Open Letter;
Believe it or not, 2023 marks 60 years since the opening of the Pocahontas County Museum and 62 years since the formation of the Pocahontas County Historical Society. This may very well be the year of the museum’s closure.
If you are, or are not, a descendant of the original 40+ founders, or of the hundreds of donors over the years who entrusted us with county treasures or, like me, an implant history lover from far away – step up. Or, perhaps, you live far away and value your connections with the Birthplace of Rivers.
I volunteered at the museum the summer of 1976 when I moved here and for the last several years have been the only person to conduct tours of this unique historical gem. Of course, I love it, but I am now 82 years old. I cleaned it by myself and weeded the Price Family cemetery and cleared out a vast pile of tree limbs last year alone.
As well as money, we need physical action, energy, support and ideas. We few have used ours up. I would hate to see the museum close and the collection redistributed away from its home here. We have many rare items dating back to prehistoric times – thanks to the Price family and other county collectors.
Suggestions are a first step, but I am asking for your time, labor and money.
Dr. Denise McNeel
Box 453
Marlinton, WV 24954