Mother’s Day Shrine

Grafton, WV

The small railroading town of Grafton was the birthplace of Mother's Day, founded by Miss Anna Jarvis in honor of her mother. The first observed Mother's Day was May 10, 1908 at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church. This historic building erected in 1873, is situated at 11 E. Main Street, and now serves as a monument/museum to Mother's Day, and is a registered historic landmark.

The International Mother's Day Shrine is a 146-year-old landmark of Grafton and is one of the sixteen national historic landmarks in West Virginia. On December 18, 1970, the shrine was named a National Historic Place, and on October 5, 1992, it was added to the National Historic Landmark registry. Then, on June 30, 2007, it was noted as a National United Methodist Historic Site.

Open May - October, Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Group tours are welcome with advance arrangements. To schedule a tour or request further information, call 304-265-1589. For information on the National Historic Landmark program, contact the Historic Preservation Office at 304-558-0220.

Trip Inspiration

Town of Bath – America's First Spa Town

Written by Greg Schene, Mayor of the Town of Bath Long before wellness retreats became fashionable, visitors were traveling to the Town ...

Read More

The Only West Virginia Town Founded in 1776 Can’t Be Found on GPS

Written by Dusty Martin, Executive Director of Travel Berkeley Springs As West Virginia prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birt...

Read More

Discover Hidden Gems In These Mon Forest Towns 

The Mon Forest Towns are a collection of unique gateway communities that unite to celebrate the heritage, culture, and adventure surroundin...

Read More

Your Guide to Exploring the Kanawha Valley 

Discover the hidden gems and vibrant culture of the Kanawha Valley, where every turn offers a new adventure. While Charleston serves as the...

Read More

Seneca Rocks Is Your Dream Late-Summer Destination

Whether you prefer a high-adventure rock climb or a laid-back swimming hole spot, Seneca Rocks is your ideal late-summer getaway. Located i...

Read More

Dreaming of Summer Lake Days

Summer isn’t over yet. There is still time to head to the lake for an outdoor getaway. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation...

Read More

Escape the Heat on a Cool Summer Getaway in West Virginia's Canaan Valley

Summer has arrived, and the heat is starting to. What if there was a spot where you could beat the heat? The Canaan Valley of West Virginia...

Read More

Here's Your Guide To A Perfect Summer Weekend In Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

🚙 Friday Evening - Arrive in Town Less than two hours away from both the DC and Baltimore areas, Harpers Ferry may be a closer ge...

Read More

Welcome to Almost Heaven We're so glad y'all are here. Welcome to West Virginia, affectionatly dubbed the Mountain State, and hom...

Read More
More Inspiration