On Friday, April 26th, Bradley Owen of Morgantown, attended a track meet at CPMS and noticed the historical markers throughout the campus. Owen, who is a self-proclaimed Civil War enthusiast, and volunteer for the online Historical Marker Database, was impressed with the signage and came back on Monday, April 29th to photograph the signs to add to the online database system. According to Owen, the online public database is used nationwide and is branching out overseas as well, to include historical markers worldwide. The public can access the online database to determine places they would like to visit, to find points of interest near them, etc. The website is described as “an illustrated searchable online catalog of historical information viewed through the filter of roadside and other permanent outdoor markers, monuments, and plaques. It contains photographs, inscription transcriptions, marker locations, maps, additional information and commentary, and links to more information.” Owen said he discovered the online database through his interest in the Civil War, and soon discovered he could also volunteer to add markers to the site. Owen started volunteering in 2018. “Anyone can add new markers to the database and update existing marker pages with new photographs, links, information and commentary,” according to the online site.
The historical markers at CPMS were erected in the fall of 2023 through a family engagement grant creating a storyboard walking tour around the campus. The tour features various significant locations around the school including the Buckwheat Festival Grounds, Preston Memorial Hospital, Preston County Animal Shelter, Preston High School, Maplewood Cemetery, the cross-country course, Central Preston Middle School, and the Poor House. Each informational piece was written by a current Central Preston Middle School student or staff member. The storyboards were unveiled at CPMS’ first Family Wellness Night last fall (2023). (The original story about the signage is available at https://5il.co/2bb1x in Preston County Schools Beat of Excellence Publication, page 4.)
The Historical Marker Database project is available online at https://www.hmdb.org/.