The Historic Shepherdstown Museum in West Virginia is a great place to spend some time checking out their various exhibits.
Upon entering the museum, Vicki, one of the docents, offers information on the vintage pieces and other historical facts. The museum is open to the public, free to children, and donations are welcome.
The Shepherdstown Museum building was once the site of the Entler Hotel built in 1786.
In 1972, the building was scheduled for demolition. However, the Historic Shepherdstown Commission stepped in to save and restore the building.
The property was put on the National Register of Historic places in 1973.
First Floor of the Museum
The first floor of the multi-floor museum looks like a vintage pre-Civil War parlor with an antique piano, desk, and other pieces of furniture.
Upstairs at the Historic Shepherdstown Museum
One room upstairs is set up as a hotel’s guest room from a past era. The other rooms contain various historical exhibits such as Native American Tools, a Civil War display, etc.
The below wooden washing machine with a wooden wringer, is part of the Tools of Domestic Trade exhibit.
The “masher” piece resting on top the machine is to swish the clothing up and down.
The US Postal service buggy is, also, on the second floor of the museum.
However, I’m curious as to how they got it up the stairs. The only thing I could think of, is that it was brought up piece by piece and then reassembled.
This glass display case houses some early Indian artifacts.
Shepherdstown Murder Mystery
This model steamboat, made of tin, is approximately three feet long. It was constructed by Henry Snyder, a private in the Confederate army. Henry Injured at the first battle of Bull Run, went home to Shepherdstown to recuperate. As you can see, parts of the steamboat are painted with farmhouse-red paint. However, the steamboat remains unfinished.
This is because, in November of 1864, Snyder was killed by intruders who entered his family’s home and stole $40 in cash.
Log into the Historic Shepherdstown Museum website to find out more details on the mysterious case.
So, I’ll say no more, but the murder mystery continues to this date.
Ending notes on visiting the Historic Shepherdstown Museum
Visiting this museum is great way to spend some time learning about the history of Shepherdstown, WV.
Shepherdstown is, also, a friendly college town with many historical buildings.
A Special Thank You to Vicki Smith, docent, for allowing us to blog and take photographs of the Historic Shepherdstown Museum.