The American Sternwheel Association, Inc. (ASA) was founded in January 1976 as a non-profit organization by a small group of enthusiastic sternwheel boat owners. The first meeting was held at the Hotel Lafayette in Marietta, Ohio, which has since become the headquarters for the organization.

Our membership includes people from all over the United States. While many of our members do own paddlewheel boats, all that is required for membership is your love and interest of the rivers and boats themselves.

The ASA is an educational and social organization dedicated to the proliferation of paddlewheel vessels. To accomplish this goal, the ASA works to inform the public about the history, uses, uniqueness, advantages, comradery and just plain fun of owning a paddlewheel boat. Members supply technical and other assistance to anyone wishing to buy or build a vessel. The ASA also publishes a magazine, The Sternwheeler, and a newsletter. The magazine contains articles on river events, boats under construction, history and other subjects pertinent to paddlewheel boating. Along with this web site, the newsletter keeps members informed of current activities. Most member captains and crew attend regattas and river festivals to show their boats, participate in races and other competitions, and to answer questions.

The ASA itself does not conduct races or regattas. Rather, the association serves as a contact between regatta/festival organizers and boat owners. Members' boats take part in many festivals each year including the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta, Ohio held every year on the weekend after Labor Day. The Ohio River Festival is the largest gathering of paddlewheel vessels anywhere in the world. During the course of the summer months there are many such river events up and down the inland water ways; each with their own flavor, but all offer a great time. To far away for a boat trip? Get in your car and drive to one. You'll be glad you did.

The ASA meets every other month: in January, March, May, July, September and November. The meetings are normally held at the Hotel Lafayette on the second Saturday. Often the May and July meetings are held in other cities or locations by invitation. Check the Events section of this web site for up to date information on all meeting and festivals.

So, if you enjoy history, river boating, river festivals and the company of some great people, you'll enjoy them all as a member of the American Sternwheel Association.

Join the ASA.