| Q: |
Where is the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace located? |
| A: |
The National Registry of Historic Places home is tucked away in the Little Levels in Hillsboro, WV and is approximately 30 miles North of Lewisburg and 10 miles South of Marlinton. Plan your visit now. |
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| Q: |
What are the directions to the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace? |
| A: |
Please [CLICK HERE] to view our map and directions to the site. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to [CONTACT US] via e-mail or at (304) 653-4430 |
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| Q: |
Is the Museum family friendly? |
| A: |
Absolutely! Pearl's imagination was substantially crafted by her experiences at the home. It is particularly interesting for children to see the rustic conditions in which people lived, what people wore, how people passed their time, and run around the site and enjoy the outdoors. |
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| Q: |
Who owns the Birthplace? |
| A: |
The Birthplace is privately owned. It is managed by The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation, whose Board of Directors are approved by democratic vote. |
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| Q: |
How were the exhibits created? |
| A: |
The exhibits on display were collected on-site through private donations and with the assistance of the West Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs. We have done our best to collect original furniture, dishes, and other belongings of the Stulting and Sydenstricker families. In circumstances when that was not possible, we have substituted period-appropriate pieces. |
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| Q: |
What was the cost of restoring the Birthplace site and creating the exhibits? |
| A: |
In the early 1960s, the Stulting home was purchased by Jim Comstock to preserve it for its historical value. After raising about $4,000 from the West Virginia Hillbilly newspaper readers, he asked the West Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs to take over the purchase. The purchase and restoration were made possible by the donations of clubwomen across the state. With a $15,000 grant from the West Virginia Bicentennial Committee, the Sydenstricker House was eventually dismantled and moved from Greenbrier County to the Birthplace Museum. An additional $12,000 was invested in it from contributions for this purpose. A grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation of $25,000 has enabled it to be restored to 1892. |
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| Q: |
What if it the weather is bad? |
| A: |
In the event of inclement weather, the museum may have to alter operating hours or close completely. You should call the museum directly to find out the museum's status. On the occasion that your trip is canceled due to weather, please call on the next business day to reschedule your group visit. |
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| Q: |
How long did the Stulting family live here and how long did Pearl herself live here? |
| A: |
The Stultings lived in the house from the construction of the house (1875) to 1922. Pearl was born in the home on June 26, 1892, but travelled frequently between West Virginia and China with her missionary parents as she grew up. She visited the home throughout her lifetime. |
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| Q: |
When was the house "saved" as a historic site? |
| A: |
The home was registered as a National Historic Site by the United States Federal Government on March 28, 1966. [CLICK HERE] to view the application |
