Learn Civics and be a Part of the History in the State Capital
Sometimes some of the best learning trips can be found in your own backyard. Learn how an educational trip to the state capital can teach about history, civics, culture, and more.
I believe the setting is a huge part of any story. For me the main setting in the story of my life has been West Virginia. It’s a state whose rich history has been defined as much by her rolling Appalachian mountains as by her friendly and hard-working people. West Virginia is a state that is not quite south enough to be considered “the south” by some yet not quite north enough to really be considered the latter by others. That’s one of the things I love about it - it’s unique and unlike any other state in our nation. No matter how it is defined by others, for me it’s defined as “home”.
On no other trip was I reminded more of my love for my home state than on a recent educational trip with my teen daughter and her friend to our state capital, Charleston, WV. The people were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The activities we did were even more enriching than I had hoped. Even before I started homeschooling, I loved making travel educational in a fun way. Visiting the capital city of any state is almost always a sure way to do that. Here are three great activities to do in Charleston to learn about West Virginia … or to replicate in your own home state!
Standing behind the desk of the Speaker of the House is an exciting part of an educational trip to the state capital.
West Virginia State Capital Building
Most capital buildings have an interesting past that reflects on the history of the state itself. The West Virginia Capital is no exception.
Construction on the building that now serves as the capital began in 1924 after several other buildings were used, including a few outside of the city of Charleston. This copper and gold leaf, 530,000 square foot building actually stands 5 feet taller than the United States
Capital and houses bicameral legislative offices. Guests are permitted to sit in the balconies of both the House and the Senate to watch the legislative sessions in progress. Tours are also available and guests are permitted to go on the Senate and House floor when the session is not in progress.
We found all the people we encountered to be genuinely excited to share a little piece of the legislative process. Even though we didn’t know the ins and outs of the bills we heard being discussed, it was fascinating to watch the process in action. It was a great learning experience, not only for my daughter but for me as well.
A tour of the capital building is the perfect first stop on an educational trip to the state capital city.
West Virginia Governor’s Mansion
Not all states allow tours of their governor’s mansion but West Virginia is among those that do. Although there are of course large sections of the WV Governor’s Mansion the public is not permitted to tour, it is none-the-less beyond cool to be able to walk through the home of the sitting governor. On the day we went, we were the only people scheduled for our tour. It was like a private viewing of the property! The governor was in residence, having a meeting in an adjacent room while we toured. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the various furnishings and decor of the house. The experience provided a unique glimpse into the history of the state.
The beauty of the West Virginia State Governor’s Mansion is available for citizens to enjoy.
West Virginia State Museum
Wow! Did the WV State Museum ever far exceed my expectations! It’s set up like a walk through time, starting with an exhibit focusing on the prehistoric times. As visitors progress down the winding path through more than two dozen exquisitely decorated rooms, the story of the state unfolds. The visuals are stunning and the special effects are unlike what you will see in other museums. The scenes depict both events that were unique to West Virginia as well give a state’s perspective on national events, like the Civil War, the Great Depression, the changing role of women in the economy and so much more. Students young and old will learn a great deal because of the engaging way the exhibits are set up.
Scenes such as these make the WV State Museum a great stop on an educational trip to the state capital.
Appointments are needed for the capital tour as well as the tour of the governor’s mansion. The capital, mansion, and museum are located within easy walking distance of one another. All are FREE to the public!
