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The notion of a museum in Berkeley Springs State Park celebrating the springs had been discussed for decades. The late E.T. Andrews, founder of today’s sand mine, made the most serious attempt in the mid-1930s by discussing a museum proposal with state officials, The late local historian Fred Newbraugh, the late Betty Lou Harmison, and the late Jessie Hunter along with many others envisioned this local project.

In 1983, the idea finally took root rising from a threat by state officials to lease the springs commercially. It was July 1983, and the Chamber of Commerce launched a media campaign to “Save Our Springs.” Chamber officials rallied for establishing a museum at the Berkeley Springs State Park.

Once the campaign began, everything fell into place. The Friends of the Museum was formed, and a delegation headed to Charleston making an impassioned plea to legislators to keep the park and springs public. State legislators enthusiastically endorsed the idea of a locally developed museum. The legislators became extremely interested when the delegation reported that the previous day, then Governor Jay Rockefeller, appeared in Berkeley Springs with a $100,000 grant for a new Senior Center in the Community Services Building. Suddenly, as if by magic, the second floor of the historic Roman Bath House was vacant and available for use.

The Chamber of Commerce spearheaded the establishment of a museum and selected a planning committee. A public meeting was held in October 1983. An interim board was formed that selected a name and theme for the museum. Despite initial resistance from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), state level administrators of the park and local folks forged ahead planning the museum. By late March of 1984, under new leadership at the DNR, it was quickly agreed that the museum would be a worthwhile attraction to the state park. Use of the second floor of the Roman Bath House was granted.

During 1984, scores of local people were involved. The Museum of the Berkeley Springs was incorporated and more than $11,000 was raised. Professor Charles Hulse, of Shepherd College, created the museum plan. The West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office endorsed the museum construction. Exhibit development grants were funded, and a series of public lectures held. A Christmas Tea fundraiser celebrated the season.

On September 6, 1985, the renovated facility had a grand opening. This date was special because two hundred years earlier, George Washington and James Rumsey had a fortuitous encounter. The first exhibits debuted in February 1986. One depicted the history of the springs, and another depicted the life of steamboat inventor, James Rumsey.

Over the years, new exhibits followed: Delights of Berkeley Springs; Sketches by Porte Crayon in 1987, and When Tomato Was King in 1988. The geology exhibit was completed in 1989 along with the display of two centuries of bathing costumes. The exhibit on Hotels, Inns, and Ordinaries followed. Several temporary exhibits were created and have included an array of topics such as the Apple Butter Festival, the Civil War, and the Bands of Berkeley Springs.

Additional renovations continued. Windows and shutters were restored. The exterior was painted an authentic 19th century color. Within a few years, all the buildings in the park were painted by the state to match the museum’s upgrades.

In 2003, the museum suffered a staffing crisis. The Chamber of Commerce once again stepped in, and a public meeting re-inspired the community. The restoration of the museum organization was successful. The Christmas Tea was restored and hosted for a decade at the Berkeley Castle.

Through the years of the Museum of the Berkeley Springs’ history, the doors have been open for visitors and local residents to gain insight into the uniqueness of the warm mineral springs and understand how this magic water shaped the history of the surrounding town and countryside. Often, more than 20,000 visitors pass though yearly.

Today, major exhibits include, but are not limited to, the Founding the Town, History of the Bath Houses, Geology and Fossil, and an expanded Porte Crayon. A 400-pound silica crystal showcases the rare geology that creates the springs’ healing waters.

Other signs of growth include a professional staff consisting of an Executive Director and docents. In 2005, the Virtual Museum came online making the story of the springs available to the world. The museum serves as an interpretive center for the western segment of the Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway.

Annually, the Museum hosts a speaker on George Washington’s connection to Berkeley Springs. To honor the Morgan County Bicentennial of 1820-2020, the Museum produced a series of lectures focused on economic sectors that impacted the broader development and culture of the county including tomato canning, tanneries, railroads, Civil War history, sand mining, and tourism.

The Chamber of Commerce remains a strong supporter, joined by Travel Berkeley Springs, and the extensive tourism community. Many people are connected via a virtual newsletter and follow the museum activities on Facebook.

There is a place for everyone in the museum and the history it showcases.  Join us now.