About The foundation
Blennerhassett Island was owned by DuPont (now Chemours) and is leased by the State of West Virginia for a $1 a year. The Park Superintendent handles the maintenance of the Island but activities including tours are handled by the volunteers and Park staff. The major fund raising projects are initiated by the Friend of Blennerhassett and the Blennerhassett Historical Park Foundation. The Friends operate under the umbrella of the Foundation. Although the State of West Virginia built the reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion, the Friends and the Foundation have furnished the house and the museum. The Foundation applied and received the award placing the Island on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the Foundation and the Friends have accepted donations and raised funds to enhance the visitors comfort and experience: including a new septic tank, gulf cart, radios as well as costuming and training volunteer docents. We also coordinated the return of Margaret's and Harman, Jr. Blennerhassett's reburial on Blennerhassett Island. When Shell Chemical offered Maple Shade to the Island, we worked with that company to help the State accept the gift. As a result, Shell Chemical moved the Putnam Houser House across the Ohio River. The Foundation also sponsored Archeological Field Studies and Laboratory Course. We have funded archeological surveys which are ongoing. Although the State of West Virginia owns the buildings and maintenance vehicles the Foundation and the Friends own and maintain the antiques, decor and relics in the Mansion and the Museum, including the one of a kind Stahl collection.
Timeline
- Blennerhassett Historical State Commission: March 7, 1975 to January 11, 1978
- Blennerhassett Historical Park Foundation: December 3, 1982 (Charged with Feasibility, Wildlife and Waterways Studies)
- Friends of Blennerhassett: September 10, 1984
- Blennerhassett Island opened: July 27, 1980
- Eden on the River on Island: August 20 to September 5, 1987
- Blennerhassett Museum opened: April 30, 1988
- Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park: 1989
Contact UsBlennerhassett Historical Foundation
137 Juliana Street Parkersburg, WV 26105 304.420.4800 |
