Champion fiddler, author, teacher, and square dance caller Mac Samples joins the Clarksburg History Museum for a conversation about preserving West Virginia's rich musical heritage. Mac shares memories of growing up on a small farm, learning music from family members, and witnessing the transition from traditional Appalachian music to the rise of rock and roll.

The conversation explores the history of old-time fiddling, square dancing, banjo styles, and the important role live music played in rural communities. Mac also reflects on the Samples Brothers, performing across West Virginia, writing novels inspired by Appalachian life, and why preserving local traditions and stories remains as important as ever.

In this episode, Bobby Bice joins us to talk about the history of Bice’s Greenhouse, a family business in Enterprise just outside Shinnston that celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2025. He shares how the greenhouse began in the early 1900s, how it has been passed down through generations, and what makes locally grown plants different from mass-produced options.

The conversation also explores the story of the Big Elm tree, once one of the largest trees of its kind in the United States and a defining landmark in the Shinnston area. Bobby discusses how the tree inspired the book Daughter of the Elm by Granville Davidson Hall, the real people behind the story, and the theories surrounding the tree’s decline and removal.

Conversation with Jeff Hanlin, pastor of Central Christian Church of Clarksburg.

In this episode of Around and About the Clarksburg History Museum, we sit down with Pastor Jeff Hanlin of Central Christian Church in Clarksburg, West Virginia to explore the history of one of the city’s most recognizable - and often overlooked - landmarks.

From its beginnings in the early 1900s with a small group meeting in the courthouse to the construction of its striking four-story building, this conversation uncovers the story behind the church’s architecture, stained glass windows, and lasting presence in the community.

We also dive into the broader roots of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Restoration Movement, and the influence of Bethany College, connecting local history to a much larger story.

Pastor Hanlin shares how the church has served Clarksburg through outreach efforts like warming shelters, how it adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic through live streaming, and the challenges it faces today as it looks toward the future.