Jefferson County Museum

04/17/2026

In 1849, 80 would-be miners set off from what was then Charlestown, VA, to strike it rich in the California Gold Rush. They made the overland journey over the course of months, leaving in early spring and finally reaching their destination on September 1. Benjamin Hoffman, a member of the Charlestown Mining Co., kept a journal recording the journey, which is part of the Jefferson County Museum's permanent collection. He and his compatriots encountered many breathtaking landmarks and unforeseen difficulties on the journey west.

We've created this storymap to bring some of Hoffman's entries to life, and provide some insight on the history of the Charlestown Mining Co., which will also be available on our website. Thank you to the Hoffman family for bringing this remarkable journal home to the Jefferson County Museum!

A map featuring the journey of '49ers on their way from Jefferson County to California, based on the diary of Benjamin Hoffman.

04/14/2026

Thank you to Art Deco Dekor for helping us to carefully remove a giant map of fire hydrants in Charles Town c. 1894 from a heavy frame. Getting the map out allowed us to assess its condition and transport it more easily from one room to another.

01/27/2026

Happy snow day! If it feels like a lot this year, trust us, Jefferson County has had as much and more. Pictured here are:

-The aftermath of the 1947 blizzard, from left to right Dice & James Milton, Strother Stickel, and Paul Milton with dog, Bounce, near Summit Point Rd. (Milton-Gruber Family Collection)
-People congregating at Welsh's Grocery Store with a snow plow in Bakerton after a snowstorm, 1961. (Welsh Family Collection)
-A plow on Route 51, likely after the blizzard of 1966

Thank you to everyone who is working to plow the roads around Jefferson County this week!

01/20/2026

Todd Coyle was a beloved volunteer and supporter of the Museum. If we ever needed anything to make our exhibits or programs a success, he generously offered his assistance. This photo is from our Prohibition exhibit opening in 2023, when Todd shared his musical talent with our visitors by playing blues songs on his guitar. He has left a lasting impact on this community, and we certainly miss him. Rest in Peace, Todd.
https://www.eackles-spencerfuneralhome.com/guestbook/richard-coyle

01/12/2026

With the ongoing roadwork on Berryville Pike, we're looking back on some previous roadwork in the Rippon area. These photos, taken sometime between 1925 and 1935, show the work to remove a rise in the road at the intersection with Withers Larue Road and Rte 340. Know anything more about the timing of this historic road work? Feel free to leave a comment!

01/08/2026

This week we mourn the passing of Peter Smith, a friend to the Museum and a resident of Jefferson County who was dedicated to preserving local history. Peter was instrumental in organizing and overseeing the Bee Line March commemorations last year and was an extremely active member of the Shepherdstown Community.

View Peter Folsom Smith's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

01/06/2026

Happy New Year! 2026 marks the 250th birthday of the United States, and Jefferson County is already getting started with the commemorations! If you want to learn more about local events and opportunities, follow America 250th Jefferson County, WV.

Artistically minded? Here's a special opportunity to create a local mural for the 250th: https://www.jeffersoncountywv.org/home/showpublisheddocument/28993/639017438780870000

The winning mural will be part of a statewide mural trail!

12/30/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we're reflecting on what an eventful time this has been for the Jefferson County Museum. It's been a great year of exhibits, programs, collections projects, and community outreach. Some highlights from this year include our early history exhibit, our Miss WV exhibit, the Washington Homes Tour, and speaking to the Jefferson County Commission about the future of the Courthouse. We couldn't do any of it without your generous support. Happy New Year!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/dae577aa-3990-4285-b273-243252fa5d32

12/23/2025

Have you decked the halls yet?

This photo from our collection shows a shiny Christmas tree in a trailer in Franklintown on Christmas in 1985, complete with a few gifts underneath.

We hope you and yours enjoy this festive season of the year!

12/17/2025

In December of 1937, one of the most recognizable buildings in Ranson burned to the ground. Its most recent use before the fire was as St. Hilda's Hall, which had been part of the campus for Powhatan College, an all-girls school. It originally served as the Powhatan Hotel, opened in 1892 and run by hotelier James T. Wormley.

These photos show the building on fire, local citizens reacting to the burning, and the remnants of the building in the aftermath of the blaze. Today, all that remains are two white pillars where the entrance to the property was, now part of the Jefferson Medical Center campus.