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

WV Department of Arts, Culture and History
Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305-0300

Welcome!

The mission of the Department of Arts, Culture and History’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.

Announcements:

Historic Preservation Development Grants Available

Applications are now available for matching historic preservation Development Grants through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Department of Arts, Culture and History. Eligible projects include the restoration, rehabilitation or archaeological development of historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Deadline for receipt of applications is postmarked, or submitted through our on-line portal (GoApply), by March 31, 2023.

It is anticipated that approximately $400,000 will be available for these grant awards, which are contingent upon an appropriation of funds from the West Virginia Legislature or United States Congress.

Privately owned properties are only eligible in instances where there is evidence of public support or public benefit. Governmental properties that are not accessible to the public are not eligible for funding. Applicant may be a state or local government agency, not-for-profit organization, private citizen, for-profit firm or organization, religious organizations, education institution or Certified Local Governments.

A complete program description, including funding priorities and selection criteria, and access to the GoApply on-line grant application portal, are available at

https://wvculture.org/agencies/state-historic-preservation-office-shpo/grants/ or contact Christy Moore, grants coordinator for the SHPO, at (304) 558-0240 or Christina.J.Moore@wv.gov.

The Department of Arts, Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

CONSIDERATION FOR NOMINATIONS – JUNE 2 MEETING

The following sites will be considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places at the June 2, 2023 meeting of the WV Archives & History Commission.

Valley Furnace, Barbour County
Citizens National Bank, Martinsburg, Berkeley County
Nathan Haines Farm Boundary Increase (Susan Thornton House), Charles Town, Jefferson County
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Fairmont, Marion County
First Baptist Church of Bluefield, Bluefield, Mercer County
Waiteville Community Center, Waiteville, Monroe County

2022 Draft  Annual Work Program

The proposed Annual Work Program for the 2022-2023 Historic Preservation Program is now available for review and comment. The work program describes the activities and programs the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will undertake as part of its continuing efforts to assist communities and residents of the state in preserving the physical evidence of our history.

Persons reviewing the program document may submit comments by completing a Work Program Comment Form (available with the work program) and mailing or emailing it to christina.j.moore@wv.gov. The deadline for public comment is Sept. 15, 2022.

A paper copy of the proposed work program may be requested by email or by a written request to Christy Moore, SHPO Grants Coordinator, The Culture Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd, E., Charleston, WV 25305-0300.

West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office Sections