FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2025

Benedum Foundation Awards $35,000 Grant to City of Morgantown for Historic Preservation and Museum Programming

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The City of Morgantown is pleased to announce that the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation has awarded a $35,000 grant to support repairs and facility enhancements at the historic Easton Roller Mill. Funding also supports the development and creation of programming that will showcase educational exhibitions, further supporting the Morgantown History Museum’s efforts to increase community engagement.

The foundation’s board of trustees authorized the grant earlier this summer. Project expectations include:

• Repairing the Easton Roller Mill entrance with an accessible ramp and other facility improvements to enhance public access and participation.
• Creating special exhibitions and speaker events to expand community involvement and increase the Morgantown History Museum’s annual attendance.
• Purchasing and installing display cases to enhance the museum's collections and support special exhibits.

“We are extremely thankful for the foundation’s support,” said Vincent Kitch, Director of Arts and Cultural Development for the City of Morgantown. “These funds will help us preserve a significant piece of Morgantown history and share it with our community through interactive learning and engagement.”

Kim Tieman, Vice-President and Program Director for Health for the Benedum Foundation, emphasized the importance of the investment as one that promotes cultural enrichment.

“The Benedum Foundation is happy to partner with the museum in this project to preserve the Roller Mill and to promote the museums efforts to educate the public on the states historical heritage,” said Tieman.

Morgantown History Museum is the first city-sponsored museum in Monongalia County. Visitors can explore artifacts and exhibits covering the county’s history from prehistory to the present. The museum is located at 175 Kirk St., in the former Morgantown Post Office annex, and offers limited free parking. Admission is always free, and tours are available.

Museum Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

For more information about the Easton Roller Mill or the Morgantown History Museum, CLICK HERE.

###