Marietta’s historic Fearing House opens doors for tours
A bedroom on the interior of the Fearing House, during the twenty minute tour CJ Smith gives a history of each room. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
A plaque outside the Henry Fearing House in Marietta. (Photo Provided)
A bedroom on the interior of the Fearing House, during the twenty minute tour CJ Smith gives a history of each room. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
A plaque outside the Henry Fearing House in Marietta. (Photo Provided)
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MARIETTA -- The Fearing House, a historic landmark, recently opened its doors for its inaugural open house event. This initiative aims to reintroduce the community to the rich history of Henry Fearing and his family, key figures in the settlement and development of the local area.
The event was spearheaded by the new chairperson, who shared their vision of transforming the house back to its origins as a home rather than a museum.
"We're turning it back into the 1870s, into the actual home of Henry Fearing," explained Fearing House Chairwoman CJ Smith.
This shift allows visitors to experience the property as it was during the Fearing family's time, making history feel more tangible and personal. Henry Fearing, along with his family members Benjamin Dana Fearing and Paul Fearing, played significant roles in the community. Paul was among the first settlers along the riverbanks, while Henry developed land and Benjamin recruited soldiers during the Civil War.
"It's a whole story through the whole family," said Smith, who shares these narratives during 20-minute guided tours through the home.
Beyond preserving history, the Fearing House aims to enrich the local community. The goal is to foster appreciation for local heritage while giving back to the area.
"We want to improve the West Side and get people to realize that we're not really a museum. We have a story to tell," said Smith.
The Fearing House also engages in charitable activities, reflecting the generosity of its original inhabitants. Last year, they supported the community by helping a local group recover from a fire by hosting a Thanksgiving event at a nearby church.
"Henry, Paul, and Benjamin were so involved and charitable, and we want to carry on that legacy," Smith said.
The open house event marks the beginning of what organizers hope will be a lasting tradition. By blending storytelling with community engagement, the Fearing House seeks to make history accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all who visit.
For those interested in experiencing this slice of local history, the property is open for tours every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with additional opportunities when the "open" sign is displayed. Another historical open house event will be held at The Anchorage on December 8 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.