west virginia independence hall

This is a beautifully designed museum in a historical building covering West Virginia and Wheeling history. There are some activities for children (go to the flag room) and a good movie. The civil war and the local industries are well documented. We stayed about 1-1/2 hours.

first time ever there was very informative in the history dept, toured the whole building was amazed with all the history and old furniture

This was a museum full of state history. There was no fee to go there. The movie at the beginning tells how West Virginia became a state and that was the base of what the whole museum was about. It is all presented nicely with the exhibits being very well cared for.

Worth a stop. This is THE birthplace of WV. It is a shame that there is not more fanfare for the place since it has all that significance. Charleston always gets more attention.

Don't be misled by the size of this museum; if you watch the movie first and spend time reviewing the exhibits, you can gain a much better appreciation of just how this state came about--the only true split that was achieved from the Civil War. I had no idea how/why this state was created until I journeyed here, especially in the building where it happened. It was time well spent; however, you have to stay focused. If you don't have an attention span that can be devoted to one subject for about an hour, this attraction probably won't appeal to you, as you need to read and pay attention to details. There is a small parking lot behind the building, so parking is free. I got the directions from I-70 on their website and they were very clear. Another bonus is that the museum is free. I don't feel kids will gain a lot out of this, due to the necessary intellectual emphasis.

This is a very interesting museum that has recently been refurbished and sparkles with pride. One starts out down in the basement where a movie presents the facts of West Virginia's beginnings. Then one takes the elevator up to the third floor where the meetings were held to create our state. Progressing down to the second and first floors there are various interactive exhibits presenting interesting information on WV military units, Civil War battles, the development of flat-bottomed river boats, local industry, etc. Wow! My husband and I really learned a lot and enjoyed the experience. This is a must-see if you are near Wheeling!!!!

Decided to tour Independence Hall because we were staying in Wheeling for a few days. The introductory movie is factual but very boring for children. Instead of just explaining the history, the movie is more of a drama with actors portraying the founding fathers of West Virginia. My 9 year old was ready to bolt after about 5 minutes of the 20 minute movie. However, the 3 floors of the Hall are filled with interesting artifacts and memorabilia. You are able to sit and stand where the founding fathers debated the fate of the state of West Virginia. If you have an hour or so to use, then this would be a good adventure for teens and adults.

What a fascinating story this place tells you will learn about west virgina separating from virgina during the civil war the guides are very knowledgeable and exhibits are so well presented they make you feel like you were there building has Been well preserved great place to see

History of the building is fascinating itself. It was about to be destroyed. It's path to being saved and the recent reconstruction to prepare for its 150 birthday is a story beyond the history that took place inside leading up to the US civil war. Travis--the manager provided us a person tour. Try to arrange this instead of touring by yourself. The movie on the lower level is worthwhile--start ther. There are intereactive displays for children upstairs. It's best to start your tour of downtown Wheeling with Independence Hall.

When Virginia seceded from the union, a bunch of counties in the mountains where slavery was not an economic engine seceded from Virginia after meeting and setting up a capitol in Wheeling. Thus was born WV. Admitted to the union as a state in 1863, though constitutionally questionable, no one has had standing to mount a legal challenge and so a state divided against itself has stood. Though the capitol has since moved to Charelston, here is where it began. Interesting little museum.

Very interesting musuem, they had some of the actual flags that the soliders carried to battle. Very nice displays, be sure to watch the short movie before touring the musuem. Nicely restored building

The building is okay, and the contents have some appeal. But we didn't find enough on the origin of WV to suit us. We're still happy we went, but we can't offer a glowing recommendation. No sure there's much to appeal to kids.

We had a few extra hours this morning and decided to visit this lovely museum. My husband is a big history buff, I am not but we both really enjoyed it. This is a small, hands on, beautifully restored museum. Allow about an hour and a half for our self guided tour, there is free parking in th back. There is no cost for the museum but donations are accepted, please support this hidden gem. Our 6 and 8 year old enjoyed it too, there are a few actives for them and the museum is hands on. I would highly recommend this museum.

The Independence Hall is a nice little museum in Wheeling, West Virginia. It was a self-guided tour, we were given a pamplet and a short explanation of the various floors by one of the attendants. She was very friendly and very enthusiastic about the history of the building. There was a short - 12 minute or so - film that was a recreation of the secession from Virginia. It was several years old, and not really that interesting to me.I had marked this as a travel stop mainly as a short break from driving. Looking at the exhibits and the architecture of the building was interesting - I would estimate we spent about 45 minutes there....a thorough tour would probably take around 90 minutes - we skimmed some of the exhibits. It was very good for what it was. I wouldn't make a lengthy drive just to see it, however, if I were in the area anyway it is a neat part of history to see - both for the formation of a state part, and for the building architecture.

The Independence Hall is the place where West Virginia got its start. It was in this building that the decision to form an independent state was made. The building is well kept, its original state has been maintained and it should be seen by everyone who has ties to West Virginia or by those interested in Civil War history. And no matter what side your people fought for, this building is an intriguing monument that well represents all West Virginians. I appreciated the fact that you can view everything on your own and at your own pace. Well worth the fee.