(Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

MARIETTA — Historical attractions in Marietta, the Mid-Ohio Valley and beyond will be highlighted Saturday with the second History in the Park in Marietta.

The free event is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Muskingum Park on Front Street and is hosted by the Civil War Round Table of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Nancy Arthur, president of the organization, said the first History in the Park was the result of a sleepless night. She was trying to come up with an outlet to sell a collection of Civil War history books the group had amassed and hit on the idea to have a sale in East Muskingum Park. She decided to involve other history-related organizations “and it just grew.”

The result was more than 20 groups setting up in the park last July, in conjunction with the annual celebration of the anniversary of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Someone with one of the participating groups asked Arthur if the event would be an annual occasion and she said she hoped so.

History in the Park started as a way to showcase the history of Marietta and surrounding areas “and then it grew into what other areas have to offer,” Arthur said.

Among the organizations participating Saturday are the Blennerhassett Museum, Henderson Hall, Hidden Marietta, the Sons of the American Revolution and their color guard, Daughters of the American Revolution, Roscoe Village, Tuscarawas County Historical Society and West Virginia Association of Museums. And Arthur said she’s received calls this week from groups asking if it was too late to join in.

“And I said, ‘No. Come on in; it’s a big park,'” she said.

Across from the park, First Congregational Church will be giving tours of the “Church of the Pioneers.” A reenactor portraying Abraham Lincoln will be walking through the park, starting at noon. Wilkey’s will be selling food and beverages.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.