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. 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. The tour will cover the entire loop of the grounds, so if you have small children bring a stroller!

***For more information about the tour contact the Southeast Ohio History Center at 740-592-2280. Tickets can also 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.

REFUND POLICY- Refunds will be given only under the following circumstances:
• Requests that are pre-paid and made at least 48 Hours prior to tour.
• Inclement weather (discretion of SOHC).
• Level 2 or higher snow emergency.