One of the alcoves on the second floor of the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History has been transformed into a nun’s cell from DeSales Heights Academy in Parkersburg. “Echoes of Old Times” features three new exhibits opening at the museum over the next three months. (Photo by Wayne Towner)

PARKERSBURG — Beginning Friday, the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History will be introducing a new series of exhibits.

Titled “Echoes of Old Times,” each month in February, March and April the museum will feature a new exhibit focused on a different aspect of local history.

The February exhibit, which opens Friday, will be “DeSales Heights,” followed on March 20 by “Pioneer Weaponry” and on April 17 by “Blennerhassett Archaeology.” The new exhibits are part of the permanent displays at the museum as the staff shuffles and changes exhibits to provide a fresh look at the museum.

Each new exhibit will be introduced with an opening reception from 6:30-8:30 p.m. that includes entertainment and refreshments. The cost is $25 for each reception. Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling 304-420-4800.

This weekend also marks the end of the 2020 Winter Lecture Series at the museum.

The fourth and final lecture will be 2 p.m. Sunday. Musical entertainment will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. prior to each lecture. Refreshments will be served following a question and answer period at the conclusion of each presentation.

The cost for each lecture is $4 per person for Friends of Blennerhassett members or $5 per person for non-members. The lecture fee includes admission to the museum.

In Sunday’s program, Ilene Evans will portray Harriet Tubman in another Humanities Council’s History Alive Program. Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland, but escaped through the Underground Railroad in 1849. She then became the most famous leader of that network, aiding slaves in their escape to the free-states and Canada.

When the Civil War erupted, her underground experiences and knowledge of covert operations made her a valuable resource to federal officers. She served as a spy, nurse, scout and guide for Union troops.

In March, the museum will feature the 16th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show from March 7-15.

This year’s theme is “Basket Case.” The museum quilt show will feature hand and machine pieced quilts and wall hangings made by area quilters.

Categories for the quilts include: Bed quilts (three categories), baby quilts, miniature quilts, wall hangings, art quilts, antique quilts, and themed quilts.

Visitors viewing the quilts will be able to participate in casting votes for the “People’s Choice” award which will be announced on the last day of the show.

The Blennerhassett Museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the admission to the museum is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12.

As part of the quilt show, at 1 p.m. March 15, Doug Kreinik, owner of Kreinik Mfg. Company located in Parkersburg, will give a presentation discussing the use of the metallic threads manufactured by his company in many needle art crafts including quilting.

Wayne Towner can be reached at wtowner@newsandsentinel.com