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 is soliciting bids for scholarly essays to be included in a publication commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial. The publication will cover topics related to the history of western Virginia prior to 1815. Topics will include westward expansion, architecture, and Washington properties. The full request is available by contacting Claire Tryon, either by emailing claire.e.tryon@wv.gov or calling (304) 558-0240. 

These essays are intended for a public audience, thus they should expand an individual’s knowledge of the subject while being an engaging narrative, written in accessible language. The finished publication will consist of an introduction from WV SHPO, a maximum of ten essays, and a list of important historic resources in both print and digital formats.

All bids are due November 8, 2024 by 4:00 pm. Submissions will be accepted that are delivered via the mail or received via email.

Applications now open for our Survey & Planning Grants!

Applications are now being accepted for FY2025 Historic Preservation Survey and Planning grants. 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. Grant funds are awarded on a matching basis.  Deadline for receipt of applications is 11:30 pm on October 31, 2024. Check out our application here!

We want to hear from you on our proposed goals for 2025 to 2030! These goals are intended to guide all preservation efforts in West Virginia. Your insights are crucial to ensure that our goals best reflect the needs of the state’s historic resources. 
A copy of our proposed goals can be found here. You can submit your thoughts one of two ways: you can respond via our online form or by sending in a comment sheet. Please have all comments submitted by November 1, 2024.

West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office Sections