New opportunities and the return of some favorite events will be featured this fall at the Beverly Heritage Center. A full schedule of activities is planned for October through Christmas.
The Beverly Heritage Center’s new manager, Darryl DeGripp, is seeking assistance with stories for the first Beverly Lantern Tours in October. “We invite Beverly and area residents to share stories with us of those who have gone before,” DeGripp said. “Our lantern tours will feature a variety of stories related to Beverly’s historic homes and community heritage.”
Led by Beverly resident Karl Mulac and other docents in period costume, the Lantern Tours on Saturdays October 13 and 27 will explore the darker side of Beverly’s historic district. Tours will leave from the Beverly Heritage Center each evening at 7:30 p.m. and will last about an hour and a half. Tickets will be $10 for adults, and $5 for Beverly Heritage Center members and children under 12.
On November 10, the Beverly Heritage Center will again feature the popular Night at the Museum event. Museum characters will come to life in the exhibits during this reception with hearty hors d’oeuvres and favorite beverages. The fundraiser is from 6 to 9 p.m., with tickets $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
“Every year we feature some new characters and activities during this event,” according to DeGripp. “First time attendees will be charmed, and returning participants will find some surprising new activities.”
Darryl DeGripp started in September as Operations Director for the Beverly Heritage Center. A graduate of West Virginia University in Interior Design with a Masters in Public History, DeGripp helped create the Morgantown History Museum and sits on the board of the West Virginia Association of Museums.
“We had a number of very qualified candidates for the position,” according to Phyllis Baxter, President of Historic Beverly Preservation. “Darryl’s wide range of work experience, excellent credentials, and commitment to the position made him clearly the best choice, and we are delighted to welcome him to the team at the Beverly Heritage Center.”
The Beverly Heritage Center combines four historic buildings into one heritage attraction offering museum exhibits, gift shop, archives, and visitor information. It is located in the center of Beverly, six miles south of Elkins, West Virginia, on US Rt 219. Operating partners in the Beverly Heritage Center are Historic Beverly Preservation and Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation. Off-season hours are Thursday through Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with other days and hours by appointment. For more information about the Beverly Heritage Center or fall events see www.beverlyheritagecenter.org, email DeGripp at info@beverlyheritagecenter.org, or call 304-637-7424.
