Walking Tour of the Historic Athens Asylum

November 14, 2020

Walking Tour of the Historic Athens Asylum
Tour the famous Athens Asylum, one of the few Kirkbride Asylums left. George Eberts, long time Asylum employee and local expert on the Athens Asylum, will be leading an outdoor walking tour of the historic Asylum grounds and buildings. His insights on patient treatment throughout the asylum’s 150-year existence are peppered with stories, personal anecdotes, and hidden locations throughout the grounds.
Learn about the history of the famed Kirkbride and other buildings, the renowned landscaped grounds, historic cemeteries, and the evolution of mental health treatment from the inception of this storied institution until its closure a quarter century ago. The tour will last approximately two hours. Due to Ohio University restrictions, access to the inside of the buildings is limited, but you can tour the main entryway as well as the Kennedy Museum.
We meet at the Kennedy Museum of Art, in front of the original Administration Building of the Athens Asylum- 100 Ridges Circle, Athens, OH 45701. This is an outdoor tour so please plan accordingly. MASKS ARE ENCOURAGED, but not required. Social Distancing will also be practiced. This is an outdoor walking tour and will cover the entire loop of the grounds including the cemeteries so if you have small children, bring a stroller!
Ticket Prices:
Southeast Ohio History Center Members - $15
Regular Non-Member Adult - $18
*Non-members can also pay $20 and receive admission to the History Center too!
Students with a Student ID- $10
Children 12 and Under Are Free
For more information or to reserve a space on the tour contact the Southeast Ohio History Center at 740-592-2280. Tickets can be purchased at the History Center at 24 West State Street in Athens. Tours do sell out regularly, so please reserve your tickets prior to the tour.
Rain Policy: We conduct the Asylum Tour in rain or shine so please bring appropriate clothing and umbrellas as conditions require. Cancellation will take place only if dangerous weather such as lighting storm or high winds are active. In winter months, if there is a level 2 or 3 snow emergency, the tour will be canceled as well. In the event of cancellation, those with prepaid tickets can call us and choose either another tour or receive a refund.

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