Philippi, West Virginia: Mummies of the Insane

The bathroom in the Barbour County Historical Museum holds a treat -- two mummies preserved by a local Dr. Frankenstein.

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Mummies of the Insane

After confirming we were not members of the press, Olivia Sue (the curator) allowed us to view the mummies. They were a treat. Creepy as expected, but well worth the $1.

Also in the Barber County Historical Museum are several other unique artifacts, including a bio of Lurch from Adams Family, replicas of the one-of-a-kind covered bridge around the corner, and the drum that "ended the Civil War."

[Heather and Eric, 04/26/2007]

Modest Mummy.

Mummies of the Insane

Mummies of the Insane: On my birthday, Wednesday, July 26, we pulled into Philippi and stopped by the Barbour County Museum to see the mummies. They are still there, available for a peek for a dollar. Since your visit, you will notice someone has taken it upon themselves to drape their breasts with garlands of flowers, for additional modesty.

[David Hansen, 08/12/2000]

Mummies of the Insane - A Baby?

A 1968 book regarding the Best of West Virginia Hillbilly featured an article on the Philippi Mummies of the Insane. There are three pictures contained in the book. Two of the pictures are of the mummies. One is allegedly female with a mummified baby on her left side. The other is supposed to be a male. I just wondered what ever happened to the baby? The third is a picture of a gallon glass jug with Hamrick's so called embalming fluid. Bronson and Jim were the owners of West Virginia Hillbilly Magazine and The News Leader of Richwood. Bronson McClung and Jim Comstock visited the mummies years ago when they were in an old red barn at the Swick residence in Philippi.

My grandmother had the pleasure of seeing the mummies when she was a little girl in the '20s in Phillipi... she passed away in '87.

[Mark A. Justus, 07/31/1999]

But she has not been mummified, dear reader...

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Mummies of the Insane

Barbour County Historical Museum

Address:: 13 Museum St., Philippi, WV
Directions:: Barbour County Historical Museum. Junction of US 119 and 250. At the south end of the wooden bridge across the Tygart Valley River, on the left.
Hours:: May-Nov. Th-Sa 11-4, Su 1-5; or by appt. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 304-457-4846
Admission:: Donations welcome.
RA Rates:: The Best