Although a state since 1863, West Virginia was actually millions of years in the making. The mineral wealth and natural beauty
of West Virginia owe their origins to geologic processes that began eons ago. Without these geologic processes, there would be
no rocks, rivers, minerals, or scenic beauty. Indeed, there would be no mountains in the Mountain State.
Showcasing the rich and varied story of West Virginia's geology is the mission of the West Virginia Geological and Economic
Survey's Museum of Geology and Natural History. Housed in the lobby of the Survey's headquarters on Cheat Lake, near Morgantown,
the museum displays rock, mineral, and fossil specimens and offers an opportunity for visitors to sample the scope of West
Virginia's vast natural heritage.
The Museum of Geology and Natural History was established for the collection, preparation, preservation, and exhibition of rock,
mineral, and fossil specimens from all ages of West Virginia's geologic history. In addition to being a repository for all types
of geologic specimens, the museum's ongoing collections also include historic books, maps, manuscripts, and artifacts.
The museum's main goal is to provide West Virginians and other visitors an opportunity to examine geologic specimens and explore
the geologic processes responsible for West Virginia's outstanding scenery and great mineral wealth. The museum aims to give
visitors an understanding of how its geology makes the Mountain State unique, and hopefully inspire visits to West Virginia's scenic
treasures time and time again.
Sample the WVGES museum by viewing photographs of selected specimens: Museum Highlights
Museum Curator: E. Ray Garton: garton@mammoth-geo.com
Page last revised: February 8, 2007
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West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey
Address: Mont Chateau Research Center
1 Mont Chateau Road
Morgantown, WV 26508-8079
Telephone: 304-594-2331
FAX: 304-594-2575
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday
Permission to reproduce this material is granted if acknowledgment is given to the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.