“Here the Pioneers Landed,” an exhibit commemorating the 1938 Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Founding of the Northwest Territory, is open now through the end of 2025 at Campus Martius Museum in Marietta.

As the 150th anniversary of the expansion of the United States by the enactment of the Northwest Ordinance approached, the states that were formed out of the Northwest Territory (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota) collaborated with the federal government to create a series of events to celebrate with thousands of Americans.

Celebrations included a trek retracing the original 48 Pioneers’ steps from Ipswich, Massachusetts, to Marietta, a large parade, and several days’ worth of performances of an original play called “Wagons West.”

Other local celebratory projects remain today, including the murals on display at the Marietta City Building, the “Start Westward” monument, and the gates near Muskingum Park on Front Street.

The exhibit at Campus Martius features photographs, newspaper clippings and memorabilia from the 1938 events. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for veterans and students. Blue Star Families, children under 5, Ohio History Connection Members and Friends of the Museum are admitted free.