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Preserving the past. Building the future.

Preserving the past. Building the future.Preserving the past. Building the future.Preserving the past. Building the future.Preserving the past. Building the future.

The Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, Inc.  

137 Juliana Street

Parkersburg, WV 26101

(304)420-4800

Preserving the past. Building the future.

Preserving the past. Building the future.Preserving the past. Building the future.Preserving the past. Building the future.Preserving the past. Building the future.

The Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, Inc.  

137 Juliana Street

Parkersburg, WV 26101

(304)420-4800

About The Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, Inc.

Our Foundation

Support Blennerhassett Island

Support Blennerhassett Island

The idea for The Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, Inc.  was born in 1994, when a group of local history enthusiasts and the WV legislature  recognized the national significance of this island and sought to preserve it. That support continues today through dozens of volunteers and our state park system and generous donors.

Support Blennerhassett Island

Support Blennerhassett Island

Support Blennerhassett Island

Our Foundation is 100% non-profit with generous support of community leaders, the WV Legislature, WV State Parks, and through various grants and fundraisers. Read below about The Blennerhassett Society and how you can join us!

Join The Blennerhassett Society

Our Friends

Support Blennerhassett Island

Our Friends

It very literally takes hundreds of volunteers to execute an excellent educational and enrichment program.  Learn how you can help by checking out the information on Volunteers.  

Mansion By Candlelight: Our Signature Event

Step back in time and spend an evening with The Blennerhassetts and friends.  With dancing, storytelling, apple cider, gingerbread, an optional dinner and more, this event is unlike any other evening you'll spend here or in any other state park!

Join us October 10 & 11, 2025.  Tickets go on sale August 1, 2025. 

Role and Governance

Our Beginnings and Role

The Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, Inc. was established along side the creation of the  Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park Commission by the 1994 WV Legislature for the purpose of establishing a state park on Blennerhassett Island.  While the park commission was dissolved years later, the BHF exists to support the state park and museum in creating and enhancing the visitor experience with educational opportunities, furnishings, and volunteers, among other things.  The BHF works in cooperation with WV State Park Superintendent to establish strategic direction and goals for preserving and building the island.  

Our Board of Directors

We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who share their expertise in history, communications, business, education, volunteerism, government, tourism and more.  We each serve 3-year renewable terms.

Robin Ollis-Stemple, Chair of the Board

Steve Gissy, Immediate Past Chair of the Board

Keith McClung, Vice-Chair of the Board

Larry McIntire, Treasurer

MaryAnne Daggett

Dr. Bill Reynolds

Bill Miller

Brandon Decicco

Jill Parsons

Paula Sellers

Mark Lewis

Ryan Barber

Missy Spangler

Scott Cain

Mike Wright

The State Park Overview

The park is open May 1 - October 31 each year.  Hop aboard an authentic sternwheel paddle boat  where your Blennerhassett Island adventure begins.  The boat departs from Parkersburg's Point Park on the hour from 10 am - 4 pm daily and returns on the half hour.  Tour the mansion. Ride in a horse-drawn wagon. Have a picnic. Read in the walnut grove. Ride a bike. Learn the history. 

Plan your visit by clicking the button below. 

Plan Your Visit

Join us! The Blennerhassett Society

Become an inaugural member of The Blennerhassett Society, our premiere benefactor organization. 

Support Blennerhassett Island

Our Volunteers Make All the Difference

We love our Volunteers!

Volunteer Today!

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The Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, Inc.

137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101, United States

(304)420-4800

Preserving Our Past: An Historical Photo Gallery

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    The Blennerhassett Historical Foundation, Inc.

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