Parkersburg Mayor Joyce presenting a $10,000 check from the city to Robin Ollis-Stemple, Board President of the Blennerhassett Historical Foundation Wednesday at the Blennerhassett Museum in Parkersburg. The money will be used by the Foundation to expand educational programming and increase public access to the Blennerhassett Museum and to the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Also, members of the board pictured left to right are; Brent Baker, Mike Wright, Craig Pyles, Jane Barnes, Steve Gissy, Ryan Barber, Missy Spangler and Autumn Henthorn. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – The City of Parkersburg is providing support to the Blennerhassett Historical Foundation by providing $10,000 to expand educational programming and increase public access to the Blennerhassett Museum and the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.

The check presentation was done Wednesday afternoon at the Blennerhassett Museum.

The funding is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations that preserve local history, strengthen tourism, and create educational opportunities that enrich the community and attract visitors to downtown Parkersburg and the Mid-Ohio Valley, according to a press release from the City of Parkersburg.

The Blennerhassett Historical Foundation works in partnership with Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park to preserve and promote one of West Virginia’s most significant historical destinations, officials said.

The island remains one of the largest tourist attractions in the Mid-Ohio Valley, welcoming approximately 30,000 visitors each summer season. Through volunteerism, fundraising, preservation efforts, and educational initiatives, the Foundation helps support museum operations, visitor experiences, and programming connected to the island and mansion.

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce emphasized the importance of investing in organizations that connect residents and visitors with the region’s unique history and heritage.

“Blennerhassett Island is one of the crown jewels of our region and an important part of Parkersburg’s identity,” Joyce said. “The Foundation’s work helps preserve our history while creating meaningful educational and tourism opportunities that benefit residents, students, and visitors alike. We are proud to support efforts that continue expanding access to this historic asset.”

Robin Ollis Stemple, Board President of the Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, expressed appreciation for the City’s partnership and investment.

“We’re deeply grateful to Mayor Joyce and the Parkersburg City Council for this generous support,” she said. “This grant strengthens our mission to preserve, interpret and share the nationally#significant Blennerhassett story — and it allows us to bring that history to new audiences in fresh, engaging ways.”

The investment will support educational programming, community engagement efforts, and initiatives designed to expand accessibility and visitor experiences at both the museum and island attractions.