Wyoming County Historical Museum

The museums research center is named in honor of Paul Ray Blankenship who passed away on September 30, 2010. Paul was an educator, Wyoming County historian, genealogist, author of several books on the county, and the first president of the Wyoming County Historical Museum.

His many contributions include helping organize the Oceana High School Alumni Association where he served as president, he was president of the OHS Hall of Fame, and a charter member of the Captain Ralph S...

Happy to announce the Paul Ray Reference Center is almost operational...due in large part to the hard work and dedication of Jennifer Bryant. The reference center will contain history books, family genealogies, census records, church records, photo collection, and other items of interest to those researching history and genealogy in Wyoming County! Will post index's and more information once the collection is cataloged.

The 1st Annual Wyoming County Civil War Days is now in the record books and we start planning next years event.

This years event went very well and Education Day was an outstanding success with 269 students attending the morning session and 292 attending the afternoon session. Add in the 12 student/guides from Westside High School and you have a total of 573 students from around the county!

Visit our Civil War Days...

The museum is sponsoring a Civil War living history camp and skirmish the first weekend in May. Come see how the soldiers lived and then watch an authentic Civil War battle - with cannons! The event will be held at the Oceana Middle School football field and admission is FREE!

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY (May 4)

Education Day – Only for students (Grade 4-8) and their parents.

SATURDAY (May 5)

9:00 a.m. Camp Open to Public

10:00 a.m. Meet the Federal Sol...

Local school's paid a visit to the museum. Berlin McKinney Pre-School and Kindergarten classes toured the museum in November and the Glen Fork Head Start class toured the museum the first week of Decemeber.

The museum really enjoys giving group tours...it is as much fun for us as it is the children!

The second West Virginia Civil Wars Trails marker in Wyoming County was installed this past Monday, May 16, 2011, at Turkey Ridge Independent Baptist Church, located in Turkey Dip just outside of Oceana.

This marker highlights the Civil War romance between Confederate soldier Thompson Walker and Martilia Walker, daughter of Unionist William Walker.

Great News!!  The Wal-Mart in Summersville is currently renovating their store and they have graciously donated their used cases to the museum!! A HUGE thank you goes out to Kate Mora, Lorna Williams, Ronny Hayes, and Chris Rockingstein of Wal-Mart who helped make this happen. Through their efforts the museum will have cases for the newly renovated upstairs which will enhance the museum experience for all future visitors.

We are happy to announce the Museum will soon DOUBLE in size!  Thanks to an agreement with the Oceana Fire Department the museum has obtained a portion of the upstairs. This means we will not only double in size but will also have an entrance on Main Street. 

The contractor, Brooks Remodeling, started renovations this past Tuesday and they are coming along great!  They will be removing three walls, adding two walls, laying n...