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:

Let your voice be heard, attend your local Historic Landmarks Commission Meeting

Our office is attending historic landmarks commission meetings across the state to discuss the challenges to historic preservation efforts and their successes in saving our state’s historic resources. We value the insights of your experience in constructing our collective plan. Add your voice to the discussion by attending one of these upcoming meetings. We’ll be in:

  • Berkeley Springs at the Morgan Arts Council’s Ice House on October 19th at 4pm.

Don’t have time to attend a meeting, you can still contribute by taking our survey.

West Virginia State Historic Preservation Survey and Planning Grants Available    

Applications are now being accepted for FY 2024 historic preservation survey and planning grants through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH). Approximately $100,000 will be awarded from funding appropriated by the United States Congress for preservation efforts through the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund. Grant funds are awarded on a matching basis. Deadline for receipt of applications is Oct. 31, 2023. 

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.

State or local government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations or firms, and educational institutions and Certified Local Governments (CLG) are eligible to apply. Eligible projects include architectural and archaeological surveys, preparation of National Register of Historic Places nominations, heritage education programs relating to preservation activities (i.e. hands-on window or masonry workshops), pre-development activities and comprehensive planning documents projects. Funded projects must be completed by Aug. 31, 2024.

A competitive process is used to determine the recipients. An outside grant panel reviews and makes recommendations to the West Virginia Archives and History Commission. The recommendations of the Commission are submitted to the Governor’s Office, who has final decision on awarding of grants. The projects are selected based on how they best meet the established priorities and criteria stated in the grant information. All grant monies must be administered in accordance with federal and state requirements

The announcement of grantees is planned for April 2024, contingent upon receipt of an allocation by the National Park Service.

 It’s time for an update! We’re in the process of revising the statewide comprehensive historic preservation plan and we want to hear your thoughts and ideas for the future. Your voice will help us determine the state’s preservation goals and objectives for 2025-2030. A questionnaire is available online, please scan the QR code and assist us in our mission to preserve the Mountain State. For more information about the update to the state historic preservation plan, please reach out to our Planning & Education Coordinator, Claire Tryon, at claire.e.tryon@wv.gov or calling (304) 558-0220.

West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office Sections