At the Watts Museum, we explore the significance of technology and industrialization on our region’s communities and landscape. Through exhibits, programs, and outreach, the Museum preserves and interprets the history of West Virginia’s mineral resources and related industries. Our goal is to inspire creative and analytical thinking about the many facets of energy-related industries in the Mountain State.
Exhibits: Each year, we develop a new exhibit that interprets our state’s industrial heritage in creative and thought-provoking ways. Past exhibit topics have included mine rescue teams in the Appalachian coalfields, the timber industry’s impact on regional folk music, and the early extraction of oil in West Virginia for lighting, machine lubricant, and medicine.
Programs: The Watts Museum presents public programs and events that complement our exhibits and support our mission. Our staff can also customize group programs to fit the needs and interests of various audiences – school kids, summer campers, retirees, college students, professionals, and more.
Research and Preservation: Upon approval by our staff, the Watts Museum allows students and researchers to access and study its collections. The museum also approves temporary artifact loans to other institutions on a case-by-case basis. As part of our mission to preserve the history of West Virginia’s mineral resources and related industries, we follow professional guidelines for the safety and storage of artifacts and documents as our museum’s capacity allows.
History of the MuseumCore Selections: Highlights of the Oil and Gas Industry from West Virginia Museums
In some pockets of West Virginia, the oil and gas industry has altered landscapes, lives, and communities with as much impact—but much less attention—than coal.
Featuring an array of petroleum-related artifacts from museums throughout West Virginia, Core Selections explores the significance of these items to the regional oil and gas industry and the socio-economic development of the Mountain State. Though layers of rust, soil, patina, and oils have accumulated on their surfaces, we can still extract core pieces of West Virginia’s history from the stories these objects convey.
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Since 2010, the Watts Museum has organized 39 total exhibits including temporary, traveling and satellite exhibits.
What began as a few artifacts in a glass case is now an endowed, professionally staffed museum with annual exhibits, traveling displays, program series, a historical library, and more.
50,000 Objects
The Watts Museum’s collection includes approximately 50,000 objects, photographs and archival documents, including one the largest selections of miners’ flame safety lamps in the U.S.
The Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum is made possible by the philanthropy of
those who support, finance and enrich the Museum’s programs, exhibitions, collections
and research. Your contributions help the Watts Museum realize its fullest potential
for the benefit of the community, WVU and Appalachia’s industrial heritage.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1pm – 4pm Learn more about visiting by appointment and holidays WVU is closed.
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