FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2025

Historic Willey House Fundraiser to Benefit Morgantown History Museum

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Friends of the Morgantown History Museum will host historic tours of the Waitman T. Willey Mansion on Friday, June 20, 2025, in recognition of West Virginia Day. The Willey Mansion was built in 1839-40 as the home of United States Senator Waitman T. Willey, a key figure in the formation of the State of West Virginia.

This fundraiser provides guests an opportunity to explore the historic home through self-guided tours of the first floor living spaces, including Willey’s home office, grand hall, parlor, and dining room. On-site exhibits, artifacts, and docents will bring historical context to life in the 1860s through the eyes of the citizens of Morgantown during that era. Included will be Waitman T. Willey, his wife Elizabeth, soldiers, enslaved individuals, and others. This goal of this tour is to showcase Willey’s life and legacy through highlighting his pivotal role in West Virginia’s path to statehood in 1863.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Friends of the Morgantown History Museum (FOMHM). The FOMHM is a non-profit organization that assists with the operation of the Morgantown History Museum via fundraising, artifact acquisition, exhibit creation, and historical research regarding Monongalia County. The organization plays a vital role in supporting the Museum’s ongoing efforts by funding historical research, exhibit development, and educational programs for the community.

The event will take place at The Waitman T. Willey Mansion, located at 128 Wagner Road in Morgantown, with tours beginning at 5:30 p.m. and continuing every 30 minutes until 9:00 p.m. The final tour will start at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35.00 in advance online or $50.00 at the door. Tickets are available online at 304tix.com. Included in the tour are light refreshments, which will be served in the home’s historic brick courtyard.

“This event is more than a tour, it's a way to directly support the preservation of our shared history,” said Jason Burns, Morgantown History Museum Manager. “We encourage and appreciate everyone who joins us in celebrating West Virginia Day while also investing in the future of the Morgantown History Museum.”

For more information contact the Morgantown History Museum or contact Jason Burns at jburns@morgantownwv.gov. The Morgantown History Museum is open Wednesday-Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is always free.

Venue Location: Waitman T. Willey Mansion 128 Wagner Road Morgantown, WV 26501

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