The Ritchie County Historical Society was formed in 1973 and purchased the Old Stone House on June 20, 1977. The Old Stone House, constructed in 1810 -1815 and used as a Stage Coach stop on the Northwestern Turnpike, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It is now a museum of 20+ rooms and a genealogy library.
             
The society also leases the Pennsboro B & O Depot and has restored it as a railroad museum and community center. The society also helped establish the Cairo Museum and the General Thomas M. Harris School Museum in Harrisville.
           
The society’s numerous publications include: “The History of Ritchie County” by Minnie Kendal Lowther; “Ritchie County, WV Cemeteries – Through 1993”; “A Photographic History of Ritchie Co., WV”; “North Bend Rail Trail Guide” by Charlene Lattea; and “The Life and Times of the Pennsboro B & O Depot”.
           
Society membership – Annual dues are $10.00 and based on the calendar year. Members receive four newsletters annually. The society meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month, February through October. Interested parties are encouraged to attend.
           
Visit the society’s web site to learn more about the historical society and/or the county’s history and see a complete list of publications and prices.
           
For additional information, call David Scott, President, at 304-643-2738 or Toll Free at 1-866-363-8416.

Web Site:  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvritchi/rchs.htm
Email:  ritchiehistory@ruralnet.org