Reflection West Virginia Culture Center

1. What was your overall reflection of the museum visit?

I really enjoyed my visit to the West Virginia State Museum. Sadly, this
was the first time I have ever been to this facility. I was truly amazed
by all of the exhibits. I wish I would have completed my first
assignment after my visit, because I was able to take the information I
learned from the website and actually see it in person. I really enjoyed
seeing all of the exhibits and I plan on bringing my father and husband
to see it soon!
2. What did you discover that you did not know about the History of
WV?
Kelly and I were both surprised to read that Robert C. Byrd was born as
Cornelius Calvin Sale, Jr. When he was just one, his mother passed
away in the influenza epidemic. His aunt and uncle Vlurma and Titus
Byrd adopted him.
3. How would you use the museum in your classroom?
There are many ways I could use the museum in my classroom. If I
were teaching about the Great Depression, The State Capitol, The
Mining Life, or John Browns raid I would love to bring my students to
see those exhibits. Going over the literature, and then seeing it in
person is really neat. My husband is a West Virginia State Trooper, so
viewing the room filled with WVSP artifacts was so interesting.
4. Are there specifics WVCSOs covered in the museum? Name two.
Yes, many!
1. The Great Depression: SS.6.H.CL2.2 Students will examine and
categorize causes of the Great Depression worldwide.
2. John Browns Raid: SS.8.H.CL3.1 Students will explain the effect
of key events leading to Western Virginias separation from

Virginia after secession (e.g., First and Second Wheeling

Conventions and John Browns Raid).
5. What specific strands of NCSS does the museum cover?
Standard I: Culture, Standard II: Time, Continuity, and Change,
Standard III: People, Places, and Environments, Standard VI: Power,
Authority, and Governance.
6. What did you learn from the visit to the museum?
I learned many things from visiting the museum. One, Robert C.
Byrd being adopted at a young age. Two, how telephone calls were
transferred from a switchboard to someones home. I remember
hearing about things being transferred from a switchboard, but it
was neat actually seeing one with all of the buttons. Three, that I
am 28 years old and this was my first visit to the Culture Center. I
am very disappointed that my Social Studies teachers never
incorporated this amazing place with our lessons. I was very happy
to see my old homeroom teacher bringing his students there. It is a
great experience.
7. Is this a valuable field trip? Why?
Yes, this is a very valuable field trip. Like I said before, reading
about history and being able to view it makes it so much easier to
understand. I did not receive the best education when it comes to
Social Studies/History, but I promise to never, ever allow my future
students to miss out on everything I have missed out on. My father
and husband are huge history fanatics. I plan on bringing them to
The Culture Center this month. I am not sure that either one of
them have been there either. They will truly appreciate this facility, I
did! I am so happy that the state of WV has such a nice museum for
everyone to enjoy and learn from. I plan on coming back and taking

more time to view everything. I am truly amazed by this facility.

Everyone needs to take a tour of the Culture Center and view the
exhibits.