A CLOSER LOOK — Eric and Brianna Blend, of the Blended Homestead in West Liberty, show some of their products, as part of Saturday’s presentation “Agrotourism, Century Farms and Homesteads” at the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — The Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center continues its look at changes in communities and economies, with a reminder that sometimes, to move forward, one has to look back.

Saturday morning, the museum hosted “Agrotourism, Century Farms and Homesteads: How They Started, How They Have Adapted to Changing Times,” featuring presentations by Family Roots Farms and The Blended Homestead.

Savannah Schroll-Guz, president and executive director of the museum, noted discussions would include the efforts to adapt in order for the local farms to remain successful, a point which aligns with the ongoing exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” on display at the museum in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institute’s Museums on Main Street program and the West Virginia Humanities Council.

“They really dovetail with the exhibition,” she said.

Britney Hervey Farris noted while Family Roots Farm began in 2012 near Wellsburg, the land has been owned and farmed by the Hervey family for seven generations.

Farris showcased some of her family history in her presentation, with family heirlooms, photographs and information from historical documents about each generation, beginning with Henry Hervey, who claimed 400 acres through tomohawk rights and a payment of two pounds sterling in the 1700s.

“That sense of family continues,” she said, explaining how the farm was passed to each generation, as well as some of the major products, which have included grain, dairy and beef.

Family Roots Farm began its venture with corn on one acre.

“We did everything by hand; a hoe and a broomstick pretty much,” she said of her and her husband, Charlie’s, early efforts.

Through assistance from her father and other family members, as well as support from the community, they have since expanded to other vegetables, strawberries, sorgum and become known for their maple syrup production which began as a hobby and now includes 1,000 maple taps.

Family Roots Farm’s maple syrup has been recognized through numerous competitions in North America, and has become a focal point for Mountain State Maple Days held each March.

Eric and Brianna Blend of The Blended Homestead don’t have the same agricultural roots as the Hervey family, they have found their own growth since beginning their endeavor in 2016.

“We do a lot of things on small scale,” Eric said, explaining their farming began with a backyard garden on 0.3 acres.

The Blended Homestead, in the process of relocating to a larger property near West Liberty, works to source as much of its products locally as possible, as well as sell locally, in an effort to support the local economy.

“We want to inspire other people,” he said.

They have experimented with a variety of produce and methods, raising both egg-laying and meat chickens, pigs, various vegetables and bee hives, and, for a few years, were able to lease some nearby land to provide additional space.

They also have reached out to other local farmers for advice, including Family Roots Farm. Brianna explained some of the cooperative support provided from Family Roots Farm and the Barn with Inn, another Wellsburg business, when the three joined together to organize a progressive farm to table dinner.

“It was really interesting to work with them,” she said, noting the exposure it provided working with established businesses.

In 2020, the Blended Homestead founded the Highlands Farmers Market and expanded further with the creation of a line of apple butter and growing their own ramps.

“We’re trying to continue the traditions that are falling through the cracks,” Eric said.

Additional events scheduled as part of the “Crossroads” exhibit include:

• 1:30 p.m., Feb. 12, “Tea with Mary: A Tribute to Mary Shakely Ferguson,” featuring Molly Mossor.

• 7 p.m., Feb. 16 “Music at the Mueum: RJ Gaudio Troubadour Performs”

• 1:30 p.m., Feb. 19 “Hancock County: From Pre-Industrial to Post-Industrial” with Lou Martin, associate professor of history at Chatham University

• 11 a.m., Feb. 26 Samuel W. Black, director of the African American Program at the Sen. John Heinz History Center

• 7 p.m., Feb. 26: Ohio Valley Cloak and Dagger Co. performs

• 10 a.m., March 5 kid-friendly museum scavenger hunt and a celebration of Weirton’s 75th anniversary as an incorporated city.

The exhibit will close March 7.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)