Arts & Culture
Jefferson County gives its residents much more than beautiful scenery and a low cost of living. It also provides endless entertainment and education opportunities in the form of historically significant landmarks and rich cultural attractions. With cultural events nearly every weekend, the area boasts arts and entertainment that will excite the entire family. From the Old Opera House in Charles Town and racing at Summit Point Raceway, to live theater shows at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown West Virginia, residents that relocate to Jefferson County gain access to a number of exciting, community-friendly activities.
Community Arts Activities
Community art activities are alive and well in Jefferson County. Our community supports the County’s creative minds and talent through a variety of shows, educational programs, and community outreach projects, including annual arts shows and festivals as well as year-round independent artist exhibits and artisan galleries.
- Washington Street Artists Cooperative
- Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival
- Jefferson Arts Council
- Over the Mountain Studio Tour
Historical Associations and Landmarks
Named after Thomas Jefferson in 1801, Jefferson County is also rich in history; most notably George Washington’s surveying activities in the County during the mid-1700s, John Brown’s Raid on slavery at Harpers Ferry, the Civil War and post-war establishment of Storer College for freed African Americans, and the Miners’ Trials in the 1920s. The county celebrates this deep history with the following landmarks, museums, and events:
- Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission
- Jefferson County Black History Preservation
- George Tyler Moore Civil War Center
- Jefferson County Museum
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
- Washington Heritage Trail
- Freedom’s Run Race Series
- Harpers Ferry Half Marathon
The arts create jobs, attract investors, and generate tax revenues that stimulate Jefferson County economic development through tourism and consumer purchases. We value the arts as an important complement to enhancing the quality of life of our community.