Fall 2026 Newsletter
Finished!
Our new exhibit space is now complete and we have already moved the fire pumper and the Chelsea Plantation Model T into the new space. We will soon be moving the Tidewater Review printing press and other items. Our plans are to have exhibits complete and ready to visit prior to the end of the year.
Harper Exhibit
Members of John Paul Harper family recently visited the museum to view the new interactive exhibit about Mr. Harper his WWll death march and his time as a prisioner of war. We are proud to have this exhibit about a West Point hero. We would like to thank his son John and all others who helped make this exhibit a reality. It is a “must see” at our museum.
Museum of the Streets
At a recent meeting of the board of HSWP, there was discussion about the next steps in our historical marker project. Quinn Agnew, who is a WP High School senior and President of the Key club, presented what he and the Key Club are doing regarding the QR codes and added videos associated with each marker. Quinn and the club have done a great job so far. HSWP and the Key Club will continue to collaborate on this project. We also now have an updated marker map showing location of 31 markers.
New Teachers
The new teachers in West Point this year recently made a visit to tour our museum and learn more about the history of our town. Joanne Wright, Jill Dalton and Sandra Willis hosted the group. We feel that our schools are lucky to have a great group of new teachers. They should keep our schools in the top tier.
David Nelson Sutton
Bill Oliver and Cynthia Oliver, grandchildren of David Nelson Sutton presented to Terry Hall and Sandra Willis of HSWP a group of artifacts of Mr. Suttons including a sword from his collection. Most of these items will be added to a new exhibit on Mr. Sutton. Mr. Sutton was a famous attorney in West Point and was a prosecutor of war criminals in Japan after WWll. Stop by the museum and learn more about David Nelson Sutton and stay tuned for the opening of this new exhibit.
Odds and Ends
- We had two scavenger hunt drawing prize winners receive gift cards. Pictured are Hazel Koushel and her mom and Haley Brewitt. Be sure to check out the scavenger hunt when you visit. It is fun and you might just win something.
- We have recently received our order of HSWP coffee mugs. We have these on sale at the museum for $10. They are great looking mugs and your purchase helps support our mission. These will be on sale during crab carnival. Please help us by getting your cup.
- When you stop by our museum during crab carnival, be sure to pick up one of the updated maps of our Museum of the Streets historical marker locations. Then be sure to visit them and be on the lookout for the added videos on our You Tube Channel.
- New members during the last quarter were William “Bill” S. Oliver and Richard R. “Ronnie” and Crystal Whitehead and family. If you are not a member, please consider joining. It is still only $25 for an individual, $35 for a family and $100 for a business. Please click the link below and join and help support what we do.
- During Crab Carnival, the museum will be open from 11 until 4. When you stop in to visit be sure to ask us about our projects and plans for the future. We appreciate and welcome your continued support through your new or renewed membership, donations, and/or volunteerism.
History Tidbit
G. R. Lewis Store
Over the years, West Point has had many stores in the downtown area. Some lasted a short time and others lasted a long time. We were recently reminded of the G. R. Lewis store that had two different locations down town during the 1920’s. Unfortunately they went bankrupt in 1926. Above the store at each location was the Pilgrim Holiness Mission church.
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