The Nitro History & Wars Museum protects the city’s legacy and the memories of its citizens.
IN THE HEART OF NITRO sits a small, unassuming building. On the side, a large black and white image of marching soldiers hangs proudly, giving a name to what’s inside: “Nitro Museum: A Living Memorial to World War I.”
The Nitro History & Wars Museum first opened in 1982—the same year Nitro was officially named a living memorial to the war by Congress—and occupied several locations before landing in its current home on 20th Street. But much longer ago, this quiet block of town was a part of a much grander history.
“Nitro was basically built and created during World War I to manufacture gunpowder for the war efforts,” says Nitro historian Rich Hively. In fact, according to Hively, that role is how the city gained its name—from the nitrocellulose used in the gunpowder.
The two-room museum encloses over 4,000 square feet of history, from WWI to current times. Its main focus is on WWI, but Hively says all the major wars are represented, as well as the history of the city post-war.
With artifacts and photographs dated back to 1918, the museum is full of interesting things to discover. Inside you’ll find some of the original gunpowder manufactured in Nitro and artifacts from Explosive Plant C where it was made, the original flag that once flew over the city, and even the previously traveling West Virginia Vietnam Veterans Wall, now in its permanent home at the museum. “It’s sad, but it’s amazing,” Hively says. “There are more than 900 names on there—you can actually shed a tear or two looking.”
There is something that anyone who goes into the museum can relate to, he says, whether they be history buffs, veterans, or students on a trip. The collection often rotates out from the museum’s store of memorabilia, so every visit is a little different. “Every time I walk in, something catches my eye and I say, ‘I didn’t know we had that!’”
The museum is free to the public, open Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. 2003 20th Street, Nitro, nitrocvb.com/wars-museum, “Nitro History Wars Museum” Public Group on FB
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