I am honored to be part of the Hacker’s Creek Pioneer Descendants (HCPD) 2025 Lecture Series, an opportunity to engage with the past in ways that inform our present and shape our future. HCPD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and genealogy of central West Virginia. Their work ensures that generations to come have access to the stories, records, and research that connect us to those who came before us. I deeply respect their mission, and I encourage everyone to support them in whatever way they can.
This year’s series features an incredible lineup of speakers:
April 10 | 7-8 PM – Dr. Bob Hutton, historian, author, and Associate Professor at Glenville State University, will present Work & Rebellion in West Virginia’s Industrial Era, exploring the labor struggles and resilience that shaped our state. Having attended Glenville State University myself before transferring to WVU, I have a great deal of admiration for GSU and the caliber of historical scholarship it produces. Dr. Hutton’s work is exceptional, and I highly encourage attending his talk.
May 15 | 7-8 PM – The Cemetery Research Panel Q&A, hosted by HCPD members, will delve into the importance of cemeteries in genealogy and historical research. Understanding burial records and cemetery histories is an essential part of tracing our roots, and this discussion promises to be both fascinating and informative.
Then, on June 21 from 2-3 PM, I am honored to present Inside Weston: The Lives, Stories, and Unfinished Legacy. My lecture will focus on Weston State Hospital, its long and complex history, and the lasting impact it had on the community and beyond. I will discuss how previously inaccessible material has come to light, how these discoveries contribute to genealogical research, and why it is so important to ensure these stories are preserved. Additionally, I will touch on the African American experience at Weston, a deeply significant but often overlooked part of its history.
For those who may not know me, I am the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of WVSHI Inc., the West Virginia State Hospital Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of West Virginia’s former state hospitals while advocating for the future of mental healthcare in the state. One of our most critical efforts is Project Dignity, an initiative focused on identifying, memorializing, and ensuring the respectful recognition of those buried in the cemeteries of these historic institutions. This work began at Weston State Hospital but extends to other former state hospital cemeteries, ensuring that the lives of those laid to rest in these often-forgotten burial grounds are properly honored.
Following my talk, I will have a small number of both of my books on Weston State Hospital available for purchase. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to WVSHI Inc. and Project Dignity, helping to fund further research, advocacy, and memorialization efforts. I will also be happy to sign copies, and while there is no requirement, I encourage those requesting an autograph to consider making a donation of any amount to HCPD, supporting the invaluable work they do.
The series will conclude with another outstanding speaker:
July 17 | 7-8 PM – James Bandy, local resident, entrepreneur, and veteran, will present Reminiscences of Lewis County from the 1930s-1950s, offering firsthand stories and insights from a pivotal era in our state’s history.
These lectures are a rare opportunity to engage with West Virginia history in a setting that fosters dialogue, learning, and a deeper appreciation for those who came before us. Whether your interests lie in history, genealogy, or preserving the past for future generations, I highly encourage attending these events.
All lectures will be held at the HCPD Library in Horner, WV. Follow HCPD on Facebook for updates and additional details.
I am incredibly grateful to HCPD for this opportunity and their dedication to preserving the history of this region. I look forward to sharing this history with all of you in June. Hope to see you there!
#exploremore #explorepage #explore #history #geneology #roots #cemeteries #research #family #WestVirginia #NorthCentralWestVirginia #Library #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #historybooks #lecture #historian #speaker #informed #information #enlighten#learning #pastpresentfuture
Also check out other Nonprofit events in Horner, Business events in Horner, Arts events in Horner.
