Can older siblings participate in Homeschool Days?

Yes, while the program is designed for K-6 students, older children and siblings are welcome to join.

Are meals provided during the program?

No, lunch is not included. Please pack a lunch for your child to enjoy during breaks.

Is prior experience with crafts or history required?

No, all activities are hands-on and beginner-friendly with guidance from staff.

What is the cost of attending?

The charge is $15 for members and $20 for non-members, including all materials except lunch.

Where is Arthurdale Heritage located?

Arthurdale is in northern West Virginia, near Morgantown, known for its historical New Deal homestead community.

Is the program wheelchair accessible?

Currently, accessibility details are not specified; please contact Arthurdale Heritage directly for accommodations.

Hands-On History and Folk Arts at Arthurdale Heritage: A Unique Homeschool Adventure in West Virginia | History Tour | Attraction

Arthurdale, West Virginia, offers an immersive window into Appalachia’s rich past through the Homeschool Days program at Arthurdale Heritage. This October, families with K-6 students can engage in hands-on history and arts activities that bring local Appalachian traditions to life. Arthurdale itself is a landmark as one of the nation’s first New Deal homestead communities, established in the 1930s to provide economic relief and a fresh start for coal miners’ families. Its historic preservation and vibrant museum collections give visitors a genuine experience of early 20th-century rural life.

The Homeschool Day event on October 15 is specially designed to blend education with active involvement. Students dive into museum care, exploring collections that illuminate the region’s social and industrial heritage. The program includes an exciting introduction to copper embossing inside a blacksmith’s forge—an artisanal craft that echoes the practical, creative spirit of the community’s founders. Participants also learn traditional Appalachian folk songs, connecting directly with the oral and musical culture that has shaped the area for generations.

What makes Arthurdale Heritage so distinctive is its living museum approach. Visitors don't just observe history—they become a part of it. The interactive setting encourages kids to develop a deeper appreciation for Appalachian culture through tactile learning, storytelling, and artistic expression. The facility supports homeschool families with curated programming that aligns with educational goals while fostering curiosity in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Arthurdale sits amid West Virginia’s lush hills, offering a peaceful backdrop for this intimate, knowledge-rich outing. Nearby Morgantown serves as the closest city hub for accommodations and dining options. Visiting Arthurdale is also a chance to experience the broader Appalachian Trail region known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities.

This Homeschool Day is a four-to-five-hour experience priced affordably at $15 for members and $20 for non-members, with all materials included except lunch—you’ll want to pack a meal for your child to enjoy during breaks. The program welcomes slightly older students as well, encouraging family units to explore together.

Arthurdale Heritage proves itself a standout destination by making history approachable, hands-on, and fun for young learners. It offers a compelling alternative to traditional classroom education through craft, song, and storytelling, all steeped in a profound sense of place. For homeschool families traveling in West Virginia, this unique day at Arthurdale Heritage is an inspiring way to connect with Appalachia’s past and spark a lifelong interest in cultural discovery.

About Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. preserves and shares the cultural history of Arthurdale, West Virginia through public programs, hands-on workshops, and community events. The organization hosts a range of experiences that connect visitors and residents with Appalachian traditions, including weaving, relief printing, herbalism, creative writing, folk music, and historical lectures.

Programs include classroom-style workshops such as Tiny Tapestry: Weaving for Beginners and Mug Rug Weaving, which teach basic loom techniques and let participants take home finished pieces. Art-focused offerings include a Relief Printing Workshop led by Meish Claus and Ekphrastic Writing: A Creative Writing Workshop with Jessie Van Eerden, both designed for practical skill development and artistic exploration. Music and storytelling are central to the calendar with events like Folk Music of the Southern Coalfields featuring Chris Haddox, and an outdoor theatrical performance of Shakespeare’s MACBETH by the Rusted Mechanicals troupe.

Educational talks and literary programming further highlight local history and practice. Making History with Christina Fisanick guides researchers and writers in using primary sources for family history and narrative work. Taste of Arthurdale presents historical perspectives on food in Appalachia, led by historian Katharine Donnelly. The Poetics of Gratitude workshop and Herbal Mixer build community through shared creative and practical activities.

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. programs are delivered by named instructors and guest presenters and take place in Arthurdale, West Virginia. The organization focuses on accessible, place-based learning and cultural preservation, offering scheduled workshops and events that invite participation from local communities and visitors alike. Program details and schedules are posted regularly.