Author and historian M.A. Kleen discusses the Civil War in Upshur County and north central West Virginia. Drawing from his research published in Ohio Valley History, Kleen explores Clarksburg’s strategic importance, Union activity in Buckhannon, the Battle of Rich Mountain, and stories preserved in Marcia Phillips’ wartime diary.

Joe Gonzalez: No Drums, No Bugles, Clarksburg Railroad History and Astronomy

Joe Gonzalez returns to the Clarksburg History Museum podcast for a second interview. This time, he shares memories of working with Clarksburg filmmaker Clyde Ware on No Drums, No Bugles, which was filmed on Maxwell Ridge in Doddridge County and starred a young Martin Sheen.

Joe also discusses the important role of the B&O Railroad in Clarksburg’s growth. He remembers steam engines, passenger trains, freight yards, railroad workers and the transition to diesel. He shares childhood stories from the Montpelier neighborhood and recalls the tragic 1967 passenger train derailment near Toll Gate.

The conversation concludes with Joe’s lifelong interest in astronomy. He discusses the Central Appalachian Astronomy Club, the Good Hope Observatory and the club’s partnership with the Green Bank Observatory.

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.

From Two Lick Run to the World Stage - The Mayf Nutter Story

Born Mayfred Nutter on October 19, 1941, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Mayf Nutter’s roots are planted firmly in the Appalachian soil of Harrison County. The boy who once sang “Jesus Loves Me” as a toddler at Epworth United Methodist Church in Parkersburg would grow to become a country music trailblazer, acclaimed actor, environmental songwriter, and international performer while always proudly carrying the soul of West Virginia in his voice.

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library has served the community for more than a century, beginning in 1903 when Clarksburg women organized to establish the city’s first public reading room. Supported by volunteers and a one dollar subscription, the library grew through strong early leadership and a deep belief in access to knowledge.

In 1932, the library moved into the Waldomore, transforming the former home into a beloved public space. In the 1970s, Clarksburg expanded that vision with a modern addition designed by world renowned architect Marcel Breuer, completed in 1975.

Today, the library remains a vibrant community hub, offering programming, technology access, and thousands of monthly checkouts — a lasting legacy of the women and visionaries who built it.

In this heartfelt interview, Rosalyn Queen shares the rich flavors, traditions, and stories that shaped her life as an Italian-American in Clarksburg, West Virginia. A community leader, author, and the longtime voice behind The Grapevine newspaper column, Rosalyn reflects on her childhood in East View, the strong bonds of her neighborhood, and the powerful story of her father’s immigration and military service. She talks about her cookbook Arrivederci, a collection of recipes and customs meant to preserve the legacy of Italian culture for future generations.

Rosalyn brings the past to life as she recounts baking bread in outdoor ovens, canning peppers in the basement, and preparing the traditional seven fishes for Christmas Eve (for the Feast of the Seven Fishes). She also shares how she discovered her true family name and her emotional pilgrimage to Italy. Her stories highlight not only her love of food and family, but also the resilience of the Italian-American community in the face of discrimination. Through laughter, tears, and unforgettable food memories—from dandelion greens to mushroom hunts—Rosalyn invites us into a world where history lives through tradition, and love is served at every meal. This is a conversation full of heart, heritage, and the magic of remembering. Cover art is an original painting by Raffaella "Folly" Basile, a Clarksburg native who has paintings hanging throughout the United States. Seen in the background of the cover art, the artist depicts Clarksburg's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.