Museum supporter Johnny Goodwin donated this display cabinet to the museum’s Quartermaster Store. “Thank you, and your crew, for delivering and placing it in the store for us! The support and appreciation from folks like you ... and the community shows us that the museum is valued in our town! You are very appreciated,” Barb McVaney stated.
Military members and volunteers participate in the May 31, 2006, ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mountaineer Military Museum. The museum was three years old when the Weston location became it’s home.
Museum supporter Johnny Goodwin donated this display cabinet to the museum’s Quartermaster Store. “Thank you, and your crew, for delivering and placing it in the store for us! The support and appreciation from folks like you ... and the community shows us that the museum is valued in our town! You are very appreciated,” Barb McVaney stated.
Submitted photo
In 2019, the monument dedicated to The War on Terror was unveiled. This WWII veteran stands in salute of fellow servicemen at the ceremony.
Staff photo by Rebecca Young
This photo from May 31, 2006, shows the Mountaineer Military Museum’s grand opening ceremony at the Weston location where it still operates today.
Staff file photo
Military members and volunteers participate in the May 31, 2006, ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mountaineer Military Museum. The museum was three years old when the Weston location became it’s home.
WESTON, W.Va. (WV News) — On a warm day in May 2006, a ceremony was held in Weston honoring the new home for The Mountaineer Military Museum. Many members of the American Legion, veterans, and citizens took part in the event, with co-owner and operator Ron McVaney expressing gratitude for all those involved in preparing for the opening.
The museum had already been in existence three years prior to the event in 2006, but it did not have a permanent home until that day in May. Since that time, the museum has grown its archives and support, which is why McVaney, and his wife and museum partner, Barb, are celebrating the 20th anniversary on Saturday, April 1, when they open for the season.
“We are celebrating 20 years of being under the ‘umbrella’ of the Mountaineer Military Museum,” Barb McVaney said, adding that was when they obtained their business license and non-profit status. “Seventeen of the 20 years have been here in Weston.”
Leading up to the season opening, the McVaneys have worked throughout the winter on remodeling the Quartermaster Store, which opened in 2022. The store offers visitors a chance to purchase military memorabilia and support the nonprofit at the same time. McVaney said at the time that the store has acquired so much that one-third of the education pavilion was being used to display items for sale.
The McVaneys, however, are ready, though tired from all the work they have accomplished.
“Besides being exhausted right now ... I’m feeling blessed ... at the friendships that we’ve made over the years and at the support from the community. We’ll be ready, “ Barb McVaney said.
The Mountaineer Military Museum has a host of events planned this summer, and it’s partly related to its 20th anniversary celebration on April 1. That same day, the museum is hosting an information fair for veterans.
“In July, we have two motorcycle events scheduled ... one for us ... and one for Annie’s Smiles Foundation, my family’s non-profit charity,” Barb McVaney said.
She and her husband own and operate the local museum.
The museum will be open the Saturday before Memorial Day, but not Memorial Day itself. Barb said that in years past, that day has been generally quiet, with few or no visitors at all.
“Over the years, we’ve learned that with the weekend being the beginning of summer, folks were off doing family things,” Barb added, referencing the busy three-day weekend that kicks off the summer season.
The fourth annual Promise Ride is scheduled for July 8, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and kickstands up at noon. Another ride will take place in August, with both of these raising funds for the non-profit museum.
The Hometown Heroes banner project is continuing, with applications due by April 15 this year. Barb McVaney said all 2021 purchasers of banners have been notified to begin the renewal process, and the renewal fee can be paid at Weston City Hall, which is located at 102 W. Second St.
“That will have your banner up from Memorial Day through Veterans Day,” she said, adding that those purchased in 2022 will be up for renewal in February 2024.
Anyone interested in purchasing a new banner this year needs to provide a photo of the military members they are honoring, whether a copy or one that can be scanned, and a fee of $100, at City Hall. Applications are available at City Hall and can be filled out there.
“Your new banner will be up from Memorial Day through Veterans Day and will be renewed in February 2024,” Barb McVaney said. “If you have any questions, please call me at: 304-516-0800 or 304-472-3943. If I don’t answer, please leave a message. You may also leave a private message with Facebook Messenger.”
The McVaneys appreciate all the support they have received during their 20 years, through fundraisers, donations, and word of mouth support.
The museum is located at 345 Center Ave. in Weston.
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