CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thursday will mark the 156th anniversary of West Virginia’s founding, and the state Department of Arts, Culture and History wants West Virginians to celebrate.
The state Culture Center has a slew of activities planned; the facility will offer 35 special edition West Virginia Day Blenko glass pieces for $69 each. The piece is yellow and cobalt blue, and each piece must be bought in person.
Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice will cut the West Virginia Day cake tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Culture Center. An interfaith prayer service will follow at noon.
The Culture Center will also host youth activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bethany Cline, the department’s deputy commissioner, said West Virginians take pride in the state’s history that is not found in other states.
“Maybe it’s because the way we became a state and fighting for who we wanted to be as a people,” she said. “Maybe that’s why we celebrate it so strongly every year. We are proud West Virginians, that’s for sure.”
Wheeling’s Independence Hall, Moundsville’s Grave Creek Mound and other sites with the Department of Arts, Culture and History will be open Thursday.