GLEN DALE — While traveling north or south on W.Va. 2 in Glen Dale, did you ever wonder about the old house across from John Marshall High School?

Many do not know that the house was built in 1850 by Bennett Cockayne and is a time capsule for four generations of the Cockayne family. After Sam Cockayne’s death in 2001, furniture, clothing, toys, artwork, an 1881 square grand piano and documents dating back to the time of the original house and the era of the medal-winning Merino sheep were discovered. These items and more are being preserved at the farmhouse.

The Cockayne Farmstead Preservation Committee is looking to expand its volunteer program for the upcoming tourism season. Plans for this season include a sheep shearing event, an archeology field school, day camp visitations and the usual tours of the home and property. Volunteers will learn the history of the family and its contributions to Marshall County along with the ability to conduct tours, clean and care for artifacts, and assist with cataloging the artifacts into an easy to use computer database. Training will be provided.

If you are interested in exploring the history of the Cockayne family and working in a museum atmosphere, email Debbie Barto at dbarto40@comcast.net or call the office at 304-845-1411.