Wetzel County Historical Society restarts, looks to the past and the future

NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. (WTRF) — After 15 years, Wetzel County has reformed its Historical Society, and the group has its eye on both the past and the future.

Members have begun selling museum memberships and creating a newsletter to share its history dating back to 1846.

They have also purchased the former printing store next to the Visitors Bureau, and have spent all summer renovating the Victorian building for stability.

Soon both buildings could find a place on the National Register of Historic Places, which would allow the county to apply for grant funding.

“Your buildings have to have some historical significance to your community. Which these do, prominent family names. One was Wells hardware, one was Wells Furniture, known throughout the county, in the city, very instrumental and instrumental in building New Martinsville.”

Sandy Hunt, Ex Officio Board Member, Wetzel County CVB

The society is even helping with a new community party in the mold of Steubenville’s First Fridays, organized by the Downtown Business Group.

New Martinsville is getting out its easels for the first Art Walk on September 6th.

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