Located in Central West Virginia, our history/genealogy library is housed in an old grade school in Horner, Lewis County. Initially, we focused on the Hacker’s Creek area but our growth during the ensuing years has come to include many of the surrounding counties. People are amazed at the resources we offer on our website, and in our library, to help them in their genealogy journey. We invite you to explore our online resources and perhaps consider joining our friendly organization.
Our members represent almost every state in the United States.
Our current Executive Director is Patty Lesondak. She has been the Director for over 13 years. Her family roots tie into Braxton County, Lewis County, Upshur County, Webster County and the states of Ohio and Illinois. Her knowledge of the library, genealogy and history has been an asset to our organization.
WHO WE ARE
HCPD works closely with other genealogy and historical societies throughout the state and especially those in places to or from which great numbers of our pioneering families migrated. The organization is an integral part of our community and works with all ages and ethnicities to carry forth our mission.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to Preserve, Conserve, Protect, Display and make available Genealogical and History research. Culture and Artifacts of the Central West Virginia area to all those interested in their personal and family history as well as our area's History and Culture. Our organization implements historic compilation, preservation and maintenance through it staff and volunteers. Our Members and Public are encouraged to engage and participate in dialogue with our staff and volunteers by visiting in person as well as our online resources. These goals can involve community outreach programs and coordination with other organizations of similar purpose within West Virginia and reaching to other states.
Revised 06/15/2023 by action of Board of Directors
Available for our Members Only
Beginning in the year 1773 when the first settlers came to this area Jane Lew was the focal point of the bloodiest Indian attacks. West Fort was built there in 1773. Jessie Hughes the famous Indian Scout settled in what is now Jesse's Run. If you are interested in more Jane Lew history we now have a few photos and history available to our members under the members only section. Sharing short local family history under the Family shorts icon members only section.
Soon we will have LC marriages 1817-1880, Schoolcraft records, Jacob Fox Journal, Surnames of LC and where buried, history and pictures of more local Lewis County communities, records before and beyond census VA and WV, list of veterans and where buried and much, much more valuable information just for our members.
The items below can be enjoyed by all that visit our site. Click on the buttons to enter programs. Check out the green footer below, as we add items all can see.
Don Norman Files
Don Norman dedicated his efforts to compiling genealogy for individuals connected to Central West Virginia. We are pleased to share his work on the Internet Archive. We encourage you to contact us if you have collections and files you would like us to consider adding. Click the button to access it.
Journals
These journals, which have been published regularly since 1982, are a wealth of information. There are family histories, descendant lists, information about churches, schools, cemeteries, and more. It is a lot of fun to just choose an issue and be amazed at what you find there. Click on the button to access the Journals.
Vintage Photos
We have an extensive photo collection. We share these on Flickr and soon you will be able to purchase a print of a photo. We have many identified photos and many unidentified. If you see a photo and know the name of the person or place, please contact us. Click on the button to access our photos.
