About Us

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic Arthurdale, WV.

 

Our Mission: to build a resilient community inspired by the history, legacy, and folklife of the first New Deal Community and its people.

 

Arthurdale thrived in the 1930s, but by 1941 plans were underway to liquidate the community and by 1947 all federal property had been sold to private owners. For the next 40 years, after changing ownership several times, the community buildings at the town center suffered neglect and began to deteriorate. A fire later damaged some of the buildings in the 1970s and by the 1980s the buildings were derelict and unused.

In 1984, Arthurdale residents came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Arthurdale. Inspired to save the buildings, one year later they chartered a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Arthurdale, the nation's first New Deal community. They named the organization Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. (AHI).

Since 1985, AHI has saved 5 of Arthurdale's historic buildings, and there is more to be done. We are working hard to preserve the nation's first New Deal community.  With our main buildings restored (though preservation efforts are always ongoing), we are now looking to restore the historic Arthurdale school buildings and to rebuild the community buildings lost to fire.

CENTER HALL

Restored in 1995, Center Hall originally housed a barbershop, craft shop, and event space for community gatherings, today it houses administrative offices and still serves as our main event space and Craft Shop!

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

The Administration building originally housed the New Deal federal agencies which managed the newly formed Arthurdale experimental community. Restored in 1991, the Admin building now serves as part of our New Deal Homestead Museum and archival space.

ESSO STATION

Restored in 1995, the original Esso Service Station and garage bays are now part of the New Deal Homestead Museum, with the garage bays housing our new Factories in the Fields exhibit and historic Co-Op tractors!

THE FORGE

Restored in 1990, the original Forge is now part of the New Deal Homestead Museum. Still a working forge, each year blacksmiths demonstrate their handiwork at our New Deal Festival!

DONATE TODAY!

Arthurdale Heritage needs your help! With your support, we can continue to provide valuable community and educational efforts. We sincerely appreciate any assistance you can provide.