Visit Arthurdale

“Eleanor’s Little Village”

Revisit the 1930s in Arthurdale, West Virginia. Established in 1933, by the United States government, Arthurdale is the nation’s first New Deal Homestead Community. Created through President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation, the community provided a new chance at life for residents of West Virginia who were suffering from the Great Depression. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt served as the empathetic force behind the community, which became known as “Eleanor’s Little Village” because of her interest. Today, Arthurdale is a National Historic District that features 160 of the 165 original homesteads.

The New Deal Homestead Museum is a multi-building museum comprised of the a forge filled with original tools, a service station reminiscent of a bygone era, the historic Center Hall, the original federal government administration building, and a fully restored Arthurdale homestead. The museum Craft Shop specializes in Appalachian crafts and quality gifts.

The New Deal Homestead Museum is currently featuring an art exhibit by Ariel Robinson that features many depictions of landscapes, wildlife, still life, mosaics, and items of local interest.  Mr. Robinson’s talent is brought to the forefront through various artistic mediums including pencil, oil, watercolors, and photography.  Mr. Robinson lived in Arthurdale and graduated in 1947.

Museum and Craft Shop Hours

November 1-April 30: Tuesday-Friday, 12-4 p.m.

May 1-October 31: Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

Closed Mondays

New Deal Homestead Museum Admission Prices

$3.00 students (K-6)
$4.00 seniors (55+)
$5.00 adults

Group rates available.
Tour buses welcome.

Contact Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.

Address: PO Box 850, Arthurdale, WV 26520

Phone: (304) 864-3959

E-mail: ahi@arthurdaleheritage.org

Photograph of Eleanor Roosevelt Dancing in Arthurdale Courtesy Franklin D. Roosevelt Library