Around & About the Clarksburg History Museum

Champion fiddler, author, teacher, and square dance caller Mac Samples joins the Clarksburg History Museum for a conversation about preserving West Virginia's rich musical heritage. Mac shares memories of growing up on a small farm, learning music from family members, and witnessing the transition from traditional Appalachian music to the rise of rock and roll. The conversation explores the histor...

In this episode, Bobby Bice joins us to talk about the history of Bice’s Greenhouse, a family business in Enterprise just outside Shinnston that celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2025. He shares how the greenhouse began in the early 1900s, how it has been passed down through generations, and what makes locally grown plants different from mass-produced options. The conversation also explores t...

Conversation with Jeff Hanlin, pastor of Central Christian Church of Clarksburg. In this episode of Around and About the Clarksburg History Museum , we sit down with Pastor Jeff Hanlin of Central Christian Church in Clarksburg, West Virginia to explore the history of one of the city’s most recognizable - and often overlooked - landmarks. From its beginnings in the early 1900s with a small group me...

From Two Lick Run to the World Stage - The Mayf Nutter Story Born Mayfred Nutter on October 19, 1941, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Mayf Nutter’s roots are planted firmly in the Appalachian soil of Harrison County. The boy who once sang “Jesus Loves Me” as a toddler at Epworth United Methodist Church in Parkersburg would grow to become a country music trailblazer, acclaimed actor, environmental so...

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library has served the community for more than a century, beginning in 1903 when Clarksburg women organized to establish the city’s first public reading room. Supported by volunteers and a one dollar subscription, the library grew through strong early leadership and a deep belief in access to knowledge. In 1932, the library moved into the Waldomore , transforming the...

In this heartfelt interview, Rosalyn Queen shares the rich flavors, traditions, and stories that shaped her life as an Italian-American in Clarksburg, West Virginia. A community leader, author, and the longtime voice behind The Grapevine newspaper column, Rosalyn reflects on her childhood in East View, the strong bonds of her neighborhood, and the powerful story of her father’s immigration and mil...

Host Martha Jett explores the history and cultural preservation of Helvetia, West Virginia, a Swiss settlement founded in 1869. Anna Chandler shares insights into the town’s origins, traditions like Fasnacht and the Feast of Saint Nicholas, and efforts to document and maintain its historical archives. The discussion also highlights Helvetia’s early industries, the resilience of its community, and...

Discover the fascinating history of streetcars and Clarksburg’s vibrant past as Bob Taylor recounts personal stories, community connections, and nostalgic memories of West Virginia’s evolution. A heartfelt dive into transportation, local culture, and historical preservation.

Rise to Fame and Iconic Roles West Virginia Native David Selby discusses his rise to fame, from his beginnings on the humble production of Honey in the Rock to highlighting his time on the Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows as Quentin Collins, a character beloved for his mysterious presence and iconic sideburns. He fondly recalled working with Joan Bennett and other cast members, as well as the passio...

Fort New Salem is an eight-acre reconstructed 19th-century Appalachian settlement located in Salem, West Virginia. Featuring 17 log structures authentically relocated and restored, the site preserves the history, crafts, and traditions of Western Virginia's frontier communities. Initially developed in the early 1970s, the village opened to the public in 1974 and is now managed by the Fort New Sale...

Lew Dobbins spent more than 47 years in radio and television broadcasting in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Lew reminisces about his career in country music, his experiences meeting with music celebrities like Dolly Parton, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette. In 2008, Lew was inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasters Hall of Fame and in 2017 he compiled his memories into his memoir Lew Dobbins: Behind...

Clarksburg resident Peter Taylor, retired Lt. Col., author, and historian shares stories from his years in Vietnam and tells the details about his recent Civil War title, The Most Hated Man in Clarksburg . Most Hated Man tells the intriguing story of Captain Charles Leib, Assistant Quartermaster General, who established the town’s military garrison in 1861.

Faith Dixon, coordinator for Clarksburg's VFW Post 573, shares history and stories related to the founding and continued operation of the post, including a special story of Lucinda Rose and the legend of the Spanish cannon.

It is hard to believe that Sam Folio's broad music career which has spanned nearly 7 decades, started humbly in a small grade school classroom when he learned to play the ukulele. Martha walks down memory lane with Sam, recounting his early years in a bustling Clarksburg, his experiences meeting world famous musicians and composers, and some other fun stories not even related to music.

Tom Felt, curator and archivist at the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia, talks about the mission of the museum to preserve the diverse and rich history of the heritage of glass as a historical object and the lives of the glass worker who built the industry.

Dr. Robert Anderson, noted West Virginia historian and author shares the history of the sometimes forgotten work of the Civilian Conservation Corps. He discusses the impact of the work on our local, state, and national park system as well as stories from his growing up days in West Virginia.

Reminisce with Martha Jett and a long-time Clarksburg resident Mr. Tom Maditz as they recall his time growing up on the family farm in Mt. Clare, West Virginia, school days in downtown Clarksburg and his work at Wilson Bakery and Eagle Convex Glass.

The charming community of Johnstown, located just a few miles south of Clarksburg, West Virginia has a long and fascinating story all its own. Our host Martha Jett sat down with two of Johnstown’s citizens who also serve as historians and museum curators - John Chapman and Bill Suan - to talk about many points of interest that Johnstown history holds. Listen in on this candid conversation regardin...

Greeks entered West Virginia in significant numbers around the turn of the 20th century. in the first decade of the 20th century, around 300 Greeks settled in Clarksburg, in Harrison County, to work at the Phillips Sheet and Tin Plate Company, known as the ‘‘Tin-plate’’ factory, owned by Weirton Steel . Host Martha Jett records a conversation with Maria Alex from St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox church...

Turtle on a Post Farm is a family-owned/generationally-owned farm in Harrison County West Virginia and is working hard to bring farming back to life; not only do they sell plant starts and fresh produce, but they’re growing something brand new to the county - hops for microbrewing.

Daniel Davisson played a significant role in the early development of Clarksburg, West Virginia (then known as Clarksburg, Virginia). He and his wife Prudence established a log cabin on Elk Creek in what would later be recognized as downtown Clarksburg in 1773. Davisson secured recognition for his 400-acre land claim in 1781 and later hosted the Harrison County Court on his land, leading to the es...

Host Martha Jett interviews Mr. Joe Gonzalez, a former chief of the Clarksburg Fire Department and a historian in his own right. Learn about tales of the past of CFD and other stories related to the history of our brave first responders.

On location at the Anna Jarvis museum in Grafton, West Virginia, host Martha Jett talks with the keeper of the Anna Jarvis House and Museum and records the story of this history-making woman who worked with politicians, friends, and family to establish our beloved holiday - Mother's Day. Guest: Olive Ricketts, founder of the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum in Grafton, West Virginia ajhouse26354@yaho...