West Virginia Culture Center

2023 Vandalia Gathering
2023-05-26 18:30 - 2023-05-28 17:00 (America/New_York) | West Virginia Capitol Complex and Culture Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Building 9, Charleston, West Virginia, 25305, United States
Since 1977 the Vandalia Gathering has been taking place on the Capitol Grounds. Every Memorial Day Weekend people come from far and wide to experience the traditional culture of WV. Featuring multiple musical competitions, a baking contest, and the annual storytelling “Liar’s Contest”, as well as over 30 West Virginia artisans and dancers (don’t forget the food!) There is something for everyone at the Vandalia Gathering.

Historic Preservation Month Lecture
2023-05-25 19:00 | West Virginia
The celebration of Historic Preservation Month will continue at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, Kelley Berliner, eastern regional director of The Archaeological Conservancy, will discuss “The Archaeological Conservancy’s Preservation Efforts in the East: from the Paleoindian through 20th-Century Industrial Sites.” For the past 42 years, the Conservancy has been the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to the permanent preservation of archaeological sites across the country. Its diverse sites range from the Thunderbird site, with remains of one of the earliest Paleoindian structures discovered in the U.S., to the Pamplin Pipe Factory, a manufacturing facility that grew from an early cottage industry of making pipes from local clays. Berliner will highlight some of the important sites protected by the Conservancy, including some in West Virginia, and the Conservancy’s efforts to preserve them. Berliner holds a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Toronto and an M.A. in historical archaeology from the College of William and Mary. Her interests include public archaeology, community engagement, preservation and archaeology of the northeastern United States and Canada. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-celebrates-historic-preservation-and-gardening-in-may/

Interpretive Garden planting
2023-05-20 12:00 - 16:00 | West Virginia
For the gardening season, visitors can help plant the museum’s Interpretive Garden on Saturday, May 20, from noon to 4 p.m. Garden Planting Day includes indoor activities in case of inclement weather. A second planting day is planned for the same time on Saturday, June 3. The garden will be planted using heirloom seeds, including Buffalo Creek and Canada crookneck squashes, Blue Shackamaxon, Arikara Yellow and Genuine Cornfield beans, eight-row Rhode Island flint corn and Seneca sunflowers. Replica stone garden hoes will be available to try out and there will be a small seed library for visitors who would like to grow some crops at home. The activities will be guided by museum staff and volunteers as well as members of the Ohio County Master Gardeners. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-celebrates-historic-preservation-and-gardening-in-may/

Music Classic with Barbara Nissman
2023-05-16 18:00 | West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Culture Center in Charleston will present a three-part concert series called “Music Classic,” featuring Pianist Barbara Nissman. Hosted by Steinway Living Legend, and Nissman, a 2023 inductee into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, the three concerts will take place on Thursday, Feb. 9; Thursday, March 16 and also on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the Culture Center State Theater, located on the campus of the West Virginia State Capitol Complex. Barbara, a resident of Lewisburg, has invited West Virginia chamber musicians to join her on stage for the second and third programs to share musical favorites. These informal one-hour programs will be presented without an intermission. The Concerts are free and open to the public. The third concert on May 16, “Schubert goes Fishing!,” includes Schubert’s popular favorite, the “Trout” Quintet, performed by Barbara and some of her musician friends. In the first part of the program Barbara will introduce the audience to the young Franz Schubert – a true poet of the piano and perform his Wanderer Fantasy, a composition that Schubert had tried to perform but never did because it was too difficult! https://wvculture.org/three-part-concert-series-featuring-pianist-barbara-nissman-at-the-culture-center-beginning-feb-9/

Second Saturday Film, titled “A Moving Monument: The West Virginia State Capitol”
2023-05-13 13:00 | West Virginia
will be screened Saturday, May 13, at 1 and 3 p.m. Did you know that West Virginia’s State Capitol was not always located in Charleston? First located in Wheeling, it moved to Charleston, back to Wheeling and again to Charleston. The Capitol’s history also includes a disastrous fire, a “Pasteboard Capitol,” and the current Capitol designed by architect Cass Gilbert. The 1-hour film was produced by Motion Masters in 2008 and is shown courtesy of West Virginia Public Broadcasting. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-celebrates-historic-preservation-and-gardening-in-may/

West Virginia Strawberry Festival
2023-05-13 10:00 - 2023-05-21 17:00 | jawbone park, 15 Madison St, Buckhannon, WV, 26201, United States
The WV Strawberry Festival is a 9 day fun-filled festival in Buckhannon, WV. Complete with live music, food vendors, carnival and fireworks, you’re sure to find something for everyone!

Mother's Day Tissue Flowers
2023-05-13 10:00 - 16:00 | West Virginia
May is also the month to celebrate and honor all mothers. Families are invited to stop in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, to make colorful tissue flowers just in time for Mother’s Day. Surprise mom with a special handmade gift. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-celebrates-historic-preservation-and-gardening-in-may/

12th Annual Bowed Psaltery Symphony
2023-05-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Cedar Lakes Conference Center, 82 FFA Drive, Ripley, WV, 25271, United States
Join us on May 11th from 7 to 9 pm at Cedar Lakes for the 12th Annual Bowed Psaltery Symphony, an event that has been hosted by Tish and Greg Westman since 2010. Listen to the ethereal and haunting sounds of the bowed psaltery, performed by over 40 musicians from across the country. Each year the music selection is based on a theme and the 2023 theme is “Gardens”. The Westman’s identify appropriate traditional music and Tish arranges the pieces to include multiple parts. These parts not only showcase the beauty of the instrument when played in harmony, but also allow all level of players to participate. Some participants also bring additional instruments to enhance the symphony experience. Mountain and hammer dulcimers, harps, flutes, guitars and even a jug have all complemented the performance. Tickets are $8/person, children under 12 are free. Please stop by the Cedar Lakes Front Office or call (304) 372-7860 to purchase tickets.

“Revisiting Grave Creek Mound: Results and Interpretations of the 2016 Geophysical Survey”
2023-04-29 13:00 | West Virginia
“Revisiting Grave Creek Mound: Results and Interpretations of the 2016 Geophysical Survey” will be presented at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, by Dr. Alexander C. Corkum II, project geophysicist at Terracon, Inc. As part of his doctoral research, Dr. Corkum employed ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity tomography and drone-based photogrammetry to capture data both above and below the surface of the Grave Creek Mound. Join him as he explores the results of this survey work and what he learned along the way. He will also talk about photogrammetry and how accessible it can be for documenting things archaeological or otherwise and will allow the audience to get a closer look at some of the equipment he uses. Dr. Corkum holds a Ph.D. from the University of Bradford in West Yorkshire, UK, and manages the Geophysics Department for Terracon’s Columbus, Ohio, office. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announces-april-programs/

Lecture “Coke Oven Ruins in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve”
2023-04-27 19:00 | West Virginia
Coking spurred the growth of coal mining in the area of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve of West Virginia during the late 19th century. This program describes the coking process and the documentation of 632 coke ovens in several of the park’s coal mining towns. Fuerst serves as NPS archeologist and NPS historian and is president of the West Virginia Archeological Society. He holds an M.A. in archeology from Southern Illinois University. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announces-april-programs/

Free Family Fun at West Virginia Independence Hall, April 22
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | West Virginia
The activities, appropriate for elementary school age children, will include singing period songs, a craft, characters in period costumes, a presentation on a typical soldier’s life and information about Wheeling’s own General Jesse Reno, who was killed at the battle of South Mountain. The cities of Reno, Nev.; Reno, Ohio; Reno, Okla.; and Reno, Pa., are named after our local hero. Children can also enjoy cookies, drinks, and a small gift bag. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The program is sponsored by the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation. https://wvculture.org/free-family-fun-at-west-virginia-independence-hall-april-22/

WV Dance Festival
2023-04-21 08:00 - 2023-04-23 22:00 | West Virginia Culture Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Building 9, Charleston, West Virginia, 25305
The Annual West Virginia Dance Festival featuring classes, workshops, and performances. Dancers come from all over the state to take classes from professional instructors in the areas of ballet, modern, and jazz.

Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dance Troupe
2023-04-15 11:30 | West Virginia
The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex is honored to host the Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dance Troupe from Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, April 15. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. with a lecture on Navajo history, traditions and dance, followed by an intermission at 12:30 p.m. and dance performances starting at 1 p.m. Under the direction of Shawn Price, the Dineh Tah’ Dancers have promoted a deeper understanding of their rich cultural heritage to audiences across the country and have earned many awards and honors for their presentations and performances. Maintaining their deep connection to the religious aspects of their culture is of utmost importance as they share the beauty and rich spiritual traditions of their people. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announces-april-programs/

Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex Announce March Programs - Marshall County Student Art Show Reception
2023-03-25 14:00 - 16:00 | West Virginia
The Archaeological Complex also welcomes the 41st annual “Marshall County Student Art Show” with an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. The art show will be on exhibit through Saturday, April 15. This competitive show features a variety of media such as drawings, paintings, photographs, and sculpture created by very talented students from Marshall County’s middle and high schools. People’s Choice awards will be voted on and awarded during the opening reception. The art show is organized and set up by students from the Cameron High School Art Club under the guidance of art teacher Amanda Jenree. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announce-march-programs/

Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex Announce March Programs - Women’s History Month
2023-03-23 19:00 | West Virginia
March is Women’s History Month, and the occasion will be celebrated with “The Bettye Project: The Life and Times of Archaeologist Bettye Broyles,” presented at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, by Lisa Dugas. Bettye J. Broyles (1928-2011) was a trailblazing archaeologist who worked at the prestigious Illinois State Museum, the University of Georgia, and the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, where she became West Virginia’s first female State Archaeologist. Dugas obtained her B.A. in anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh and her M.A. in anthropology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is currently employed as senior lead for cultural resources at Big Pine Consultants. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announce-march-programs/

Lecture: The Bettye Project @ Grave Creek
2023-03-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Grave Creek Mound, 801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV, 26041, United States
By Lisa Dugas, MA, RPA, Senior Lead for Cultural Resources at Big Pine Consultants

In honor of National Women’s History Month and women in archaeology, this program highlights the life and work of archaeologist Bettye J. Broyles (1928-2011). Ms. Dugas obtained her B.A. in Anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh and her M.A. in Anthropology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Music Classic with Barbara Nissman
2023-03-16 18:00 | West Virginia
The Culture Center in Charleston will present a three-part concert series called “Music Classic,” featuring Pianist Barbara Nissman. Hosted by Steinway Living Legend, and Nissman, a 2023 inductee into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, the three concerts will take place on Thursday, Feb. 9; Thursday, March 16 and also on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the Culture Center State Theater, located on the campus of the West Virginia State Capitol Complex. Barbara, a resident of Lewisburg, has invited West Virginia chamber musicians to join her on stage for the second and third programs to share musical favorites. These informal one-hour programs will be presented without an intermission. The Concerts are free and open to the public. The second concert on March 16, “Gershwin meets Brahms!,” features members of the Montclaire String Quartet who will join Nissman for this wonderful program that begins with George Gershwin’s beautiful Lullaby for String Quartet and ends with the Brahms Piano Quintet, one of his greatest works. She plans to introduce the music and the Quartet and also offer some of her favorite solo pieces by Brahms. https://wvculture.org/three-part-concert-series-featuring-pianist-barbara-nissman-at-the-culture-center-beginning-feb-9/

Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex Announce March Programs - Second Saturday film
2023-03-11 14:00 | West Virginia
The monthly Second Saturday program will be the showing of the film “The King of Crimes” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11. “King of Crimes” refers to the crime of treason for which Aaron Burr was tried in John Marshall’s court. President Thomas Jefferson had Burr charged with treason for plotting to carve out a kingdom for himself from parts of Louisiana and Mexico. The case also involved the Blennerhassetts at Blennerhassett Island. This program was produced by the John Marshall Foundation and is adapted from a play by David L. Robbins. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announce-march-programs/

Film: The King of Crimes @ Grave Creek
2023-03-11 03:00 - 15:30 | Grave Creek Mound, 801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV, 26041, United States
“King of Crimes” refers to the crime of treason for which Aaron Burr was tried in John Marshall’s court just three years after the deadly Hamilton duel. President Thomas Jefferson had Burr charged with treason for plotting to carve out a kingdom for himself from parts of Louisiana and Mexico. The case also involved the Blennerhassetts at Blennerhassett Island. This program was produced by the John Marshall Foundation and is adapted from a play by David L. Robbins.

Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex Announce March Programs - Fossil Day
2023-03-04 12:00 - 16:00 | West Virginia
Fossil Day, which takes place twice a year, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. The public is invited to bring mystery fossils for identification by Dr. Elizabeth Rhenberg from the WV Geological and Economic Survey. Rhenberg is employed as a survey geologist in the Coal and Mapping departments. She specializes in crinoids and enjoys all kinds of fossils. Crinoid fossils are aquatic animals shaped like a flower and are also known as sea lilies. They are related to starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announce-march-programs/

Fossil Day @ Grave Creek
2023-03-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Grave Creek Mound, 801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV, 26041, United States
Do you have a mystery fossil? Bring it to our expert for identification by Dr. Elizabeth Rhenberg from the WV Geological and Economic Survey! Don’t have a fossil? A fossil display by members of the West Virginia Fossil Club will showcase some of their specimens and answer questions about collecting fossils. Family friendly activities relating to fossils include making a fossil cast, viewing a tiny fossil insect through a microscope, and a museum hunt with fossil clues. You can also stop at the Business and Health Expo at the penitentiary across the street.

Lecture at 2:00 pm. Topic TBD – please check our Facebook page for details.

West Virginia Independence Hall to Present Free Celtic Concert, March 3
2023-03-03 18:00 | West Virginia
Gallowglass, a traditional Celtic music ensemble, and Faire May, a traditional folk music band, will each perform during a free concert at West Virginia Independence Hall in downtown Wheeling beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 3. The performance is free and open to the public. https://wvculture.org/west-virginia-independence-hall-to-present-free-celtic-concert-march-3/

Arts Day at the Legislature
2023-03-02 10:00 - 14:00 | West Virginia

Arts in Our Communities Conference
2023-02-28 08:00 - 2023-03-01 17:00 | West Virginia

“Davis Bottom: Rare History, Valuable Lives”
2023-02-23 19:00 | West Virginia
This 1-hour film tells the remarkable story of Davis Bottom, a diverse, tight knit, working class neighborhood established near downtown Lexington, Ky., after the Civil War. Both African Americans and immigrants established homes in this racially diverse neighborhood. This program was produced by the Kentucky Archaeological Survey and the Kentucky Heritage Council. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announces-february-programs-2/

History Day at the Legislature
2023-02-23 09:00 - 14:00 | West Virginia

“Green Your Winter Blues”
2023-02-18 12:00 - 16:00 | West Virginia
Indoor activities relating to gardening, members of Ohio County Master Gardeners, Todd Hager from the Marshall County Cooperative Extension Office, museum staff and volunteers will lead activities, such as propagating a house plant, soil testing, making a “Sprout House” and creating a corn husk doll. Visitors can also test their knowledge of backyard birds and receive seeds from the museum’s Interpretive Garden to plant at home. In addition, the 1-hour film “Lords of the Gourd” provides tips for growing giant pumpkins through the experiences of several contestants at the annual Cooperstown Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. The film will be shown at 2 p.m. as part of the gardening program. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announces-february-programs-2/

WV Independence Hall and the Ohio Valley Civil War Roundtable to Host Presentation on General William B. Curtis
2023-02-18 10:30 | West Virginia
West Virginia Independence Hall (WVIH) in Wheeling and the Ohio Valley Civil War Roundtable will host a lecture on General William B. Curtis from West Liberty by former professor Earl Nicodemus.

In 1861, Curtis was commissioned as captain of Company D in the 12th West Virginia Regimen. Afterwards, he took command of a brigade consisting of 1st, 4th and 12th West Virginia regiments in October of 1864. His record shows that he fought in thirteen battles, including Petersburg and Appomattox Court House.

Nicodemus served as a professor of instructional technology at West Liberty University for 40 years. He was instrumental in forming the West Liberty Historical Society and a “caretaker” of the historic West Liberty Cemetery from 1985 to 2016. In 2016 he was recognized as a West Virginia History Hero. His other interests include gardening and fishing.

Second Saturday program
2023-02-11 14:00 | West Virginia
Will explore African American history in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. The program will be presented remotely from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and can be attended in the auditorium at the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex. It is titled “Heritage of the New River Gorge: African American History and Beyond” and will be presented by Park Ranger Jodi French-Burr. French-Burr has served as Interpretive Park Ranger with the National Park Service (NPS) since 1987 and uses her skills as an educator, storyteller, naturalist and historian to help others explore the rich history of the United States. https://wvculture.org/grave-creek-mound-archaeological-complex-announces-february-programs-2/

Sparky and Rhonda Rucker to Perform at West Virginia Independence Hall
2023-02-11 13:00 | West Virginia
The Ruckers perform throughout the U.S. as well as overseas, singing songs and telling stories from the American folk tradition. They are internationally recognized as leading musicians, authors, and storytellers. They accompany themselves with fingerstyle picking and bottleneck blues guitar, blues harmonica, old-time banjo, piano, spoons and bones. https://wvculture.org/sparky-and-rhonda-rucker-to-perform-at-west-virginia-independence-hall/
