Morgantown History Museum | Morgantown

The Morgantown History Museum in Morgantown, West Virginia, stands as one of the city’s central institutions dedicated to preserving and interpreting the story of Morgantown and Monongalia County. Situated at 175 Kirk Street, the museum occupies part of a historic building once used by the U.S. Post Office in the early 20th century. The structure’s stone and brick façade, tall arched windows, and solid symmetry reflect a blend of classical revival and early federal design elements, giving the museum a dignified, civic presence in downtown Morgantown.

Origins and Background

The idea for the museum began in the early 2000s when local historians, educators, and civic leaders recognized the need for a permanent repository of regional artifacts. The city government established the Morgantown Museum Commission in 2005, and the museum officially opened to the public a year later, on West Virginia Day. Since then, it has grown into a cornerstone of local heritage education, offering both permanent and rotating exhibits that highlight Morgantown’s evolution-from a small river settlement to a modern university city.

Interior and Atmosphere

Inside, the museum’s design emphasizes both preservation and accessibility. Wooden floors, exposed brick sections, and carefully restored door frames remind visitors of the building’s age, while modern lighting, display cases, and climate control ensure that delicate materials remain protected. Soft background music or ambient sound effects-such as recordings from old Morgantown streets or local industries-occasionally accompany special exhibits, immersing visitors in the city’s past.

Permanent Exhibits

The core of the collection focuses on Morgantown’s development across different eras. One section covers early settlement, featuring pioneer tools, maps, and household objects from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Another highlights the city’s industrial period, with displays of glassware, mining equipment, and artifacts from local factories that once powered the regional economy. A section on communication history showcases a fully restored printing press, along with type blocks, paper rolls, and examples of early local newspapers.

A particularly popular area is dedicated to Don Knotts, the beloved actor and comedian who was born in Morgantown. The exhibit includes personal memorabilia, photographs, and clips of his performances, celebrating his roots and contributions to entertainment.

Rotating and Special Exhibits

The museum’s temporary gallery rotates exhibits several times a year, often focusing on specific local landmarks or anniversaries. One recent feature highlighted the Old Stone House, believed to be the oldest surviving structure in Monongalia County. Through architectural models, photographs, and a partial reconstruction of the building’s interior, the exhibit illustrated how the house served various purposes-residence, tavern, and meeting place-over two centuries. Other rotating themes have explored coal mining families, riverboat trade along the Monongahela River, and the cultural impact of the early railroad era.

Educational and Research Role

Beyond exhibitions, the Morgantown History Museum functions as a small but active research center. A dedicated corner of the main hall contains archives of photographs, handwritten letters, land records, and maps. Scholars, genealogists, and students can request access to these materials for study. The museum also partners with local schools and West Virginia University to develop history programs and oral history projects that capture firsthand accounts of the area’s growth.

Visitor Experience

The museum offers a calm and reflective atmosphere. Visitors typically begin their tour with an introductory timeline showing Morgantown’s founding and expansion, then proceed through rooms arranged thematically-industry, daily life, education, and culture. Staff members, often volunteers from the local community, provide context and anecdotes, explaining the origins of certain objects or sharing stories passed down from local families.

Natural light filters through the tall front windows during the day, illuminating glass displays and highlighting the textures of old documents and hand-crafted tools. Toward the back of the building, a small gift section sells locally made crafts, postcards, and historical reproductions.

Community Role and Events

The museum plays an active role in community life, hosting lectures, exhibit openings, and heritage-themed gatherings. Events might include reenactments, presentations by historians, or “History Night” sessions where residents bring personal artifacts to share their family stories. The Friends of the Morgantown History Museum, a volunteer support group, assists with fundraising and exhibit preparation.

Accessibility and Layout

The facility is designed to be fully accessible, with an entrance ramp at the rear parking lot and elevator access to main exhibit areas. Parking spaces are available behind the building and along nearby streets. Inside, wide corridors and clear signage make navigation easy for all visitors.

Overall Impression

Visiting the Morgantown History Museum feels like stepping into a living record of the city’s past-one that continues to evolve as new stories are added. The atmosphere is unhurried and thoughtful, offering both depth for serious researchers and curiosity for casual visitors. With its well-curated displays, knowledgeable staff, and ongoing community engagement, the museum captures the enduring spirit of Morgantown’s people and their connection to the place they call home.