NEXT EVENT: CHRISTKINDLMARKT (link below)
Additional Information
The Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts (formerly Rowlesburg High School) is owned and operated by the Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, Inc.
The building is continuously renovated and improve to accommodate a variety of museums, dances, dinners, and performances.
Rooms are available to rent for business opportunities. Internet service in the building.
20 Buffalo Street, Rowlesburg, WV 26425 - Phone 304-454-9009 (during opening hours)
For information call 304-698-5305 or 304-454-9634
All in one place for you to visit
- B & O Model Bridge Exhibit
- World War II Museum
- Preston County Sports Museum
- Arts Preston Studio
- Emporium
- Carolann Hooton Library
- Art Room
- Quilting Room
- Rowlesburg High School Class Pix
Renovated Entrance
The entrance of the Szilagyi Center was decorated with a Lion's Head, mascot of the Rowlesburg River Lions, and repainted in May 2019. Courtesy of Eric Baumgartner, Town Council Member
B & O Centenary Bridge Exhibit
The 1927 Centenary Bridges are on loan to the Tourism Commission and Town of Rowlesburg from the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. The whole collection has not been on exhibit in one place since 1927 and has never been outside of the B&O Railroad Museum.
Many of these bridges pioneered engineering techniques for bridge construction in America. The exhibit will be on display in the Rowlesburg High School’s Szalagyi Center for the next five years. The Rowlesburg exhibit includes a model of the Cheat River Bridge, which when last seen had been swept down river 500 yards in the flood of 1985.
Also included in the exhibit is a replica of the bridge General W.E. Jones and his Confederate Raiders were sent to attack in Rowlesburg in 1863. The models range in size from four to 17′. The bridge exhibit is open weekends from May to October and during all festival occasions.
World War II Museum
This unique museum exhibits scenes from U.S, British, German and Russian soldiers. The Home Front (1940s living room) is also depicted with a Rosie the Riveter reading letters from her soldier. WAAC/Red Cross display with several uniforms, a Wall of Honor with 250+ photos of our veterans, and many other artifacts will capture your imagination.
Free for WWII Veterans
ALL OTHERS BY DONATION
Special rates for schools and groups
FOR INFORMATION AND APPOINTMENTS
Shirley Hartley-Meissner (304) 698-5305
Katie Wolfe-Orescanin (304) 454-9232
Email: rowlesburginfo@yahoo.om
Review on Trip Advisor
“We enjoy visiting small museums and we're delighted to find this one! The full name of this museum is the "Greatest Generation" World War Two Museum. It was founded by a couple originally from Belgium whose parents had experienced the ravages of WWII. They amassed an impressive collection of uniforms, arms and personal items for display in the museum. One particular item was a rifle with one of the earliest night vision scopes. The uniforms are worn by mannequins with each mannequin having a unique face, head and hands created by the owner. The mannequins are very realistic!
K.C. Annapolis, MD
Preston County Sports Museum
Before consolidation of schools in 1986, there were ten high schools in Preston County, each with its own sports program. They were Aurora, Arthurdale, Bruceton Mills, Fellowsville, Kingwood, Masontown, Newburg, Rowlesburg, Terra Alta, and Tunnelton. There was always vigorous but friendly competition among the schools for the county title.
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Preston County Sports Collection
In 2012 a group of representatives from the ten schools organized
a project to create a museum in the Szilagyi Center dedicated to
the golden years of county sports, including, football, basketball,
and baseball. Former athletes donated sports memorability spanning decades of hometown teams.
Riverbend Art Studio
Professional Potter Susan Ramey
teaches the art of creating pottery at the Szilagyi Center.
The eight-week wheel-throwing pottery class is open to ages 12 and up. Classes are limited so that each student has his or her own wheel which is
a definite advantage in skill development.
Classes for all ages and skill levels.
Arts Preston has been awarded a grant from a private foundation to fund scholarships for classes through Arts Preston. Both partial and full scholarships are available for groups (4-H, church youth, scouts, senior citizens, etc.)
as well as individuals.
A variety of art classes
Something for everyone. Check out their calendar!
If you would like more information or to be added to the list to receive emails about classes and events, send an email to
Janet Szilagyi at jlsz@aol.com.
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Community Quilters
Sisters Helen Edmunds and Vickie Jackson make fabulous
window quilts, table runners, place mats, and more.
Interested in learning how to quilt or join the quilting sessions?
Visit them at the Quilting Room in the Szilagyi Center.
For more Information and tickets for the Christmas Quilt Raffle
(see below)
Helen Edmunds 304-441-4082 or Vickie Jackson 304-509-8014
Patty Wotring and Helen Edmunds at a quilting table in
the upstairs classroom at the Szilagyi Center.
2023 Theme is "SEASONS OF WEST VIRGINIA"
CHRISTMAS QUILT RAFFLE
Every year another design. Try your luck to win this beautiful quilt for a queen size bed.
Tickets are only $2.00 per chance
Available from Helen, Vickie, at the River City Cafe,
during special events and at the Christkindlmarkt on Saturday 9 December 2023 where the drawing will be held at 3:00 pm.
DETAIL OF THE QUILT
DETAIL OF THE QUILT
DETAIL OF THE QUILT
DETAIL OF THE QUILT
DETAIL OF THE QUILT
Window Quilts
Call for availability
Window Quilts
$125.00
Call for availability
Window Quilts
Above are examples of the beautiful window quilts that are for sale. Some designs are unique and not always available.
Call for availability
Call for availability
Call for availability
Carolann Hooton Research & Reading Library
Carolann Hooton was an avid reader and in 2013 she and her husband Mike Hooton established the Carolann Hooton Research and Reading Library in her husband's hometown of Rowlesburg, WV.
Books and Computer access for all
Check for opening times.
Info to be added