Museum Facility

The Mountain State Forest Festival Association and the West Virginia Railroad Museum, Inc. announced plans for the construction of a 50,000 sq. ft. building to house facilities for both organizations. The preliminary architectural drawings for the building were prepared by Overton & Associates of Westminster, Maryland and reflect the combined plans for both the Mountain State Forest Festival Association (MSFF) and the West Virginia Railroad Museum, Inc. (WVRRM). Drawings for the proposed project reveal space for a large event hall, a 320-seat auditorium, a large exhibit hall for the indoor display of rail equipment, gift shops and offices for the two organizations.

“The anticipated new headquarters of the MSFF will allow a much needed site shift for festival venues with large attendances such as the Distinguished Guest Dinner, Queen’s Ball, Cabaret, and the spring and fall gun shows, commented Karen Bialek, MSFF board president. “At the same time it places our administrative offices in close proximity of events for easier management.”

Jim Schoonover, president of the WVRRM, explained, “The Elkins site is unique because, in addition to being built on the historic Western Maryland Railroad roundhouse site, the museum facility will be connected to a state-owned 100-mile railroad which would provide an opportunity for historic train locomotives and equipment to operate on runs longer than any other place in the nation.”

The boards of directors of both organizations, as well as many city and county officials, have expressed excitement by the synergy the facility will create being located in the historic rail yard in the heart of Elkins. Its multi-use design will allow conventions, seminars, concerts and other cultural events to be held in Elkins, increasing tourism and contributing to the region’s economy.

The Mountain State Forest Festival released economic impact statistics in 2006 showing an estimated $22 million spent in Randolph County annually directly or indirectly related to the annual fall celebration. That, along with the increased tourism traffic related to the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley trains and the American Mountain Music Theater, will positively impact the viability of the new facility.

The anticipated cost of the facility is estimated to be approximately $20 million. This joint presentation is being made by both organizations in an attempt to garner public support.

The Mountain State Forest Festival is the oldest festival organization in the state of West Virginia, and the West Virginia Railroad Museum is proud to be in partnership with them on this important project.