Last updated: 4/18/2021
101 E. Main St
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM
Free. Donations Accepted.
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Cathryn Stanley
phone: 740-298-7020
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The Belmont County Heritage Museum is a collection of displays representing the history of Belmont County. The stories of its communities and traditions; its landmarks, industries, businesses, and schools; its triumphs and tragedies; its people and their contributions to the county, state, and country are woven together in a rich tapestry that reflects the resilience and determination of the people of this area.
The Museum tour guides you through eight rooms, allowing visitors to step back in time while exploring the county's communities. The museum also hosts meetings and special events. For more information or to plan a visit e-mail info@visitbelmontcounty.com.
The Belmont County Heritage Museum preserves the architecture and history of the Belmont County Sheriff's Residence and celebrates the people, places, and events that shaped this great county. The displays bring the spirit and history of each area together under one roof.
At one point, it was state law that the sheriff and their family had to live on the premises of the county jail. The sheriff's residence provided for that. Every county had one and they were connected to the jail in some way. In Belmont County, the residence was in service as that from 1890 until 1976. After that, it became county offices until 1996 when it was vacated. Thankfully a group of preservationists rallied to save the building. The Belmont County Commissioners utilized grant funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Economic Development funds, and local funding from the Belmont County Tourism Council to restore the structure. The building is now a museum dedicated to the county's history.
The museum’s two newest displays highlight very different subjects. One focuses on the history of nursing, while the other features a TV cowboy star.
The museum is immensely proud to display artifacts from the the Ruth Brant School of Nursing
that were housed in the East Ohio Regional Hospital prior to the hospital’s closing. Organized by
Brant in 1925, and later named in her honor, the school graduated more than 500 nurses before
closing in 1965. The Ruth Brant Alumni Association donated many items such as uniforms from
the early 1900’s, all class photographs, and equipment that were a part of their collection, as well
as a monetary donation to the museum. A section of the Martins Ferry room is now dedicated to
this display.
Another new display spotlights Hendrysburg native William Boyd who gained fame for
portraying cowboy hero Hopalong Cassidy. The items, donated by New Concord resident Laura
Bates, were part of her collection that was open to the public at the Hopalong Cassidy Museum
in Cambridge, OH. Following a fire, the museum was closed in 2016. Items in this display
include “Hoppy” merchandise and promotional items. In addition to buying the rights to the
Hopalong Cassidy movies for television syndication, Boyd, who became the first national TV
star, vastly increased the popularity of his character through the marketing of over 2,400
products that bear his name and likeness.
The museum has a collection of books pertaining to the history of the county and specific towns. It is available for in-person research.
The museum is hosting a Second Saturday Speaker Series from May-October of 2021 on the second Saturday of each month. A variety of topics will be covered. The event will be held outdoors and will be broadcast on Facebook. These events are free.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: No
The Museum welcomes group and bus tours. Convenient bus parking for unloading and re-loading is available. Local eateries and lodging are conveniently located near the museum. The Belmont County Tourism Group Tour Manager can design an itinerary specific to your needs. For more information contact Cathryn Stanley, Belmont County Heritage Museum Curator/ Group Tour Manager at 740-695-4359.
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