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WHEELING - Wheeling area residents celebrated West Virginia's 159th birthday on Monday at West Virginia Independence Hall Museum in the downtown.
The celebration of West Virginia's statehood included free cake and refreshments. President Abraham Lincoln, as portrayed by John King, read the proclamation admitting West Virginia into the Union. Lincoln signed the bill allowing for West Virginia to become a state on June 20, 1863.
Maria McKelvey, a museum board member, dressed in period costume for the occasion along with volunteer Ed Phillips. McKelvey said she is originally from Philadephia, but has lived in West Virginia for many years.
"I'm thrilled that I've been grandfathered in," she said of being a West Virginian.
Wheeling resident Jolene Nagle attended the birthday with her grandchildren Ryan Stover and Troy Phillips and Troy's parents Elisha and Albert Phillips.
"We're patriotic and love West Virginia and our country," Nagle said of why the group wanted to attend the festivities. "And we're Republican."
Barbara LaRue of Wheeling brought her granddaughter 7-year-old Kate LaRue to the party.
"She's really enjoyed herself," LaRue said of Kate. "She's asked a lot of questions today."
LaRue noted it was also her birthday, too. Kate got her photo taken with a Civil War Union soldier as portrayed by Wheeling resident Courtney Micker. Micker is president of the Confluence Foundation for Historic Preservation.
Museum Site Manager Deborah Jones was pleased with the turnout to the event.
"We've had a good showing and a lot of new faces, which makes me happy," she said.
The celebration also included a free musical performance by the Faire May band on the second floor of the hall.
Former Independence Hall site manager Gerry Reilley also was in attendance Monday, sharing his love of the state's history with attendees. Among other local dignitaries in attendance were Marshall County Commissioner Mike Ferro and his wife, Roseann, who is Sen. Joe Manchin's regional representative for the Northern Panhandle; Ohio County Board of Education member and noted historian Pete Chacalos; Wheeling historian Margaret Brennan; and many others.
The hall, located at 1528 Market St., is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and includes exhibits and a gift shop. The hall is the birthplace of West Virginia and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.