We the People: West Virginia State Farm Museum

MASON COUNTY, W.Va . (WSAZ) - A site that brings America’s agricultural past to life is getting ready to celebrate a milestone of its own.

The West Virginia State Farm Museum in Mason County is holding its 50th anniversary celebration Saturday.

It’s located just across from the Mason County Fairgrounds in Point Pleasant and is designed to make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time.

The museum features log cabins, other structures, and agricultural equipment transported there from all over the region and beyond.

Much of what visitors will see dates from the 1800’s.

Tim Kidwell’s first job was at the museum as a teenager. Now he’s the executive director.

“It will develop a real appreciation of what we have today compared to the way they had to do everything 25, 50, 100, 150 years ago,” Kidwell said.

“We take for granted in our smaller farm-based community there are kids that do live in cities in West Virginia that aren’t familiar with farms and farm animals and where their food comes from,” office manager Jackie Lyons said. “It’s neat to kind of take them down that path to see how it’s produced.”

At this Saturday’s 50th anniversary celebration, they’ll have a recognition of their founders, a flag-raising, and a bluegrass show.

They do not charge admission at the museum. They accept donations.