Kump Education Center Announces Free Tours for Garden Party Event

Date: June 3, 2024

Contact: Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Communications Director, Kump Education Center

Email: kumpec@gmail.com 

Cell: 304-516-4775

ELKINS—Organizers of the upcoming Garden Party and Pie Auction at the historic Kump House have announced they will be offering free tours of the 1925 home of Gov. and Mrs. H.G. Kump on Saturday, June 8 from noon-4 p.m. as part of the afternoon-long event.

"We are so pleased with all the renovations and recent beautification efforts led by some of our KEC board members. We want to share them with the community by offering the tours at no cost," said Kump Education Center (KEC) director Heather Biola.

Those who have yet to visit the Kump House will be impressed with the craftsmanship of the historic home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is an excellent example of post-WWI life in America and has one of the state's most extensive collections of original furniture in a public historic building. Interpretive materials, floral displays and art, and docents will enhance the visitor experience.

Volunteers have been busy preparing the Kump house for the event. "Many thanks go to Laura Hawkins and the Mountain School boys who have spent countless hours sprucing up the grounds,” said KEC board member Debra Barsy.

Another highlight of the event is the beloved Pie Auction at 1 p.m., a tradition deeply rooted in the Kump Center's community spirit. This auction, which has become a significant source of funds for the KEC, is a testament to the community's support.

"We invite everyone to attend and bid on the delectable pies crafted by their friends, teachers, and other KEC supporters. The event is not just about pies, but also about the stories shared and the fun atmosphere created by our dedicated auctioneer, Jacob Hornick, who has generously donated his services," said KEC board member Laura Santmyer.

Other activities at the event include children's games and an Arboretum Walk. Volunteers selling old-fashioned lemonade and other refreshments. 

"The Garden Party is our opportunity to welcome the community to our historic facility and see what the Kump Education Center contributes to the area," noted Barsy. "It is our way of thanking all who have helped us for their support."

The Kump House is located at 401 Randolph Ave., Elkins, across from Kroger. Parking will be available behind the home, accessed by Seneca Road. For more information about the event, visit www.kumpeducationcenter.org or email kumpec@gmail.com. 

Cutline: The rose gardens in front of the Kump House will welcome visitors to the Garden Party and Pie Action Saturday, June 8 from noon until 4 p.m. The summertime celebration will include children’s activities, Arboretum Walk, refreshments and free tours of the historic home.

Kump House Garden Party and Pie Auction Plans Begin

Date: May 15, 2024

Contact: Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Communications Director, Kump Education Center

Email: kumpec@gmail.com 

Cell: 304-516-4775

ELKINS—Plans are underway for a Garden Party celebration and Pie Auction at the historic Kump House on Saturday, June 8, from noon to 5 p.m., with the well-known Pie Auction starting at 1 p.m. 

"We are delighted to host this summer event that highlights not only all the beautification projects that have been taking place both on the exterior and interior of this historic home but also features our wonderful local pie bakers," said Kump Education Center (KEC) director Heather Biola. 

The pie auction is a cherished tradition at the Kump Center and a significant source of funds for the KEC. The Kump House is a hub of activities, from the Woodlands Lecture Series and presentations to tutoring and summer camp activities. This year has been particularly eventful. The financial support goes a long way in providing educational opportunities for the region and assists in maintaining this historic site.

The day's activities will also feature tours of the 1925 home of Gov. and Edna Kump. H.G. Kump was the 19th governor of West Virginia, and his home features local craftsmanship, using locally sourced woods, and a glimpse into the beginnings of new technology. The Kump House is an excellent example of post-WWI life in America and has one of the state's most extensive collections of original furniture in a public historic building. 

Those who have not been inside the Kump House recently will see new interpretive materials and artwork from local artists reflecting the Garden Party theme. Free activities also include kid's games, the Arboretum Walk, and the Pie Auction. Volunteers selling old-fashioned lemonade and sandwiches will provide refreshments. 

"This event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of the Kump House Centennial," explained Biola. "We have been busy undertaking many beautification projects, thanks to the assistance of board members Debra Barsy and Laura Santmyer. New lights were installed to illuminate the home in the evening and the rose garden is getting loving care.”

“The home is being rejuvenated as it enters its next century," Biola said.

The Kump House is located at 401 Randolph Ave., Elkins, across from Kroger. Parking will be available behind the home, accessed by Seneca Road. For more information about the event, visit www.kumpeducationcenter.org or email kumpec@gmail.com. 

Cutline:

Kump Education Center volunteers, from left, Debra Barsy, Laura Santmyer and Denise Hass carefully boxed up pies for last year’s KEC Pie Auction. This year’s major fundraising event will be Saturday, June 8. The summertime Garden Party celebration will include children’s activities, Arboretum Walk, refreshments and free tours of the historic Kump House. All proceeds from the event support the Kump Education Center.

KEC Hosting Summer Spanish Camp!

DATE: May 1, 2024

ELKINS--The Kump Education Center will again host an exciting, week-long summer Spanish language camp that will provide fun and educational opportunities for area youth. The Around the World-themed camp is designed for children ages 5-10 and will transport participants to different Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish Camp is set for July 15-19, from 8:30-3:30 daily, and is directed by Leah Devine. This is her second year leading this popular summer camp at the KEC.

Devine currently teaches Spanish at Elkins High School. Her 18 years of Spanish teaching experience include middle and high school and Spanish summer camps, ranging from lower elementary at The Arts Center to weeklong Spanish Immersion camps for high schoolers. She also directed a Spanish camp for elementary and middle school-age youth in coordination with Mountain Laurel Learning Cooperative (MLLC) in Tucker County.

“We will travel around the world and visit one or more countries each day. We’ll explore arts and culture, and, for lunches, the campers will prepare traditional foods of that country,” said Devine. Participants will also listen to music and create art inspired by the countries. 

“Spanish Camp will also pique young campers’ interest in Spanish through immersive play,” she added. Repetition of vocabulary will help the students comprehend and communicate in Spanish while playing games, preparing and sampling foods, and making art in Spanish. 

“I look forward to creating a fun and exciting experience with a second language. I am excited to welcome new and returning campers. No prior knowledge of Spanish is needed, just an excitement for learning through cooking, art, and play,” said Devine.

Spanish Camp will take place at the Gov. Kump House in Elkins. Enrollment is limited to sixteen, so registration before June 15 is suggested. Tuition for the week-long camp is $300, which includes lunch and snacks.

Click here for registration materials and more information or email kumpec@gmail.com.