Southern Ohio Museum

06/02/2026

Thank you to our community, our musicians, and our sponsors for a wonderful evening this past Friday! It was a great way to kick off our first performance on our new IPA Source Plaza.
We still have a few finishing touches on our indoor spaces, so stay tuned for news on our galleries reopening this month!

Thanks to IPA Source, Edward Jones, and the Scioto Foundation.

05/29/2026

Cirque D'Art presents "Around Cirque D'Art in 25 Years," a compilation of their greatest performances. Don't miss out on this chance to see our region's premier aerial theater in action!
This event is held at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, and will take place at the following times:
Friday, May 29th at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 30th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 31st at 2 p.m.

Photo credit: Joann and Randy Waugh

05/29/2026

Jacob Tolliver stopped by to do a quick sound check before his performance tonight! Music starts at 4pm with Steve Free, followed by Stan Workman and Justin Wiget, the Senior Legacy Choir, 23 South, and ending the night with Jacob Tolliver! We can't wait to see you there for this night of homegrown talent!
This performance is free and open to the public.

05/26/2026

Episode 4 of our “From the Vault” series, Savannah Fout discusses Rain Harris, is now
streaming on YOUTUBE! "From the Vault" features local people discussing works from the permanent
collections of the Southern Ohio Museum. You can see Savannah’s entire episode on our YOUTUBE channel at: https://tiny.cc/5tr3101

05/26/2026

It's almost here! Our 2026 Cream of the Crop juried exhibition is right around the corner, with entries running from July 29- August 5. This exhibition is in its 21st year, and is open to artists 18 or older, within 85 miles of Portsmouth Ohio.
All media welcome.
Our juror this year is artist Craig McDaniel.
Follow the link for details and to access the entry form.

In it’s twenty-first year, this biennial exhibition brings together the best the region has to offer. It is truly a celebration of our Appalachian roots! Open to artists 18 years of age and older living within an 85-mile radius of the Museum, this juried exhibition premiers work in all media, and ...

05/22/2026

Our Plaza Party Kickoff starts at 4PM on MAY 29, on our new IPA Source Plaza.
With live music from STEVE FREE, STAN WORKMAN and JUSTIN WIGET, the SENIOR LEGACY CHOIR, 23 SOUTH, and wrapping up the night with JACOB TOLLIVER! With Holly Gail as emcee, Fizzy’s Tacos and Burgers on the Esplanade, and refreshments available, help us celebrate our new outdoor performance space!
Bring your own chair!
Thanks to Edward Jones, IPA Source, The Scioto Foundation, and OAC.

05/22/2026

Our Plaza Party Kickoff starts at 4PM on MAY 29, on our new IPA Source Plaza.
With live music from STEVE FREE, STAN WORKMAN and JUSTIN WIGET, the SENIOR LEGACY CHOIR, 23 SOUTH, and wrapping up the night with JACOB TOLLIVER! With Holly Gail as emcee, Cj's Fish and Chicken on the Esplanade, and refreshments available, help us celebrate our new outdoor performance space!
Bring your own chair!

Thanks to Edward Jones, IPA Source, The Scioto Foundation, and OAC.

05/19/2026

Looking for your next road trip? "Traveler's Guide to Ancient Ohio", by John Hancock, shares 8 routes connecting prehistoric sites in Ohio, beckoning readers to a summer full of adventure and learning. John will be presenting his book at the Southern Ohio Museum on June 11 at 6 p.m. You can reserve your seat at: https://www.southernohiomuseum.org/event-details/travelers-guide-to-ancient-ohio

05/18/2026

Join Cirque d’Art Theatre to celebrate an unforgettable 25th Anniversary Show — “Around Cirque D’ Art in 25 years”
For one weekend, Cirque d'Art is bringing back some of the most iconic routines from the past 25 years, reimagined and performed by a talented cast. This show is a tribute to the memories that have shaped Cirque d'Art Theatre's 25 year journey.
This Performance will be held at the Verne Riffe Center for the Arts.
📅 Show Dates:
• Friday, May 29th at 7 PM
• Saturday, May 30th at 2 PM & 7 PM
• Sunday, May 31st at 2 PM
🎟️ Tickets will be available soon at the box office and will also be sold at the door.
940 2nd St, Portsmouth, OH 45662
740 351-3600