Blennerhassett Museum Revives Winter Lecture Series

Five-year hiatus ends as museum hosts historical talks throughout February

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Blennerhassett Museum in Parkersburg, West Virginia has resumed its popular Winter Lecture Series after a five-year break. The series features presentations on historical topics every Sunday in February, with the first lecture on February 8th focusing on the Blennerhassett family's time on the Isle of Guernsey.

Why it matters

The return of the Winter Lecture Series is an important event for the local community, as it provides educational programming and brings life back into the museum after a quiet period. The lectures help people learn from the past to better understand the present.

The details

The lecture series takes place at 2 p.m. each Sunday in February at the Blennerhassett Museum, located at 137 Juliana Street in Parkersburg. Admission is $4 and includes access to the museum's exhibits. The remaining schedule includes talks on shantyboats, Abraham Lincoln, and the westward expansion.

  • The Winter Lecture Series resumed on February 8, 2026.
  • The series continues every Sunday at 2 p.m. through March 1, 2026.

The players

Craig Pyles

Superintendent of Blennerhassett Island.

Adra Johnson

Presenter of the inaugural lecture "After Eden" about the Isle of Guernsey.

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What they’re saying

“We took some time off with this event and we're bringing it back. From today's crowd and the attendance, we're overwhelmed and really appreciative of everybody that came out.”

— Craig Pyles, Superintendent of Blennerhassett Island (WTAP)

“It's really nice that we're doing this because to hear voices inside the museum after a few months of being really quiet in here, hearing voices, the place that the buildings come alive.”

— Craig Pyles, Superintendent of Blennerhassett Island (WTAP)

What’s next

The Winter Lecture Series will continue each Sunday at 2 p.m. through March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The revival of the Blennerhassett Museum's Winter Lecture Series is a welcome return of educational programming that brings the community together to learn about local history and connect with the museum after a quiet period. The lectures provide valuable insights into the past that can inform understanding of the present.