Jun. 7—KINGWOOD — Arthurdale Heritage Inc., was named the 2022 Institution of the Year by the West Virginia Association of Museums.
"An award of this magnitude not only makes those of us who are trying hard now to make Arthurdale a wonderful place and to preserve our history, but to me, all those people who came before us, it's a way that even though they're not here with us, it honors them, " said Darlene Bolyard, executive director.
Bolyard said she always tells people they can't forget the community members who sold hotdogs to raise funds to restore buildings or those whose husbands climbed and built roofs in the 70s and 80s.
"It was a really exceptional year for us, but again, success doesn't happen overnight, " Bolyard said. "It's longevity. It's endurance, it's perseverance. It's one of my favorite words, when I talk about Arthurdale — resilience and perseverance."
On its Facebook page, the association lists three accomplishments by Arthurdale. — The hosting of the Smithsonian exhibit Crossroads: Change in Rural America in December 2021 and January 2022, which drew hundreds of visitors and featured programs such as weaving, blacksmithing demonstrations and an exhibit on the Richard Mine. — When the Preston County Arts Council dissolved in 2021, Arthurdale absorbed the organization and began offering arts programming to both children and adults. — Arthurdale was selected as one of 11 sites for the Smithsonian's Coming Home program, which involved working with fourth to sixth grade students on a community project.
"The basic idea is getting rural youth to engage with their communities. And to kind of think about what are the good things but also what are the things that need improved in the place they live, " Kendyl Bostick, Americorps member, said of the project. "How do they change those things ? And what do they want these communities to look like in the future with the ultimate goal basically being getting these kids to stay in their rural places and do the work that's needed to improve their communities."
That was done through a video project highlighting topics such as water quality, the history of Arthurdale and Preston County's wildlife. Bostick said the video premiered on the center's lawn a few weeks ago and will be available online.
At the most recent Preston County Commission meeting, Elizabeth Satterfield, curator and director of education, said Arthurdale is busy this year with over 400 visitors taking tours so far — eclipsing last year's attendance before tourist season even begins.