Social and community groups in West Virginia: Diversity of cultural communities. Local historical societies. Active outdoor recreation clubs. Thriving arts and music scene. Volunteer-based service organizations. Farmer's market communities. Sports and fitness groups. LGBTQ+ friendly spaces. Strong faith-based communities. Annual cultural festivals.
Diversity of cultural communities.
West Virginia is home to a diverse array of cultural communities, including African American, Native American, Jewish, and immigrant populations. These groups have retained their cultural identity through folk art, music, dance, foodways, religious customs, and family traditions. Many communities maintain their heritage through festivals, ethnic dinners, and church life. For more information, you can visit the West Virginia Culture Archive, which highlights the rich tapestry of cultural expressions found within the state.
Local historical societies.
The Harrison County West Virginia Historical Society is a local historical society dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Harrison County. It offers various resources, including a new website called Past Perfect Online, genealogy and research resources, events, and a physical archive at the Neff-Hardesty Memorial Archives in Clarksburg.
Active outdoor recreation clubs.
West Virginia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of recreational opportunities to explore its natural beauty. The Greenbrier Sporting Club provides a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, shooting sports, and hiking, along with guided experiences on extensive trail networks for its members and their guests. Meanwhile, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club manages an impressive network of over 1000 miles of trails, maintaining cabins and shelters, and orchestrating outreach events and workshops to foster a connection with the outdoors. Simultaneously, West Virginia Wesleyan College's Outdoor Recreation program invites students to engage in an active lifestyle with guided trips and rental equipment for hiking, camping, and water sports, all while promoting the exploration of the region's natural wonders.
Thriving arts and music scene.
West Virginia boasts a thriving arts and music scene, characterized by DIY venues that support local artists, diverse musical genres, and a strong sense of community involvement. Many venues highlight the state's unique musical talent and cultural heritage. For a deeper understanding of how these grassroots venues operate, you can explore the guide to DIY Venues in West Virginia, which celebrates the vibrant and collaborative spirit propelling the state's music culture forward.
Volunteer-based service organizations.
Volunteer-based service organizations in West Virginia, such as those sponsored by United Way of Central West Virginia, include programs like LifeBridge AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). These initiatives tackle critical community needs through direct service, volunteering, and collaborative partnerships, aiming to enhance educational outcomes, economic opportunities, health, and the overall quality of life for diverse populations. AmeriCorps and Volunteer West Virginia play significant roles in these efforts, engaging thousands of volunteers in various community service initiatives, including disaster recovery, education, health, and conservation, with a proven track record of community impact and high volunteer participation rates. Also, WVU Extension relies on volunteers across all 55 counties in the state, offering programs like 4-H, as well as community events and educational activities, which help identify and address local needs, foster personal and professional growth, and positively impact the lives of youths and adults.
Farmer's market communities.
West Virginia's Farmers Markets serve as vibrant community hubs, fostering social connections and economic development by bringing together local farmers, artisans, musicians, and chefs to provide fresh produce, handmade goods, and a sense of community revitalization. Discover more about these dynamic places and their impact on local communities by visiting their website. These markets not only offer a unique shopping experience but also play a crucial role in sustaining local agriculture and promoting the diverse culture of West Virginia.
Sports and fitness groups.
WV Fitness 24 offers various social and community-focused sports and fitness groups, including group fitness classes like WV Fit X, which emphasizes community and experience, along with amenities such as childcare, wet areas, and personal training. Likewise, Bodyworks and Active Fitness provide instructor-led fitness classes and a supportive environment, with membership benefits including round-the-clock access to multiple locations and personalized fitness assessments, fostering a community-oriented fitness experience. Meanwhile, Marshall University's Campus Recreation offers a wide range of group fitness classes suitable for all levels, promoting a supportive and fun environment to stay active and healthy, with registration options available both online and in person.
LGBTQ+ friendly spaces.
The WVU LGBTQ+ Center at West Virginia University offers a welcoming space, Maple House, which includes a lounge, kitchen, and library, and hosts various events and programs to support the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Meanwhile, a page dedicated to LGBTQ+ Friendly Local Businesses in Huntington lists several inclusive local spots, including well-known restaurants and shops like Black Sheep, The Inner Geek, and The Pottery Place, recognized for their welcoming environments. Additionally, Huntington Pride provides a comprehensive resource guide for LGBTQ+ individuals, which includes safe spaces such as The Center - Youth Opportunity Hub, support groups, and a directory of businesses and organizations that have taken the "Open to All" pledge to ensure inclusivity in their services.
Strong faith-based communities.
WV Ministry is a Christian-based non-governmental organization dedicated to delivering essential home repairs for elderly and disabled neighbors. The ministry receives support from numerous Christian denominations and individual donations. It also fosters community service and discipleship through collaborations with local churches and universities. Meanwhile, Catholic Charities West Virginia stands as the largest private provider of social services in the state. This organization extends compassionate services to vulnerable individuals across all 55 counties, driven by God's love and in partnership with community stakeholders, parishes, and families to facilitate meaningful change.
Annual cultural festivals.
West Virginia is renowned for its vibrant array of annual **festivals**, which beautifully showcase its diverse cultural heritage. Events such as the Oak Leaf Festival, Fayetteville's Heritage Festival, Beckley Honey Festival, Appalachian Festival, and the Rhododendron Festival each bring local culture to life with a delightful mix of music, crafts, food, and cultural activities. Highlighting the state's rich traditions, the Vandalia Gathering, held on Memorial Day Weekend, captivates with musical competitions, baking contests, storytelling, and mesmerizing performances by artisans and dancers. Not to be missed is the Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival in Parkersburg, where community diversity shines through international music, dance, and cuisine, featuring performances from African, Jazz, Scottish, Celtic, Blues, and Bluegrass musicians. For those seeking unique cultural experiences, events like FestivALL in Charleston, the Feast of the Ramson in Richwood, and the State Fair of West Virginia in Fairlea offer a feast for the senses through arts, music, traditional foods, and community gatherings.