Celebrate Preston County History Day on June 16 by understanding life as our predecessors lived it.

Explore earlier times 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, 2-4p.m.; the Szilagyi Center museums in Rowlesburg from 1-4 p.m.; the History House Museum in Terra Alta, 1-4 p.m.; and the Tunnelton Train Depot from 1-3 p.m.  

See the new exhibit at Arthurdale on production of the Co-op tractors to employ homesteaders at the nation’s first New Deal subsistence homestead project in the midst of the Great Depression. Eleanor Roosevelt, America’s first lady, was involved from 1933 forward to create the groundbreaking project. Her annual visits to stay involved, including passing out diplomas at the high school commencements, were important occasions.

Did you know that Aurora was one of the first areas settled in the county and was once a summer resort town for wealthy city families coming to “take the mountain air”? The museum includes many exhibits of various aspects of community life over the decades. 

A Kingwood businessman, James C. McGrew, was part of the Civil War era movement to add West Virginia as the nation’s 35th state. Walk through his home and learn how Persis McGrew, his wife, also taught many young women skills for household service jobs.

In Reedsville, learn about 100 years of 4-H history in the county at the Head, Heart, Hands & Health museum through exhibits about members’ traditions and the programs for all ages. Participating in 4-H provided formative efforts outside the home and school.

The Szilagyi Center’s multiple museums in Rowlesburg give visitors extensive connections to World War II’s challenges and our local servicemen, Preston County’s own high school sports heroes, and railroad bridges.

The History House has a wide variety of exhibits on antique weapons and armor, cameras, musical instruments, farm and carpentry tools as just a starting point, as well as family history and court records.

The Tunnelton Train Depot, built in 1913, features exhibits which explain railroad life and commerce that continued late into the 20^th Century. B&O Railroad train rides to regional towns were once easier and more common than auto travel. There are two historic tunnels nearby.

Also, there are three outdoor Civil War Trail sites near Aurora and Rowlesburg and the 1854 Virginia Iron Furnace is located along Rt. 26 near Albright.

These county historical sites will be open the third Sunday of each month through October 20.