Ohio’s First River Navigation Academy Opens in 2026 | News, sports, jobs

Provided photo Taylor Abbott, board member of Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen and driving force behind a new maritime academy, speaks during the group’s 85th annual meeting. He also serves as Monroe County Treasurer.

MARIETTA, Ohio – During the 85th annual meeting of the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen in Marietta, a standing-room-only crowd witnessed the unveiling of a transformative project – the creation of the Inland Waterways Maritime Academy, Ohio’s first river navigation academy.

The academy is scheduled to open in 2026 in Sardis on the former Riverside Golf Course site under a proposed lease with the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. The project is a partnership between the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen and Mountwest College of Huntington, West Virginia.

The announcement came as part of a celebration of the organization’s 85th anniversary. Founded in 1939 by J. Mack Gamble and Elizabeth Litton, both of Clarington, the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen have spent the last eight decades preserving the history of the Ohio River.

The organization, in collaboration with the Ohio History Connection’s Ohio River Museum in Marietta, has maintained one of the finest museum collections of river history. In addition, her J. Mack Gamble Fund, a foundation established in 1973, has provided over $1.3 million in grants to river projects across the country since 1978.

Victor Canfield, vice president of the organization, opened the evening by welcoming guests and introducing Taylor Abbott, board member and visionary behind the project. Abbott first came up with the idea over two years ago and worked with various partners to bring it into reality. During his speech, Abbott expressed his excitement:

“Tonight I have the honor of announcing the Inland Waterways Maritime Academy – a project that marks a significant evolution in the mission and vision of the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen. This isn’t just another milestone; it is a transformation. For decades, we have been stewards of the river’s history, telling the stories of the steamboats, the Ohio River and the remarkable people who lived along and sailed its waters. Now we take on a new role – not only as historians, but also as educators, trainers and supporters of the future of our inland river maritime industry.”

The unveiling was made in collaboration with key figures including Sherri Sowards, Principal of Mountwest Maritime Academy; Raymond Newby, instructor at the Maritime Academy; and Bill Mahon of the Ohio History Connection. All were present along with river industry representatives. Following the announcement, Jeffrey Spear, president of the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen, along with Canfield, Sowards and Newby, unveiled renderings of the future facility to an enthusiastic crowd.

The complex will feature a state-of-the-art pilot simulator, a state-of-the-art Maritime Academy classroom, and educational exhibits showcasing the Sons & Daughters’ extensive collection of river artifacts, including boat models and fine art. A public simulator will also enable visitors young and old to learn something about the river in an interactive and practical way.

Abbott highlighted the potential for workforce development, noting:

“This initiative will provide individuals in Appalachia with a new opportunity to build a career in the maritime industry and provide them with the skills they need for tugboat and river fleet operations. With starting salaries of $50,000+ and outstanding benefits, we are not only creating jobs but also investing in life-changing careers for our region’s workforce.”

To conclude the evening, Spear invited guests to raise a glass to the future of the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen and their 85-year legacy.

The maritime academy is scheduled to open its doors in mid-2026, starting a new chapter in Ohio’s maritime heritage.

Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox