According to Jefferson County Museum director Lori Wysong, the collection focuses on the history of “the place that is now Jefferson County.” If you look back far enough, this area was home to numerous indigenous peoples. After a few explorers from the Virginia colony took a look around in the early 1700s, many immigrants from Germany and elsewhere in continental Europe came into the area via the road from Philadelphia across the Potomac river ford downstream from Shepherdstown.
A few years later, the English settlers from the tidewater and piedmont regions of the Virginia colony started coming over the Blue Ridge mountains in large numbers too. By 1734 the English colony of Virginia included this place in the boundaries of Orange County, then it became part of the newly-created Frederick County in 1738. It became part of Berkeley when that county was established in 1772. Jefferson County was carved out of Berkeley in 1801. The boundaries stayed the same when the county joined join the state of West Virginia, along with Berkeley and Morgan counties, in 1863.
The museum collection covers this early history and continues into the 20th century (Wysong notes she is still collecting materials from current events, anticipating exhibits for future generations). The exhibit hall has been updated for 2024 with new lighting and features a rotating collection of items. The extensive Civil War presentations feature the wagon used to transport John Brown to the gallows (photo) along with a very detailed collection of the every-day items used by soldiers. The display cases of 20th century items provide windows into everyday life, from children’s toys (photo) to the many businesses that have come and gone. In addition to the items on display, the museum’s website offers access to over 9,000 items in the collection.
Lots of Resources
The museum has extensive archives, much of which is accessible via an online catalog. If you’re interested in catching glimpses of what Jefferson County looked like over the past century, the hallway outside of the museum and stairs leading up to the Charles Town Library are lined with “then and now” photos of churches, schools, post offices, and other public buildings. There’s also a collection of “disasters in Jefferson County” photographs on display.
Hours & Location
Jefferson County Museum, 200 East Washington St, Charles Town (below the Charles Town Library). Open mid-March through mid-December, Tue-Fri 10 am – 4 pm, Sat 9 am – 1 pm, closed Sundays & Mondays. Admission is free to Jefferson County residents, donations always appreciated. Web: JeffCoMuseumWV.org, tel: 304-725-8628.
By Staff Contributor