The West Virginia University Extension Service Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp was recognized for its historic contribution to the state at the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

Established in 1921, WVU Jackson’s Mill is the world’s first state 4-H camp and has served the people of West Virginia as an event and learning facility since its inception. WVU Jackson’s Mill is currently home to West Virginia 4-H camping and the West Virginia State Fire Academy.

Signed into law on Oct. 15, 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the National Historic Preservation Act created the National Register of Historic Places, which officially included WVU Jackson’s Mill in 1995 because of its role in the history of 4-H, its unique architecture and its association with the late William “Teepi” Kendrick, the camp’s founder and first director who was a national leader in establishing the 4-H camping program.

According to Truman Wolfe, director of WVU Jackson’s Mill, this recognition is a testament to the generations of 4-Hers, families and guests WVU Jackson’s Mill has served for decades.

“WVU Jackson’s Mill staff, as well as our visitors, have helped make the Mill what it is today— a home to campers, a place of learning for future firefighters and a lasting memory for those who are traveling through our beautiful state,” Wolfe said.

The celebration took place on Oct. 16 at the Culture Center in Charleston. Recognized historical centers and organizations received a plaque honoring their contributions to history.

Thought by many to be “the heart of WVU Extension,” WVU Jackson’s Mill is home to West Virginia 4-H camping, a program provided by the WVU Extension Service. Located near Weston, the historic campus hosts a variety of events from conferences to weddings, bringing West Virginia families and youths together in a place they can call home.

For more information or questions about WVU Jackson’s Mill, contact Chad Proudfoot, Program Coordinator and Extension Historian, at 304.406.7021 or Chad.Proudfoot@mail.wvu.edu. To learn more about WVU Jackson’s Mill, visit www.jacksonsmill.ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

bd/10/27/16

CONTACT: Brittany Dick, WVU Extension Service Writer/Editor,
304.293.8701; Brittany.Dick@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.