Operating Hours
Open Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed
Weekends and major Holidays
Contact
Main: (304) 558-0220
Staff List
The Culture Center
Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305-0300
Welcome!
The mission of the West Virginia Department of Tourism’s State Historic Preservation Office is to encourage, inform, support, and participate in the efforts of the people of West Virginia to identify, recognize, preserve and protect West Virginia’s prehistoric and historic structures, objects and sites.
The value of historic and prehistoric properties is intrinsic and therefore worthy of protection. Their preservation can stabilize neighborhoods, stimulate private investment, provide affordable housing, revitalize downtown activities, attract tourists and enhance community pride. Our office works toward achievement of these goals.
The Office administers both the state and federal historic preservation programs. Our office aids federal and state agencies, local governments and the general public in identifying and preserving the physical historic and prehistoric resources of West Virginia.
Stay in touch with SHPO and learn more about our programs by subscribing to our newsletter.
Announcements:
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Historic Preservation Survey and Planning grants through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the West Virginia Department of Tourism. Funding for Survey and Planning Grants is appropriated by the United States Congress for preservation efforts through the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund.
The deadline for submission of applications is 11:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025. A complete program description and access to the GoApply online grant application portal are available at: https://wvculture.org/shpo-grants/. Applicants can contact Randy Hill at Randall.Hill@wv.gov for more information.
Those who are interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to attend a virtual pre-application meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Please register by clicking on the following link: https://forms.gle/CVEesuGd4VLp8wcM7
The following sites will be considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places during the November 21st, 2025 virtual meeting of the West Virginia Archives & History Commission. Click here to register for the Zoom meeting.
- Citizens National Bank of Belington (Barbour Co.)
- George McComas House (Cabell Co.)
- Lewisburg Historic District Additional Documentation (Greenbrier Co.)
- Capon Bridge (Hampshire Co.)
- Romney Historic District (Hampshire Co.)
- Arnold – Old Hill Cemetery (Lewis Co.)
- Henrietta Dismukes Hospital Nurses Home (McDowell Co.)
- Dimmeydale Historic District (Ohio Co.)
- Mail Pouch Tobacco Barns of West Virginia Multiple Property Documentation
- Hutchinson-Parsons-Fulk Mail Pouch Barn (Jackson Co.)
- Wilson Mail Pouch Barn (Mason Co.)
- See Mail Pouch Barn (Randolph Co.)
West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office Sections
- Archaeology
- Certified Local Governments/Historic Landmark Commissions
- Grant Opportunities
- Historic and Archaeological Surveys – webGIS
- Historic Cemeteries
- Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits
- National Register of Historic Places /National Register of Historic Places Nominations
- National Historic Landmarks
- Publications, Planning and Education Efforts
- Review and Compliance/Section 106 Review