HISTORY: The Upshur County Historical Society was organized in the early 1920s and was incorporated in 1926. Since the early 1980s, the society has increased its activities to include a variety of endeavors and projects.

MISSION: This society is the countylevel organization that concerns itself with a broad spectrum of historical matters.
We express concern over threatened historical properties and strive to find ways to protect and preserve them. We seek special recognition of historical properties through local, state, and national Registers of Historic Places. We collect documents and artifacts that assist us in the interpretation of Upshur County history.  We attempt to educate the public about historic Upshur County through publications and exhibits. We maintain the Upshur County History Center as a historic site, museum, and meeting place. We encourage the collective working of all groups and individuals who strive to identify, preserve, and perpetuate the historical understanding of Upshur County.

HISTORY CENTER AND MUSEUM: The Upshur County History Center and Museum is located at 81 West Main Street and is housed in the historic Southern Methodist Church Building. The History Center serves as a gathering place for historical activities and as Upshur County’s only museum with permanent and changing exhibits.This building was erected as a simple wooden structure in 1856 by the Methodist Episcopal Church South. During the Civil War it was commandeered for use as a commissary.
The museum is open summer Sunday afternoons through September 25 from 1 to 4 p.m.

DOCUMENT REPOSITORY AND RESEARCH CENTER: An Upshur County-related materials document repository is located at 29 West Main St., across from the county courthouse. The Upshur County Historical Society continues to encourage individuals and organizations to place any materials that speak specifically to the history of Upshur County, its people, places, and events in this repository. Public hours are every Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Special appointments may also be arranged.
Materials sought include photographs, letters, journals and diaries, business, organizational, or events memorabilia, and selected artifacts that will be used for research, publications, and museum exhibits. This is an ongoing project and the Society welcomes both contributions of materials, assistance in processing, or financial donations to obtain necessary archival supplies.

MEMBERSHIP AND HOW YOU CAN HELP: Membership in this Society provides financial resources to maintain the History Center and Museum and the Document Repository and Research Center, promote publication efforts, and allows for all other services provided by the Society. An occasional newsletter filled with interesting historical information is sent to active members.
Membership dues are collected at the beginning of the calendar year. Dues categories are Student ($2), Individual ($10), Family ($15), and Business ($25). This Society also actively seeks financial contributions and all gifts are tax deductible. Stop by and see us soon.
Visit our new website at www.upshurcountyhistoricalsociety.com.

Some Information Courtesy of the Upshur County Fact Book