File Photo Maple Shade, a 19th century home in Belpre also known as the Putnam-Houser house, was moved to Blennerhassett Island in 1986.

PARKERSBURG — The final Summer History Program at the Island will be held 1-2 p.m. Saturday at Maple Shade on Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. The house tour and presentation will focus on the lives of Aaron Waldo and Charlotte Loring Putnam and the Blennerhassetts as neighbors and close friends. Maple Shade, also called the Putnam-Houser House, has served five generations of the family. The house, originally in Belpre in 1802, in 1986 was donated and moved by barge to the Island for restoration and public visitation.

Discussion will be about the Putnams coming west to Ohio, life at Farmer’s Castle in Belpre during hostilities, the building of Maple Shade and farmstead improvements and their Blennerhassett neighbors, among other topics.

“Aaron and Charlotte Putnam are an important part of Blennerhassett Island history,” Craig Pyles, superintendent the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.

Cost is $5 for adults and does not include the cost of boat transportation to the island. Maple Shade is air-conditioned for comfort on hot August days. Boats to the island depart Point Park on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. Call the museum to make sure the event will be happen because of Parkersburg Homecoming activities. Allow extra time to park and walk to the point as streets will be closed in the area during homecoming.

For more information, call the museum at 304 420-4800.