Walking tour of the historic Athens Asylum offered

The Southeast Ohio History Center will host a chance to tour the famous Athens Asylum, the largest building in Ohio when it was constructed. Meet at the Kennedy Museum of Art, in front of the large Kirkbride Building of the Athens Asylum at 2 p.m. Saturday.

George Eberts, long-time Asylum employee and local expert on the Athens Asylum, will lead an outdoor walking tour of the historic Athens Asylum grounds and buildings. His insights on patient treatment throughout the asylum’s 140-year existence are peppered with stories, personal anecdotes and hidden locations throughout the grounds.

Learn about the history of the famed Kirkbride and other cottages and historic buildings, the renowned landscaped grounds, historic cemeteries, and the evolution of mental health treatment from the inception of this storied institution until its closure more than a quarter century ago. It is the last historic asylum complex still intact in the state of Ohio.

Tickets are $20 for non-members and $10 for students. Spaces are limited.

For information or to reserve a space on the tour, contact the Southeast Ohio History Center at (740) 592-2280 or stop in at 24 W. State St., Athens. Be sure to dress for the weather. Tour will meet in front of the Kennedy Museum of Art (Lin Hall).