Last updated: 12/18/2011
Beauchamp-Newman Museum
Elizabeth, West Virginia
Street Address
Corner of Court and Mulberry StreetsElizabeth, WV 26143
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 621Elizabeth, WV 26143
phone: 304-275-3569
e-mail: cmommene2@aol.com

Hours

Weekdays and weekends by appoi 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Admissions

Free

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Carole Menefee
phone: 304-275-3569
Mary Cleghon
phone: 304-275-0951
Alice Stanley
phone: 304-275-1070
Description

The Beauchamp-Newman Museum, long known as the “Old Red Brick” is the oldest brick building in Elizabeth. It was built around 1835-40, by Alfred Beauchamp, grandson of the first settler in the community. It is believed that the bricks were made from local clay deposits on his land, probably by slaves.

History

This historical museum building was built in the 1830’s by Alfred Beauchamp from local handmade bricks. Alfred was the grandson of the first settler in Wirt County, WV around 1796. This building served as Wirt County’s first Courthouse. The building was purchased by the Daughters of American Pioneers using funds donated by citizens interested in preserving the rich history of Wirt County, WV. The museum houses documents, heirlooms, and relics of pioneers donated by many citizens to perpetuate the memory and virtues of the men and women who dared the perils and deprivations of pioneer life. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Artifact Collections

Museum rooms are furnished with an impressive array of early Wirt County artifacts and period furniture. The original desk belonging to the museum's builder, Alfred Beauchamp, and a large square piano that belonged to Elizabeth Beauchamp graces the parlor. A cradle made by a Newark, WV furniture maker in 1862, a rope bed, an unusual copper walk-in bathtub, and an oval floor mirror are displayed in upstairs bedrooms. The doll room contains many early period dressed dolls, a bentwood doll carriage and stuffed animals. The early kitchen contains utensils, cupboards, and dishware. The museum is also the repository of priceless early Wirt County memorabilia including the original county seal, early Elizabeth town council minutes, weapons, tools, Indian artifacts, mannequins in costume, pictures and personal possessions.

Governance

Owned and operated by the Elizabeth Beauchamp Chapter Daughters of American Pioneers

ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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