Preston County History Day

Learning about Preston County life in earlier centuries on September 17 can be easy and fun.
On Preston County History Day, you may be surprised by what you can learn.
On September 17, Preston County History Day will be observed at:

• Arthurdale Heritage, open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• The Aurora Area Historical Society Museum, 1-4 p.m.
• Old Hemlock near Brandonville, 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. (tours only)
• The McGrew House in Kingwood, 1-3 p.m.
• The Szilagyi Center museums in Rowlesburg from 1-4 p.m.
• The History House Museum in Terra Alta, 1-4 p.m.
• Tunnelton Train Depot from 1-3 p.m.

Arthurdale Heritage

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 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. Yes, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is a part of the story at Arthurdale, the nation’s first New Deal subsistence homestead community constructed by the federal government to help families during the Great Depression. Her 33 trips made there gave her the opportunity to evaluate the project’s progress.

Aurora Area Historical Society Museum

Did you know that 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.

Old Hemlock

At 17098 Brandonville Pike, Old Hemlock, the 1782 stone/log country home of renowned outdoors author George Bird Evans and his wife features exhibits on Mr. Evans’ work as an illustrator and author on upland bird shooting. Also, the Evans’ English Setter breeding efforts are part of the tour.

The McGrew House

Tour the impressive two-story brick home of Kingwood businessman, James McGrew, who participated in 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.

The Szilagyi Center

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 was fired on by Union troops and had to skedaddle back out of there quickly.

The History House Museum

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.

The Tunnelton Train Depot Museum

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 computers were invented. A working model train exhibit is great for kids.

Also, there are three outdoor Civil War Trail sites near Aurora and Rowlesburg explaining the Jones-Imboden Raid and its effect on those areas of the county. 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.

Many of these county historical sites will also be open on October 15.

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Preston County, WV, USA