Gallipolis history at its best during the Our House Tavern Museum Open House

Activities will be held inside the museum as well as in the courtyard and exterior kitchen.

Kendra Ward and Robert Bence will share their authentic Appalachian music in the courtyard throughout the afternoon. The couple play their mix of traditional fiddle tunes, bluegrass, old-timey gospel and original compositions on hammered and mountain dulcimers and guitar. Their music is accompanied with stories from their life “in the hills.”

Author Christy Perry Tuohey will be signing and speaking about her latest book, “A Place of Rest for our Gallant Boys.” The book traces the history of the Union Army Hospital, built in Gallipolis during the Civil War to house wounded soldiers from both sides of the conflict.

Youth docents Campbell Burnett and Zayla Spencer will teach the “Language of Fans.” Learn to speak this secret language used by women and girls to send messages to each other in an age in which freedom of speech for women was restricted. There will also be a coloring station set up nearby.

Lorna Faudree Hart will present a display of Depression Era Glass and share her knowledge with two seminars on the subject at noon and 2 p.m. Learn about the history of the glass, and its importance and economic contribution to the area during the Depression Era.

Gene Hoffman and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War reenactors will perform drills in the courtyard. The group will also bring interactive displays of artifacts and clothing; visitors can hold a canteen or try on a hat and jacket while learning about the Civil War.

Gwen Gilliam McGuire and Marjorie Gallium Woods, great granddaughters of Grandma Gatewood, will be in the outdoor kitchen to tell about the herbs hanging from the rafters that were gathered by Gatewood especially for Our House.

They are sure to have stories about their great-grandmother’s adventures: Gatewood began hiking at age 67. She became a local legend for her accomplishments on the Appalachian Trail and contribution to the establishment of trails throughout Ohio.

Vince Hill will bring his finds from a dig at the site of the Native American village of Chief Nonhelema of Cheshire, Chief Cornstalk’s Sister.

This event is free and open to the public. Hours for the museum Memorial Day Weekend are 1-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed Monday.

The museum is open June-August, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; September-November, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Christmas Open House is scheduled for Nov. 22, from 5 — 8 p.m.

The museum is closed for general visitation December through May. Tours are available by appointment in the off-season by calling 800-752-2618. For up-to-date information on Our House Tavern Museum, visit them on Facebook: Our House Tavern Museum (Official Page).