Ramsdell House Partnership

Marshall University’s History program is excited to announce a new partnership with the Historic Ramsdell House Museum in Ceredo, West Virginia. Through this collaboration, undergraduate and graduate students will gain hands-on experience in public history while supporting the museum’s educational mission.

The Z. D. Ramsdell House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest home in Ceredo. Built in the mid-19th century, the Ramsdell family played an active role in the region’s freedom movement, supporting United States Colored Troops during the Civil War and contributing to the establishment of freedmen’s schools in the postwar years. Today, the house, its grounds, and its collection of artifacts offer a rich resource for exploring Ceredo, West Virginia, and U.S. history.

Through the partnership with the Ramsdell House, Marshall students will gain real-world experience in public history by conducting projects with and interning at the museum. Students will:

• Research historical and archival materials
• Digitize holdings and assist with special collections
• Learn how to create exhibits and present artifacts to the public
• Design interpretive materials, such as museum layouts and walking tours
• Create and update museum website content
• Contribute to outreach, promotion, and community engagement
• Support public programs and special events

This hands-on work allows students to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and engage directly with the history of Ceredo, West Virginia, and the nation.