Morgantown Honors Early Black Entrepreneurs in New Exhibit

The exhibit at the Morgantown Public Library highlights the achievements of pioneering Black business owners in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The city of Morgantown, West Virginia is celebrating the history of its early Black entrepreneurs with a new exhibit at the Morgantown Public Library. The exhibit, titled "Black Entrepreneurs of the 19th and 20th Century in Morgantown, West Virginia", features the stories of pioneering Black business owners like Dr. William Waddell, the first licensed Black veterinarian in Pennsylvania who opened a practice in Morgantown, and John Hunt, who founded a hotel in the early 1900s. The exhibit was put together with the help of Main Street Morgantown, the Morgantown Public Library, the Aull Center for History, and researchers from West Virginia University.

Why it matters

The exhibit shines a light on the accomplishments of Black business owners in Morgantown during a time of significant racial segregation and discrimination. Their stories of entrepreneurial success and community leadership serve as an important reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of the Black community, even in the face of systemic barriers.

The details

The exhibit highlights several notable Black entrepreneurs from Morgantown's history, including Dr. William Waddell, who became the first licensed Black veterinarian in Pennsylvania before opening his own practice in Morgantown after serving in World War II. Other featured entrepreneurs include John Hunt, who founded a hotel in the early 1900s, and Eddie Dooms, whose restaurants in Morgantown and the surrounding region survived and thrived even through the Great Depression. The exhibit was put together by researchers from the Morgantown Public Library, the Aull Center for History, and West Virginia University, with project management assistance from Jennie Smith.

  • The exhibit "Black Entrepreneurs of the 19th and 20th Century in Morgantown, West Virginia" runs through February 2026 at the Morgantown Public Library.

The players

Charlene Marshall

The first and only woman of color to serve as mayor of Morgantown, West Virginia. She was instrumental in securing federal funding to refurbish the historic Metropolitan Theatre in the city.

Dr. William Waddell

The first licensed Black veterinarian in the state of Pennsylvania, who opened his own veterinary practice in Morgantown, West Virginia after serving in World War II.

John Hunt

A Black entrepreneur who founded a hotel in Morgantown in the early 1900s.

Eddie Dooms

A Black entrepreneur whose restaurants in Morgantown and the surrounding region survived and thrived even through the Great Depression.

Matt Miller

A researcher who worked with the Morgantown Public Library, Aull Center for History, and West Virginia University to help compile the exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't really say anything at the time, but it gave me chills to stand there.”

— Charlene Marshall, Former Mayor of Morgantown (The Dominion Post)

“I've always talked about the good people of Morgantown and Monongalia County. I've stood on a lot of shoulders to get where I am.”

— Charlene Marshall, Former Mayor of Morgantown (The Dominion Post)

The takeaway

This exhibit serves as an important recognition of the pioneering Black entrepreneurs who overcame significant racial barriers to build successful businesses and contribute to the Morgantown community. Their stories of perseverance and achievement are an inspiration, and a reminder of the vital role Black-owned businesses have played in the city's history.