Clarksburg History Museum

The Clarksburg History Museum formed in 2017 thanks to the efforts of volunteers. The museum was initially a part of the Harrison County Historical Society before becoming an independent entity. The museum opened on the second floor of the Harrison County Board of Education building in November of 2018. The first exhibits honored local veterans and included artifacts from Clarksburg’s history. After less than a year on the second floor, the Clarksburg History Museum moved to the first floor of the building. This space is almost two and a half times the size of the previous space, allowing the museum more room to showcase its continually growing collection.

The Clarksburg History Museum includes a variety of items and artifacts spanning millions of years. The oldest things in the museum can be found in the Fossil Room, which encourages visitors to explore the area’s prehistoric beginnings. The formation of the city of Clarksburg is well documented in several displays. One case contains objects important to the founding of the city, such as the original flag and city charters. Another case honors the contributions of law enforcement and firefighters throughout Clarksburg’s history. Displays about the city’s trolleys and train systems cover historical transportation in and around the town. Finally, Clarksburg has been served by seven hospitals over the years, each of which is included in a medical exhibit.

A strength of the Clarksburg History Museum is the information and objects pertaining to industry and employment. A display by Dominion Energy celebrates the company’s history in the area, which is almost as old as Clarksburg itself. Dominion Energy has been a significant philanthropic force for Clarksburg. A well-established profession throughout Appalachia is coal mining, and a display in the museum features lamps, a lunchbox, and miners’ hats important to the trade. Clarksburg was also a major glass-producing center, particularly for marbles. Two exhibits showcase glass objects created in Clarksburg. Additionally, many Clarksburg natives pursued a career outside of the city by joining the army. A full room of military equipment and gear includes items from every American conflict since World War I.

The Clarksburg History Museum also commemorates the city’s cultural history. A number of exhibits explore the lives of famous Clarksburg natives. Perhaps the most famous resident is Civil War Confederate general Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson. On the opposite side of the conflict was John S. Carlile, often called the father of West Virginia for his role in securing statehood for northern Virginia. John W. Davis was Democratic nominee for president in 1924, though he lost to Calvin Coolidge. Gray Barker, a science fiction writer who inspired the film “Men in Black” lived and worked in the city. Many other individuals are included in the museum. Other cultural exhibits include historical objects from the nearby Robinson Grand Theater and a room devoted to the history of education in the area.

In addition to historical exhibits, the Clarksburg History Museum also displays artwork by local artists and contains The Fiddlers Hand Gift Shop. Programming ranges from school field trip tours, to memorials and events dedicated to Clarksburg personalities like athlete Frank Loria. As the museum continues to expand and add new items to the collection, it is becoming an increasingly thorough cultural experience documenting the history of Clarksburg. Be sure to check out this entry's virtual tour, which features informational audio clips from the museum director, curators, and other relevant professionals.

About the Museum, Clarksburg History Museum. Accessed March 4th 2021. https://www.clarksburghistorymuseum.com/about-us.

Personal interview with Michael Spatafore, museum president. Conducted by Iain MacKay. March 2nd, 2021.