Oglebay Institute

Located in Wheeling, West Virginia, Oglebay Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in 1930.

History

The organization’s founder, Earl W. Oglebay willed his country estate to the City of Wheeling for use “...as a public park for the enjoyment, recreation and education of the greatest number of people.” Part of Mr. Oglebay’s vision allowed for an organization that would offer cultural and educational activities. Thus, Oglebay Institute was formed to be governed by an elected Board of Trustees.

Under the terms of the bequest by the late Colonel E. W. Oglebay in 1926, the area now known as Oglebay Park was given to the City of Wheeling for "...so long as the people shall operate it for purposes of public recreation and education..." Shortly after acceptance of the bequest by the City of Wheeling two years later, Oglebay Institute was incorporated (1930) with the following stated objects and purposes:

To provide and conduct educational and recreational activities at Oglebay Park, Wheeling, West Virginia, and elsewhere.

To cooperate with, assist and supplement the activities of the Park Commission of the City of Wheeling, the Activities Committee of Oglebay Park, the Extension Division of West Virginia University, and such other organizations as may undertake to establish and conduct educational or recreational courses or activities within the sphere of activity of this corporation ...

And in general to do all things necessary or convenient in carrying out the foregoing purposes ...

Objectives

Today, Oglebay Institute is committed to offering quality programming for lifelong learning with a multidisciplinary approach. Five departments offer programs in dance; environmental education; performing arts; regional history, interpretation and presentation; and visual and creative arts. The objective of Oglebay Institute is to be a leader in its disciplines by improving quality of life through education, recreation, culture and creative outlets for personal and professional growth and enrichment. Grounded in the successful traditions of its past, Oglebay Institute acts singly or collaborates with other organizations; serves a diverse audience; and challenges itself through its expansive vision to continually respond to the needs of its many publics.

The six facilities which encompass OI include: the Glass Museum, the Mansion Museum, the Stifel Fine Arts Center, the School of Dance, Towngate Theatre & Cinema and the Schrader Environmental Education Center.

Museums of Oglebay Institute

Purchased by Colonel Earl W. Oglebay in 1900 as his summer retreat, the Mansion Museum features period antiques and depicts Wheeling’s history from Pioneer times through the Victorian era. The Glass Museum features 3,000 examples of Wheeling glass and china made from 1820–1939, including the famous Sweeney Punch Bowl, the largest piece of cut lead glass in the world. Other highlights include the Sinclair Pharmacy and Wymer General Store exhibits, and glassmaking demonstrations. The museums are located in Oglebay Park, Wheeling. The mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.^[1]

Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center

The Stifel Center brings experiences in visual and performing arts to the public. Programs include changing art exhibitions in the Hart Galleries, jazz concerts, wine tasting events and cabarets. A hands-on teaching facility, the Stifel Center hosts dozens of classes for children and adults. Oglebay Institute Administrative Offices also are housed at the Stifel. The Stifel is located at 1330 National Road, Wheeling.

It is housed at Edemar, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.^[1]

Schrader Environmental Education Center

Attractions include the A.B. Brooks Discovery Trail System, Children’s Awareness Area, EarthTrek Exhibit Hall and the Corson Wildflower and Butterfly Gardens. From tipi stays to maple sugaring, this hands-on facility offers seasonal events for nature lovers of all ages and is one of the region’s best examples of "Green Architecture." The Schrader also operates the beautiful Terra Alta Mountain Camp in Terra Alta, West Virginia. The Center is located at Oglebay Park in Wheeling.

Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance

Dance is vibrant at Oglebay Institute with more classes for all ages than any other studio in the region. Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, Irish step, belly dance, ballroom traditions, fitness and more. Performance troupes and dance concerts bring fine entertainment to area residents and give dancers an opportunity to perform in public. The Institute is located at 1330 National Road, Wheeling.

Towngate Theatre & Cinema

For more than 35 years, dozens of hit plays have been staged each season at this church-turned-theater, located in the historic Center Market district. When live theater is not in production, Towngate Cinema presents critically acclaimed films, combining the nostalgia of a small town movie house with big city technology. Each summer young adults participate in theater with Parcel Players productions staged for the public. The theater is located at 2118 Market Street, Wheeling.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2010-07-09. http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreg/docs/All_Data.html. 

External links

• Oglebay Institute website