Museum to expand: Antero Foundation donates $10K for Mountwood project
Antero Foundation donates $10K for Mountwood project
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PARKERSURG -- Mountwood Park's Museum and Visitors' center will be going through much-needed enhancements thanks in part to a $10,000 donation from the Antero Foundation.
Announced during a special check presentation at Mountwood Park Thursday, the donation will support existing visitor experience programming as well as the expansion of the Volcano History Museum to commemorate the town's early energy boom.
"Our state has a rich history of producing oil and gas and one of the best ways we can honor that history is by enhancing the ability to learn about and embrace it," says Kevin Ellis, regional senior vice president of Antero Resources and board member of the Antero Foundation. "Antero is committed to supporting our community and we're grateful to contribute to Mountwood Park in this way."
Since the museum's opening in 2012, Friends of Mountwood Park -- the fundraising organization benefiting Mountwood Park -- has gradually added items depicting life in Volcano and its surrounding oil fields.
Recent additions such as three archaeological field schools, model rigs, and a large wheelhouse have also increased visitors for the park.
The additions provide visitors with more exhibits and information but have led to crowded displays that can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
The foundation's donation will continue this growth momentum while helping the museum double in size and add new displays in the additional space.
"We're grateful to Antero for this generous donation that will assist us in providing the best visitor experience possible when guests come to learn about the unique history of Volcano," said Mike Naylor, treasurer and history chair with Friends of Mountwood Park.