide a wide variety of programs.
"The gift shop will be able to provide a larger selection of books related to the history of the area. The exhibit space will be able to tell a wider range of stories about the impact of the Ohio River on the history of statehood, economic development and cultural heritage."
Lepi Enterprises photo
The project has been in the works since 2016, and has required feasibility studies, fundraising and grants. Organizations involved and providing support include the Washington County Public Library, the Northwest Territory Museum Society, the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneer Rivermen, the state of Ohio, Washington County Commissioners, the city of Marietta and the USDA.
The exhibit space is in the concept and research phase. Early in 2026, an exhibit designer was brought on board to more fully develop the themes, detail and produce documents for layout and fabrication and oversee the installation. The significant parameter for the installation is that none of the collection artifacts can be installed until the construction of the building and the build-out of the exhibit space is complete.
McFarlane added, "This project is exciting because of all the new opportunities it will open up."
Lepi Enterprises of Zanesville, Ohio, was selected as the general contractor for the new building, with APG Architects serving as the architect of record. According to Kari Kessler, Lepi Enterprises project superintendent, the building is located in a flood plain and had to meet FEMA requirements.
"There are many other concerns that depend on the time of year," Kessler told Construction Equipment Guide. "Trying to deal with the weather and soil is an issue. If it's too cold, production slows down, and if it's too warm, you must deal with all the mud."
Lepi Enterprises photo
Kessler acknowledged the elements have not made it easy for crews, so far.
"The freeze/thaw cycles of early winter created muddy conditions that made it difficult to maneuver equipment. We are hoping that we won't have a lot of heavy rains; otherwise, the site will get flooded and we will have to halt construction."
Demolition of two portions of the existing museum and a house on the future parking lot is already complete, along with the removal of trees and sidewalks. In addition, workers had to relocate a stormwater line, place footers, foundation block and concrete columns.
Crews also are responsible for installation of the metal deck and concrete, roof trusses, framing, finishes, landscaping and parking lot paving. The parking area will be expanded to accommodate the increased capacity of the building and is designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff before draining into the river.
The planned library has high technology requirements, due to the number of computers, microfilm readers and access to the internet required for research. The meeting rooms were designed as two classroom-size spaces with a retractable divider partition, that will convert the room to a large even space that can seat 120 people at tables.
As for excavation, said Kessler, "A lot of time and money has been spent to control the amount of mud and runoff. Around 1,200 tons of dirt has to be brought in, and roughly 100 tons moved around on- site."
Heavy equipment being used includes a crane, telehandler, lifts, skid steer and mini-excavator. Concrete piers, steel columns and beams and wood roof trusses are among the required materials needed to complete the project, as well as metal stud framing, brick, split-face concrete block and wood composite siding.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
Despite the challenges, Kessler said it's extremely rewarding to bring the museum to life.
"To know that you are part of a team that built a building of this magnitude is indescribable. Then, factor in the fact that hundreds of people will visit it. It's overwhelming. I'm not sure there are words to describe the pride and feelings I have." CEG
