You can now create your own itineraries to guide your C&O Canal exploration, or you can copy one of ours! Learn more about Itineraries.
The interesting thing about the Historic Shepherdstown Museum is that the building that houses it is quite historic itself. Built in the early 1800s, it operated as a hotel until 1921 when it was purchased by Shepherd College. The town purchased the building from Shepherd in the early 1970s and a group of local townspeople restored the building. The museum opened its doors in 1983.
You’ll be able to look back in time here – three tall clocks made in Shepherdstown in the late 1700s by Jacob Kraft are housed in the museum. A half-scale replica of James Rumsey’s steamboat – the first steamboat to travel – is also here. Rooms throughout the museum are decorated in period furnishings and on the second floor is a traveler’s room as it would have looked in the mid-eighteenth century, costing 25 – 50 cents a night.
We know that to preserve something, you need to experience it, so we are proud to provide support to the C&O National Historical Park as their official philanthropic partner.
Please visit the National Park Service website for the following information:
For more information and nearby places to stay or grab a bite to eat, please visit our local tourism partners:
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C&O Canal Explorer!
There has been a lapse in appropriations, and a shutdown of the federal government is currently in effect. Much of the C&O Canal National Historical Park remains open to the public, however, the National Park Service is not able to operate as normal. Visitor services, including park visitor centers and other NPS-staffed facilities, will not be available. Inquiries to the National Park Service will not be received or responded to until the shutdown ends.
The C&O Canal Trust’s staff are currently working remotely. Scheduled Trust events and Canal Quarters reservations will continue as scheduled. While a federal government shutdown is in effect, visitors should not expect services typically provided by the National Park Service to be available. All visitors are urged to practice safety in the park and plan ahead. Be a good park steward by recreating responsibly and practicing Leave No Trace principles, respecting cultural and natural resources.
Information regarding the Department of Interior’s Operations in the Absence of Appropriations can be found here: https://www.doi.gov/shutdown.
When federal funding is restored, we look forward to continuing to work with our park partner to ensure the C&O Canal remains beautiful, safe, and welcoming for visitors today and for future generations. Love the Park? Help the Trust! Consider making a donation. Your support directly helps fund beautification, conservation, education, and preservation initiatives in the park.