“From Canoes to Showboats: A Century of Change” – an exhibit on the history, effects and stories of the Ohio River and the characters that became legendary – will open on Sunday, October 3 at the Visitor Center of Historic Fort Steuben and run through October 17.
“The river was the major highway and life-line to the outside world in the early years,” explained Historic Fort Steuben Executive Director Paul Zuros. “The riverboats connected all the major river communities and made it possible to bring Steubenville to the world – and the world to Steubenville.”
The exhibit was originally developed with a grant from the Ohio Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and has been added to over the last four years. The display consists of educational panels, models and information highlighting Steubenville and the Upper Ohio Valley.
In addition, over 25 works of art on loan from the personal collection of George Hines of New Cumberland, WV feature prints of important Riverboats that have traveled in this area.
“Steubenville first and foremost was a river town and it is because of the river we flourished,” added Zuros. “We often take this great part of our local geography and history for granted.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public from Monday through Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm. For more information or set up a group visit, call 740-283-1787.