Adena, once a sprawling 2,000-acre estate, belonged to Thomas Worthington, Ohio’s sixth governor and a founding U.S. Senator. Completed in 1807, the mansion stands restored, meticulously recreating the Worthington family’s life with many original furnishings. Notably, it’s one of only three remaining houses designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, a prominent architect.

Today, 300 acres of the original estate remain, encompassing the mansion, five outbuildings, and stunning formal gardens. Extensive renovations have brought the gardens back to life, offering visitors a chance to meander through terraces overflowing with flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and a serene grove of trees. From the north lawn, a breathtaking vista unfolds eastward across the Scioto River Valley towards the Logan Range. This very panorama inspired the design of Ohio’s Great Seal.

Taking over the management of Adena Mansion and Gardens in 2010 wasn’t a walk in the park. The Board of Directors, led by Marvin Jones, rose to the challenge. They crafted a flexible business plan to guide the organization’s growth and assembled a dedicated team to tackle the initial hurdles.

Through unwavering commitment, the Adena Mansion and Gardens Society upholds its mission:

• 

  Preserving the historic estate of Thomas Worthington and his family.

• Highlighting his role in shaping Ohio’s early history.
• Instilling appreciation for Adena’s cultural significance for generations to come.

The Society operates on a $300,000 annual budget. While the Ohio History Connection generously provides half of this amount, the Society actively generates the remaining funds through various initiatives:

• Admissions and Group Tours
• Events
• Membership Programs and Sponsorships
• Securing Grants
• Facility Rentals
• Gift Shop Sales

This diversified approach ensures the long-term sustainability of Adena Mansion and Gardens, allowing visitors to continue exploring this significant piece of Ohio’s history.

Mike Warren‘s involvement began in 2018 when he was recruited to serve on the board of directors, of which he is now President of. Warren Law Firm’s Co-Council Aaron McHenry has also served on the Adena board in the past. Mike’s passion for history, particulary local history in the Southern Ohio region, is what drew him to this amazing place.

“You can just feel the history reverberating from this place, it’s magical” Mike said in a recent discussion about the Adena. “The grounds and building are truly a hidden gem in our area. I just love  being a part of the efforts to preserve the mansion and I also get a thrill when telling history lovers about how important Thomas Worthington was to Ohio’s history.”

Mike added more background  on his involvement with the Adena… “We have a visitor center! It features interactive displays that bring history to life, and there’s also a gift shop for a fun memento of your visit. School children love coming here in busloads – it’s a great place to learn about Ohio’s past. You’ll see curated relics from the Worthington family on display, and the grounds are meticulously maintained to reflect that period. You can actually see the mountains depicted on the Great Seal of Ohio.”

Adena 2024 Events

Mark your calendars! This spring, we’re hosting our annual Heirloom Plant Sale, offering a chance to take home unique varieties passed down through generations.

Summer brings a fun-filled season:

Step back in time! Cheer on our team in a hilarious baseball game against a group of ringers, all dressed in period clothing and using old-fashioned equipment. Cool off with a sweet treat! Join us for a delightful ice cream social – a perfect summer tradition. Treasure hunt! Keep an eye out for our occasional summer auction, where you might just find something special.

History comes alive at Adena Mansion and Gardens. Explore the estate, learn about Ohio’s past, and support its preservation through the dedicated efforts of the Adena Mansion and Gardens Society. Tell them Mike sent ya!