Historical Museum Guide for West Virginia

West Virginia History Museums

West Virginia State Museum

WV State Museum Exhibits Online

Barbour County Historical Museum   

[History and Photos] 

Housed in an old railroad depot, the museum has on exhibit the Philippi Mummies along with many artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, historical documents and photos from the Barbour County area.  Location is 200 N. Main Street in Philippi, WV.

Historic Sites in Barboursville

Belle Boyd House Museum

Operated by the Berkeley County Historical Society, the historic childhood home of Belle Boyd (famed Confederate spy) has ten rooms of displays.  Built in 1853, the red brick house is located at 126 E. Race Street in Martinsburg, WV.

General Adam Stephen House

Adam Stephen (a Revolutionary War General and founder of Martinsburg) was the original owner of this historic home which today houses the historical museum.  Built ca 1774-1789, the museum features historical artifacts and items related to the history of Martinsburg.  Located at 309 E. John Street in Martinsburg, WV.

Historic Places in Berkeley County

Triple Brick Museum

Built ca 1874 by Philip Showers and known as Tribble House, the historic apartment building is today used as a local history museum.  Located at 313 E. John Street, next to the Adam Stephen House in Martinsburg.

Brook County Museum

Housed in the 1794 Miller's Tavern, the museum is focused on the history of Brooke County from 1797 to present day.  Located next to old Wellsburg Wharf at 600 Main Street in Wellsburg, WV.

Jenkins Plantation Museum

This historic plantation home was built in 1835 by Captain William Jenkins and was home to the Confederate Brigadier General Albert Gallatin Jenkins.  It is currently being restored and in the future it will become a living history plantation.  Located 15 miles north of Huntington at 8814 Ohio River Road in Lesage, WV.

Fort Mulligan at Petersburg

Constructed in 1863 by Federal troops during the Civil War, what remains of this impressive fort today is the earthworks.  A walking tour is laid out in their brochure and is worth the visit for the breathtaking views alone.  Located off U.S. Highway 220 at the south end of Petersburg, WV.

General Lewis Inn and Restaurant

[History]

Situated on the site of an 1862 Civil War battle, the Inn offers getaway rooms and fine dining.  The inn was created from the old 1834 Withrow House in 1929.  Location is 301 E. Washington Street in Lewisburg, WV.

The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier resort has been welcoming visitors since 1778 and is home to the Presidents Cottage Museum (host to 26 United States presidents) is housed in a historic building overlooking the Springhouse at the Greenbrier.  Located at 300 W. Main St. in White Sulphur Springs, WV.

North House Museum

Constructed in 1820, the museum features 200 years of history in the United States.  Location is 301 West Washington Street in Lewisburg, WV.

Capon Bridge Museum

Located just west of the Capon Bridge Library on Route 50 in the old dentist office of Dr. Gardner, the museum features artifacts and exhibits related to the early history of the Cacapon Valley of WV.

Fort Edwards Foundation of Capon Bridge   [History]

Archaeological digs are being performed at the site of Fort Edwards and the Visitors Center offers visitors some insight into the history of the fort and it's role in the French and Indian War.  A new museum will is in the works for this site.  Located on Coldstream Road in Capon Bridge, WV.

Historic Sites in Hardy County at Wickipedia

Lost River State Park

A lovely and historic park situated in the wooded mountains of Hardy County, WV.

321 Park Drive in Mathias, WV.

Lost River Craft Cooperative and Museum

Featuring the artifacts and exhibits of early history of the Lost River Valley, the museum also offers demonstrations from local artisans and their artwork may be purchased.  Located on Highway 259 in Lost River, WV.

Levi Shinn Log House  [History]

[Shinn Family History]

Constructed in 1778, the log house is operated by the Shinnston Historical Association as a living history museum and tours are offered on Wednesdays.  Located in Shinnston, WV.

Watters Smith Memorial State Park and Living History Museum

John Brown Fort at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park

Entler Hotel Restoration  [History Timeline]

Built in 1786, the three story brick building is now a museum located on the corner of German and Princess Streets in Shepherdstown, WV.

George Tyler Moore Civil War Center

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park   [History & Photos]

Historic Shepherdstown Museum

Dedicated to the preservation of Jefferson County and Shepherdstown history, the museum features furnished Victorian rooms and displays of local and American Indian artifacts.  Located in the historic Entler Hotel in downtown Shepherdstown, WV.

Jefferson County Museum

The museum features many historic artifacts related to the local history of Charles Town and the surrounding area.  Collections include Civil War relics, uniforms, photographs, antiques, historical documents and other items.  Located at 200 E. Washington Street in Charles Town, WV.

Mecklenburg Tobacco Warehouse   [Riverfront History]

Old Grant County Courthouse (Need new link)

Craik-Patton House 

[History]  [Virtual Tour]

Built in 1834 by Reverend James Craik, the Elm Grove house sits on the banks of the Kanawha River.  The house was later owned by Colonel George Smith Patton, the grandfather to the famed WWII General Patton.  Today, visitors may tour the house and grounds and hear about the history of its early inhabitants.  Located adjacent to Daniel Boone Roadside Park in Charleston, WV.

Gorby's Vintage Instrument Museum

[History]

A collection of early musical instruments.  Located at 214 Seventh Avenue in South Charleston, WV.

South Charleston Museum

Housed inside the historic LaBelle Theatre along with the South Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, the museum features historical artifacts, documents, early photographs and items related to the cultural heritage of South Charleston and the Kanawha Valley.  Located at 311 D Street in South Charleston, WV.

West Virginia State Museum   [Historic Photos]

West Virginia Museum of American Glass

Featuring the heritage of glassware in America, the museum offers thousands of glass examples to be viewed.  Located at 230 Main Avenue in downtown Weston, WV.

High Gate Carriage House

Prickett's Fort State Park   [History]

West Virginia Folk Life Center

The museum is focused on the preservation of the culrutral heritage of the region's festivals, performances and publications.  Located at Fairmont State University, 1201 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV.

Fostoria Glass Museum at the Anna B. Smith House

West Virginia State Farm Living History Museum

This farm museum complex is located just 4 miles north of Point Pleasant, WV off of 62N.  The early pioneer farm life and heritage of West Virginia re being preserved in this 50 acre farm which becomes a living history museum on festival weekends.

Historic Sites in Mineral County   [History and Photos]

Nancy Hanks Birthplace and Memorial (mother of Abe Lincoln)

Royce J and Caroline B. Watts Museum

The primary focus of this museum is on the history of the coal, oil and natural gas industries in West Virginia but also includes related information about surrounding states.  They hold large collections of mining artifacts, historical photographs and mining documents.  Located on the Evansdale Campus of WVU in the Mineral Resources Building, Room 125.

Scott's Run Museum   [Virtual Tour]  [History]

Rehoboth Methodist Church & Museum   [History & Photos]

Berkeley Springs State Park   [History]

Museum of The Berkeley Springs

Housed inside the Roman Bath House, the museum features information about the springs, Native American artifacts, historic bathing wear, and other items related to the history of the area.  Located inside the 1815 Roman Bath House on the second floor in Berkeley Springs State Park.

Independence Hall National Historic Landmark

Oglebay Institute

Houses the Mansion Museum, Glass Museum and Northwood Gallery.

Cass Historical Museum (Need new link)

Features logging artifacts and tools, sawmill equipment, Civil War artifacts, photographs and other historical items related to the history of Cass, West Virginia.  Located inside Cass Scenic Railroad Sate Park in Cass, WV.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park   [History & Photos]

Ride the scenic train which is driven by the steam locomotives of the past.  Originally used in 1901 to haul lumber to the mill in Cass, WV, these are Shay locomotives and many of the passenger cars are fashioned from old logging flat cars.  Visitors will enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about the rich heritage of this area.  Located in Cass, WV. 

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park   [Museum]

A Civil War battle site, today it is a park which was built by the CCC and features a small Civil War museum.  Located in the southern Portion of Pocahontas County.

Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum (Stulting House) 

[History & Bio]

This lovely house was built by the Stulting family from Holland and is the birthplace of Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker, later known as Pearl S. Buck.  Visitors will be led on guided tours through period rooms with original furniture and memorabilia of Pearl S. Buck as well as WV crafts.  The Sydenstricker House (birthplace of Pearl Buck's father) has been dismantled and moved to the grounds.  It is currently being used as a cultural center and Sydenstricker Museum where visitors will learn about early farm life of the area.  Located in Hillsboro, WV.

Americana Museum at Terra Alta (Need new link.  Has this museum closed?)

Exhibits include an old doctor's office, carriage house, country store, a blacksmith shop and historic artifacts related to the history of Terra Alta, WV.  Call for hours: 304 789-2361.

401 Aurora Avenue in Terra Alta, WV.

Aurora Area History Center

A full sized replica of an 1850s General Store and exhibits related to the history of the Union District of Preston County, WV.  Located on U.S. Route 50 in Aurora, WV.

Buckalew Museum  (Need new link)

[Buckalew Family History]

Containing many historical artifacts collected by Mr. L. S. Buckalew including Indian arrowheads, military items, and more, the museum is housed inside the courthouse located at Preston County Commission in Kingwood, WV.

Cathedral State Park

Hemlock trees over 90 feet tall are found in this ancient hemlock forest covering over 130 acres.  Location is on U.S. Route 50 near Aurora, WV.

History House Museum

Operated by the Preston County Historical Society and housed in the former 1892 Terra Alta Bank, the museum features railroad artifacts, old photos, maps, firearms, Indian artifacts, Civil War memorabilia and other items of historical interest for the Terra Alta area.  Located at 109 E. Washington Street in Terra Alta, WV.

New Deal Homestead Museum

The project was created for coal miners and industrial workers by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1934, giving them a chance for a new life.  The museum offers tours with costumed guides of the forge, service station, administration building and the E-15 homestead giving insight into this depression era project.  Located off of Route 92 in Arthurdale, WV.

Augusta Heritage Center   [Photos]

Helvetia Museum

First log cabin of Swiss settlers in Randolph County.

Contains early settlers artifacts. 
Located in Randolph County Historic Square.
 

Anna Jarvis Birthplace  [Photo Tour]

Located four miles south of Grafton, WV.

International Mother's Day Shrine    [History]

Related Information: Mother's Day at Wikipedia

Tyler County Heritage & Historical Society

Housed in the 1908 Tyler County High School building (first county high school in West Virginia), the museum offers 16 rooms of historic artifacts and items related to the history of Tyler County, WV.  Researchers will find a Genealogy Department and an Alumni Room full of historical items from the history of the school.  Located on Dodd Street in Middlebourne, WV.

Ceredo Historical Society Museum (PDF File)

Located at Midland Trail, this article tells about he history of the Ceredo area.

New Era One Room School House

[History]   [The Teachers]   [Photos]

An 1884 restored one room school is furnished with period furnishings and artifacts.  Located in Mineral Wells, WV.

Museum Index for Other States

West Virginia Census Records