Latest news with #RaleighCountyHistoricalSociety
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New historical marker unveiled at 2025 Beckley Founder's Day
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – History enthusiasts were in for a treat at this year's edition Beckley Founder's Day. Planned PEIA rate increases elicit concern from lawmakers and policyholders Their Founder's Day is a celebration of Beckley's history, as well as its founder Alfred Beckley. They started off celebrations at the Wildwood House Museum by welcoming everyone in followed by Woodrow Wilson High School's JROTC group presenting a flag to their Alfred Beckley re-enactor. The JROTC led everyone across the street to the Wildwood Cemetery, where they placed a wreath next to Alfred Beckley's grave. '[Alfred Beckley] did so much for the town and people forget that. I mean, people forget this place was pretty much deserted. This was a wilderness when he moved here. To take it from Wildwood, literally – that is what the house is called – so, take it from that to the bustling city it is today. We have him to thank,' said Rebekah Graham, the president of the Raleigh County Historical Society. 'Oh, [portraying Alfred Beckley] is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoy it. We always have a great time here with the other re-enactors and the people that portray the daughter, the wives, and [Beckley]. It is just a lot of fun and enjoyment to remember the history of Beckley and remember what Alfred Beckley was to this town, to this county, and to the state of West Virginia,' said Mike Vaughan, Alfred Beckley's re-enactor. Beckley was a multi-talented person. He served as a Confederate general, as well as in the United States Army. He was the first postmaster in Raleigh County, plus a schoolteacher, school superintendent, and a West Virginia and Virginia delegate, to name a few of his accomplishments. Beckley founded Beckley, as well as the Wildwood House. Robotics team visits local elementary school to show off their skills This year's celebrations were extra special, as they unveiled the Wildwood House Museum's newest historical marker. This was made in partnership with the national Civil War Trails organization. It designates this museum as a site on its Civil War Trails network. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
City of Beckley to unveil historical marker as part of Founder's Day celebration
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)- Each spring, Raleigh County residents have the opportunity to connect with Beckley's origins, which date all the way back to 1838. The annual Founder's Day event brings the past to life through historical re-enactors, traditional craft vendors, and guided tours of the historic Wildwood House. This year's event will reveal a special connection between the city and the Civil War through a brand-new partnership between the City of Beckley and the Civil War Trails organization.'We are now officially on the Civil War Trail, and we're really excited about that,' said Parks and Recreation Director with the City of Beckley, Leslie Baker. 'We will be unveiling that and talking about the small part that Beckley had in the Civil War.' Raleigh County Historical Society President, Rebecca Graham said the community's appreciation for seeing the history of their area brought to life is what keeps the event coming back year after year. The Raleigh County Historical Society and City of Beckley Parks and Recreation Department will host this year's Founder's Day event on Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the historic Wildwood House Museum on South Kanawha Street across from the Memorial Baptist Church. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
