Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center — Attraction in Portsmouth

I've lived in this area for 30-some years and i just found out about this place just a few months ago, thanks to google suggestions. My youngest daughter who is 17, just loves these types of places and loves to look at art, especially if it's done by locals. This place was just amazing to be honest. And the best part is that it's free. They do have a donation box close to the entrance, but it's donations, so you can if you want, and you don't if you don't want to. But the place is pretty much run by volunteers and donations. There's so many things to look at and so many different talented artists, and most of the artwork is for sale as well. I'd have to say my favorite area was on the second floor where you learn a lot about the history of the local area and the surrounding counties, including most of southern ohio and southeastern kentucky. There's everything from fossils, arrowheads, pottery, homemade tools from all different time periods. Very educational. There's also a cute little gift shop as you first walk in where you'll find lots of different homemade jewelry and stones, and glass pieces. So if you just want to enjoy a nice afteroon exploring and learning this would be the perfect place...

I've been to this museum several times over the course of my life, and every time I leave I think about how underappreciated our little museum is in the community and how many talented people we have that live locally.

The first floor gallery seems to be a collection that changes over time showcasing various genres and artists. Upstairs is the Clarence Holbrook Carter collection and the Wertz: Art of the Ancients Collections. The Carter collection is astounding, the pieces themselves are enormous and and any visitor would feel as they are being drawn into these portraits. The Wertz collection is a voluminous collection of Native American artifacts. The placards briefly describe some of the artifacts but overall knowledge shared is shallow and does not do this immense collection justice.

I would love to attend events such as the Museum: After Hours or similar events if they were hosted (and they may be) but this hidden gem isn't promoted as well as it should be. Given that there is no entrance fee and only a voluntary donation this place should be on any locals or visiting...

On our tour of Portsmouth we spent some time at the museum. Wow what a gem and it was free! They had a lot of Native American history and artifacts and some very interest art exhibits. They are getting ready for a new exhibit and we will be back to check it out. The staff were great and it was easy to find. There is street parking and restrooms. I completely recommend making this a stop if you are...