Morgantown Celebrates Black Entrepreneurs in New Exhibition

Display honors the legacy of local Black business pioneers in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Main Street Morgantown, in collaboration with the Morgantown Public Library and the Aull Center For History, is presenting an exhibit highlighting the accomplishments of local Black entrepreneurs of the past. The display, titled "Black Entrepreneurs of the 19th and 20th Century in Morgantown, West Virginia," aims to honor the legacy of those who made contributions to their community.

Why it matters

The exhibit celebrates the history and heritage of Black business leaders in Morgantown, showcasing their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit despite facing setbacks. Organizers hope the display will encourage visitors that Morgantown is a place where prosperity is possible for everyone.

The details

The exhibit features the stories of prominent Black businessmen who helped shape downtown Morgantown, including John Hunt, owner of the Indian Rocks Resort, and Eddie Dooms, a famous downtown restaurateur. Visitors to the Morgantown Public Library will be able to learn about these trailblazers and pioneers who turned their passions into successful enterprises.

  • The exhibit is on display as part of Black History Month in 2026.

The players

Main Street Morgantown

A local organization that collaborated with the Morgantown Public Library and the Aull Center For History to present the exhibit.

Morgantown Public Library

The library hosting the exhibit showcasing the accomplishments of local Black entrepreneurs.

Aull Center For History

A partner organization that collaborated with Main Street Morgantown and the Morgantown Public Library to present the exhibit.

John Hunt

A featured Black entrepreneur who owned the Indian Rocks Resort in Morgantown.

Eddie Dooms

A featured Black entrepreneur who was a famous downtown restaurateur in Morgantown.

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What they’re saying

“All of them, I think, are really inspiring. Featured there, we've got John Hunt, who is the owner of the Indian Rocks Resort, and Eddie Dooms, who is a famous downtown restaurateur. So all of these prominent businessmen who led downtown forward, and their legacy is still known to this day.”

— Cam Allen, Operations Manager, Morgantown Area Partnership (wdtv.com)

“We have 5.3 million visitors per year in the downtown area, and that number is only rising. And the reason that people keep coming back is because they love going to a location where history and heritage are so celebrated, and those stories are told. So, being able to have exhibits like this plays into that tradition where people come downtown and they know that it's a place that respects their heritage, it respects their history, and they're walking into a unique atmosphere unlike any other.”

— Cam Allen, Operations Manager, Morgantown Area Partnership (wdtv.com)

“I want them to take away that downtown Morgantown is a place where anybody can succeed and anybody can thrive.”

— Cam Allen, Operations Manager, Morgantown Area Partnership (wdtv.com)

The takeaway

This exhibit celebrates the rich history and entrepreneurial spirit of Morgantown's Black business leaders, showcasing their resilience and contributions to the community. By honoring these trailblazers, the display aims to inspire visitors that Morgantown is a place where prosperity and success are attainable for all.