Preston County History Day

Learning about life in earlier centuries at Preston County History Day can be easy and fun. You may be surprised at what you can learn at Arthurdale Heritage, open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; the Aurora Area Historical Society Museum, 1-4 p.m.; the McGrew House in Kingwood, 1-3 p.m.; the Head, Heart, Hands & Health Museum in Reedsville from 2-4 p.m.; the Szilagyi Center museums in Rowlesburg from 1-4 p.m.; the History House Museum in Terra Alta, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; and the Tunnelton Train Depot from 1-4 p.m.
Thanks to the work of many volunteers, Arthurdale Heritage’s museum reflects the nation’s first New Deal subsistence homestead community and the unique concept of federal housing support for deserving families. The Department of the Interior spearheaded this historic advancement for everyday Americans and the other 98 equivalent projects around the nation.
Did you know that the small town of Aurora was a summer getaway in the 1880s and later for big city dwellers who felt the mountain air was safer and healthier? See photos of the town and the hotels that drew summer residents to enjoy the casinos, pools, and concert halls there.
Tour the impressive two-story brick home of Kingwood businessman James McGrew, who participated in the risky process of West Virginia becoming our 35th state in 1863. A copy of his Matthew Brady photograph is displayed in the library. See a way of life that has disappeared, along with other rooms full of unique early and 20th-century Kingwood items.
Stop in at the 4-H museum in Reedsville along Rt. 7 near the four-way stop sign. See aspects of county history preserved to commemorate this nationwide youth development program operating since 1914. Generations of Preston’s youth have participated in these formative programs. Many continued in the program by becoming club leaders.
The Szilagyi Center, housed in the old brick school in Rowlesburg, gives you insights into the challenges our servicemen who fought in World War II faced, our county’s high school sports heroes over the years, and the construction of railroad bridges. Also, check out the Cannon Hill sign in the nearby town park explaining the April 1863 skirmish when the Confederate army showed up but were fired on by Union troops and had to skedaddle back out of there quickly.
The History House, with extensive genealogical archives of families who have lived here, also features rooms full of photographs and antique furniture displays, along with vintage everyday living items and toys. Unique items you won’t see anywhere else.
Tunnelton’s old train depot was a central focus of everyday life in the 20th century. Finished in 1913, the B&O facility processed mail, freight, and passenger traffic. See how business communication was handled long before any computers were invented. A working model train exhibit is great for kids.
Also, visit three outdoor Civil War Trail sites near Aurora and Rowlesburg, explaining the unsuccessful Jones-Imboden Raid. The 1854 Virginia Iron Furnace is located along Rt. 26 near Albright. Made of sandstone, the furnace used charcoal and a water wheel for the smelting process.