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.

Stay in touch with SHPO and learn more about our programs by subscribing to our newsletter.

Announcements:

The West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office (WVSHPO) is currently offering Conference Scholarships to attend the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions FORUM “Preservation Under the Palms” in West Palm Beach, Florida from July 31-August 4. Scholarships are open to members of Certified Local Governments (CLGS) within the state. The purpose of the scholarship program is to provide education on historic preservation issues to West Virginia residents by attending sessions, learning from examples, and networking with commission members from other states. Conference attendees will return to their communities with new perspectives and insights into advancing the historic preservation movement. 

Applications can be submitted through our online portal, GOapply, and are due May 10, 2024 at 11:30pm.

Are you concerned about a historic cemetery near you? Apply for a Day of Service & Remembrance Grant from the State Historic Preservation Office! Funding can be used for projects like completing National Register nominations, sponsoring workshops, or organizing clean up work day. All applications are due May 17, 2024 by 11:30pm, and can be submitted via the GoApply portal or by mailing to the WV State Historic Preservation Office. 

Learn more about the grant program here! For questions about the grant application, please contact Christy Moore, grants coordinator, at (304) 558-0240 or Christina.J.Moore@wv.gov.

This funding is available from Volunteer West Virginia as part of their September 11th, 2024 Day of Service and Remembrance Grant program, and has been designated to recognize and assist the preservation or stabilization of local and family cemeteries, which may contain interments of veterans and persons from underrepresented communities.
The GoApply link is: https://goapply2.akoyago.com/shpo/identity/account/login

Jefferson County Courthouse image
National Historic Landmark (NHL): the Jefferson County Courthouse

West Virginia has a new National Historic Landmark (NHL): the Jefferson County Courthouse! This new designation recognizes the courthouse’s crucial role in America’s labor struggles of the 20th century. In 1922 the Jefferson County Courthouse and Charles Town was the stage for a treason trial. On trial were union leaders, who were indicted on charges of treason and murder for their participation in the Mine Wars. While the struggle took place in the southern coalfields, these men were tried 250 miles away to ensure a fair trial. This was the first of a series of treason trials for participants of the Battle of Blair Mountain. This NHL remains a working courthouse, and is maintained via the collaboration between the Jefferson County Commission and the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission. Jefferson County Courthouse now joins the Traveler’s Rest (Horatio Gates House) as the second National Historic Landmark in Jefferson County, and is the sixteenth in the state.

 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