The Jefferson County Museum will host a free, public reception on Saturday, Mar. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m., to celebrate the opening of the 2017 season. The reception will include light refreshments.

The 2017 opening includes new exhibits commemorating the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I and the 150th anniversary of the founding of Storer College. To help tell the story of Jefferson County and the Great War, the Mashall-Holley-Mason American Legion Auxiliary Post 102 will present an exhibit on African American soldiers from Jefferson County. In addition, the museum has mounted displays that tell the story of the U.S. involvement in the war through artifacts and photographs of five Jefferson County soldiers and items relating to several local women’s contributions at home and abroad. Finally, 150 Years Later: The Founding of Storer College will pay tribute to the college’s sesquicentennial through photographs and artifacts of students and faculty. Other highlights of the 2017 opening include recently conserved paintings by local artists Patty Willis and Louise Wood Brackett and a display on Shugart’s store in downtown Charles Town.

The Jefferson County Museum was founded in 1965 with the mission to preserve the history and heritage of the county. Its extraordinary collection encompasses a wide range of artifacts and documents from Native American activities through the present. The museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 11 am 4 pm and Thursdays 11 a.m.8 p.m. Admission is $3; children under 18, students and Charles Town Library members are free. To learn more about the Jefferson County Museum, visit the museum’s website at www.jeffcomuseumwv.org.

The Marshall-Holley-Mason American Legion Auxiliary Unit 102 was chartered in April 1941 and has remained active for over 75 years. In the spirit of service, not self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to honor the sacrifice of those who serve, support our veterans, educate our citizens, and promote good citizenship and peace. Auxiliary Unit 102 is a consistent advocate for veterans and continues to volunteer services at the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The Auxiliary provides educational opportunities and support services throughout the community. The Auxiliary meets in Charles Town. To learn more about Auxiliary 102, contact Linda Downing Ballard, President Unit 102, at (304) 267-2640 or via email at lvdowning@aol.com.