Alex Weld

WHEELING, W.Va. – April 6, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage today announced the launch of “Wheeling: Live Here,” an initiative to encourage remote workers to consider relocating to the Friendly City. The initiative is housed on Weelunk, a publication of Wheeling Heritage, and is made possible through generous support from the Hess Family Foundation.

Located at Weelunk.com/live-here, the webpage features information about Wheeling, including housing statistics, information on each neighborhood, and a downloadable resource guide with data on schools, recreational options, places of worship, ways to get involved, and more. Wheeling Heritage is working with Direct Online Marketing on a nation-wide campaign to share these resources and introduce people to Wheeling.

Wheeling Heritage began this initiative as remote working increased, a trend expedited by COVID-19. Now, many employers across the country have decided to keep their workers remote indefinitely.

“Many people no longer have to live in close proximity to their offices. As people reevaluate where they live, they’re prioritizing things like cultural amenities, schools, and cost of living – all things that make Wheeling a great option,” said Alex Weld, executive director of Wheeling Heritage. “Wheeling is unique in that it’s big enough to provide a lot of great amenities, but it’s small enough that neighbors know each other and people can really make a difference here. It’s exactly what a lot of people are looking for.”

This initiative is made possible with data and collaborations from many partners, including the City of Wheeling, RED, the CVB and the Chamber of Commerce. The site will also feature a selection of houses for sale in Wheeling, which is part of a partnership with Kennen & Kennen Realtors.

About Wheeling Heritage:

Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.

WHEELING, W.Va. – May 6, 2019 – Many North Wheeling buildings are a step closer to a listing on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to a grant from the State Historic Preservation Office.

Now, Wheeling Heritage is accepting bids for this third and final phase of the project, with the goal of adding several new North Wheeling properties to the current historic district. The project, an effort of Wheeling Heritage and the Wheeling Historic Landmarks Commission, came from a desire to identify pre-Civil War era homes that were originally omitted from the historic district.

“It’s amazing how many antebellum homes have been realized through this survey. These properties absolutely deserve to be recognized,” said Wheeling Heritage Historic Preservation Project Manager Betsy Sweeny.

The first and second phase findings, completed by Eastern Michigan University’s Historic Preservation Program, show that a significant number of historic and antebellum homes exist outside of the current North Wheeling Historic District boundary. Three buildings surveyed date to at least 1818. Before this survey, it was thought that the oldest still-standing home in Wheeling was built in 1831.

These surprising results have indicated a need for further study. This final survey phase will collect the last pieces of information needed so that a district expansion can be pursued in the future.

“The need to extend and expand this project speaks to the significance of the properties in North Wheeling,” Sweeny said. “It’s incredible how much of the historic fabric of that neighborhood survives.”

Sweeny expects Phase III to begin soon, with a completion date of Fall 2019. Both Phase I, II, and III are partially funded by the West Virginia Historic Preservation Office’s Survey and Planning Grants.

About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.

Wheeling Heritage today announced it has hired Betsy Sweeny, a preservation specialist, as its Historic Preservation Program Manager to lead its historic preservation efforts. She joined the staff at the Artisan Center on January 2, leading history-related projects, facilitating technical assistance for historic building owners, and overseeing the organization’s historic preservation grants and contracts.

Wheeling Heritage Executive Director Jake Dougherty hired Sweeny after a search that included candidates from Wheeling and around the country.

“Betsy brings a wealth of experience and new ideas that will enhance the preservation of Wheeling’s strong sense of place,” said Dougherty. “Her desire to engage with the community and provide services that help all become involved in preservation efforts is clear, and this aligns with our goals as an organization. I’m excited about the programs she will lead and for the impact they will have on our community.”

Most recently, Sweeny was the Architecture and Preservation Specialist at The Montpelier Foundation, where she worked in research, project management and public programming. She frequently worked with local historical societies and led research to create historical exhibits and walking tours. She ran the foundation’s log cabin building program, a hands-on program that taught participants historic building trades while also educating them on how the legacy of the cabins, which were once built by slaves, fit into the broader American story.

Previously, as The Montpelier Foundation’s Architecture and Preservation Technician, she conducted research, created content, and oversaw the installation of an award-winning multimedia exhibition at the museum. She also worked as a preservation intern at the City of Columbia and the Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation.

“Wheeling has such a rich history, and I look forward to using my background as an architectural historian to tell some of its stories,” Sweeny said. “This city is fortunate to have many historic buildings that retain much of their character. Many of these buildings beg to be reused, and I am excited to serve as a resource in the community for those that are interested in learning more about historic buildings, and how preservation can facilitate revitalization.”

Sweeny earned her Master of Arts degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2017. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history and Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from the University of Missouri in 2015.

Wheeling Heritage is asking you to choose which mural will be installed at Kossuth Park, located at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Route 2 in downtown Wheeling. Choose one of the four designs by voting at wheelingheritage.org/art. Voting ends Jan. 31. The artist with the most votes will create and display their art at this gateway into Wheeling.

What you should know

Keep in mind that the goal of this art installation is to serve as a welcome to Wheeling, instill pride in the community, engage the citizenry, and interweave the arts and culture into the utilization of public space.

Not only will community members vote on the mural, but they will also have the chance to participate in its creation. The project will have a community involvement aspect, such as a paint by numbers section or designated section to be painted by the community, as decided upon by the artist.

Jewelry, pottery, candles, paintings and scarves are just some of the handmade items that will be available at Handmade Holiday, a one-day makers market to be held by Wheeling Heritage. The event will take place on Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the third floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center.

More than 30 artists and makers will be selling their unique work at the event. Admission is free.

Inspired by the independent craft fair movement throughout the country, Handmade Holiday strives to establish a marketplace of unique and creative handmade goods that support local artists and increases awareness about handmade, locally produced craft goods and processes.

“This is a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping and get in the holiday spirit,” said Chris Villamagna, Wheeling Heritage Program Manager. “It makes shopping local easy, and it also gives shoppers a chance to find unique gifts for their friends and family.”

There will be various drawings throughout the day, and a DJ will be spinning vinyl between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wheeling Heritage will provide free hot chocolate, coffee and water for attendees throughout the day. River City Restaurant will also have a booth at the event, where they will sell wine, beer and a special holiday-themed drink.

Participating artists and makers:

• The Blended Homestead – cutting boards and crocheted blankets
• Bomtron – pop culture-inspired paintings and drawings
• Rachel Dennison – acrylic paintings
• Rosalie Haizlett – nature-inspired prints & greeting cards
• Cheryl and Marc Harshman – 2-D art, ornaments, quilted wall hangings, books
• Jekyll and Plaid – crocheted wearables
• Unique Treats by Jacquie – gourmet caramel apples
• Little Grave Creek Designs – handmade jewelry
• Shapeless Flame – embroidery, illustration, stickers
• Indigo Lane Handmade Goods – hand-dyed scarves, wall hangings, etc.
• Patrice Lehocky – jewelry from broken dinnerware
• White Tile Design – coasters and hand sewn goods
• Apartment Two Art – soy candles, wax melts & bath bombs
• Lone Stone Designs – sterling silver jewelry
• Jes Reger Watercolor – watercolor paintings
• Design with Chalk – chalk paste designs on wood, canvas & metal
• MEM Squad – local theme t-shirts
• Funky Ceramics – hand built and wheel thrown ceramic vessels
• Queen of the Gravity Urge – mixed media and watercolor
• Zac Templeton – stained glass
• Nancy Tirone – mixed media collage
• Lambros Tsuhlares – pottery
• Robert Villamagna – tin can collage & assemblage
• Sew Much More – embroidered items and quilting
• River Valley Designs – handmade jewelry/silversmith
• Jennifer Woollard – knit & crochet hats, mitts & wraps
• Quiet Nook Cottage Crafts – found & broken object jewelry
• Ediebelle Creative – ceramics & photography
• The Wheeling Feeling – designed & screen printed shirts, memo books and screened boxes

Wheeling Heritage’s upcoming art exhibit will feature 55 ultra-realistic portrait paintings by a Wheeling artist. Alan Fitzpatrick’s “Portrait of America” will run from Nov. 8 through 29 on the third floor of the Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street. A free opening reception will be held Nov. 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

An 18th century historian, author and lecturer, Fitzpatrick recently returned to his childhood passion of painting and drawing. He has drawn and painted many of the subjects that he has written about, as well as many Native people that he has met in the past years during his travels to the American Southwest.

Fitzpatrick’s portraits capture the emotion and spirit of individuals in an ultra-realistic style. This body of 55 pieces of his work, with both historical characters and contemporary models, is a testament to his passion for bringing the shared human expression of emotion and character to life.

The Artisan Center gallery is open to the public Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wheeling Heritage is asking artists to share their vision of Wheeling for a mural project. The artist who is selected will bring that idea to life at Kossuth Park, the small greenspace at the intersection of Route 2 and Interstate 70 in downtown Wheeling. Applications, which can be downloaded at this link, are due Dec. 14.

Local, regional and national artists can apply. The mural should evoke a sense of community and celebrate Wheeling. The mural will be 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall, and the scale of the piece should be designed for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The selection of the project will be a two-step process. First, a committee from Wheeling Heritage will select up to four projects. Then, those four projects will be featured on Wheeling Heritage’s website, where the community will voteheir favorite. The design that receives the most votes will be selected for the mural.

 
Not only will community members vote on the mural, but they will also have the chance to participate in its creation. The project will have a community involvement aspect, such as a paint by numbers section or designated section to be painted by the community, as decided upon by the artist.

The project is not to exceed $4,500 for an artist or team of collaborative artists. This budget includes the artist(s) fee, supplies, travel-related expenses, all preparing and installation costs, and a required protective coating.

To learn more about the project or to apply, download the RFP.

Attention to Detail, a North Wheeling car detailing company, was voted crowd-favorite at Wheeling Heritage’s latest Show of Hands event held Sept. 26.

Show of Hands is a community supported, crowd-funding event that provides a platform for local small businesses, while growing community support through the crowd-funding setup. As the contestants give their proposals, they have the opportunity to engage with the community they will be serving and gain recognition among those community members.

Father and son duo Jeff Johnson Sr. and Jeff Johnson Jr. of Attention to Detail walked away with a check for $5,214 following a vote by over 300 event attendees. The car detailing company, located at 452 Main Street in North Wheeling, is looking to expand with an indoor facility. This will allow them to add services and be able to detail cars year-round. They explained that Show of Hands funding will make that expansion possible.

After the event, two anonymous attendees contributed another $1,000 to the company, bringing their total award to $6,214.

Competition included proposals from three additional up-and-coming businesses:

• • • East Wheeling Clay Works, a pottery studio located at 747 Main Street in North Wheeling
    • Nail City Record, a new and used record store located on the third floor of the McClain Building at 40 12^th Street
    • Wheeling Threads, a local Wheeling-inspired design company that currently operates online.

   

September’s Show of Hands was the 15^th in the event’s history. So far, Show of Hands winners have received $48,464.

Show of Hands would not be possible without its generous sponsors. Orrick is the program’s corporate sponsor. The company donates $1,000 to each Show of Hands event.

The Friends of Show of Hands sponsors include Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru, Joseph Orthodontics, Touchstone Research Laboratory, Fuzz and Barbara LaRue, H Lawrence Jones, Ed.D., Kennen & Kennen Realtors, Warwood Armature, and two private donors. Friends of Show of Hands contribute $1,000 annually to Show of Hands.

Four small business owners will each make a pitch at Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands event on Sept. 26. The event, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street, invites attendees to vote for the project they feel is the most worthwhile. The winning presenter will leave with about $4,000 for his or her business expansion.

At the event, owners of the following businesses will be making presentations:

Attention to Detail, a car detailing company located at 452 Main Street in North Wheeling, is looking to expand with an indoor facility. This would allow them to add services and be able to detail cars year-round. The company has seen tremendous growth since opening in 2016, and the addition of a steel building will allow them to stay open and provide much-needed car maintenance services during the winter months.

East Wheeling Clay Works is hoping to expand and help grow the arts community in Wheeling. The pottery studio, located at 747 Main Street in North Wheeling, would like to renovate their basement to offer larger classes and provide studio space for artists and community members.

Nail City Record is a new addition to downtown. The business originally opened in Elm Grove, but recently relocated to the third floor of the McClain Building, 40 12^th Street. Since moving, they’ve welcomed customers from all around the country to Wheeling’s downtown. To continue to grow, they would like to add sound equipment and interactive displays in-store, as well as signage to attract visitors to their new space.

Wheeling Threads, a local design company, is looking to open a storefront downtown. The business currently sells its Wheeling-inspired designs online, but would like to move into a physical location. They would use Show of Hands funding for rent, signage, and screen-printing materials for events.

Wheeling Heritage recently asked what types of retail and restaurants residents, workers and visitors of Wheeling would like to see downtown.

After more than 1,500 responses, Downtown Professionals Network, a firm specializing in research for downtown economic development, has analyzed the results.

Click here to download the At a Glance PDF.

The most commonly requested eating establishment is a full-service restaurant with a dinner menu and outdoor dining. The second-most chosen option is an ethnic restaurant, with Thai or Indian cuisine.

In terms of retail establishments, most respondents want to see a specialty foods market, with a focus on locally sourced, artisan and organic foods. Both women’s and men’s casual clothing stores also scored high.

It is also worth noting that 146 respondents marked that they are interested in either relocating their existing business or opening a new storefront in downtown Wheeling.

Wheeling Heritage will use these results to target the types of businesses people want to see downtown. For more detailed results, please contact Wheeling Heritage.

Wheeling Heritage is seeking art and fine craft vendors for its new event, Handmade Holiday. The event will invite shoppers to buy local, shop small and discover one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season.

The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street, Wheeling. Vendors who would like to sell their own handmade/hand-crafted products are invited to apply.

Inspired by the independent craft fair movement throughout the country, Handmade Holiday strives to establish a marketplace of unique and creative handmade goods that support local artists and increases awareness about handmade, locally produced craft goods and processes.

“We are creating this event to provide artists the opportunity to show and sell their products in a unique venue and to create an awareness of art and craft forms outside of traditional mediums,” said Chris Villamagna, Wheeling Heritage Program Manager.
Handmade Holiday is a juried event, and up to 30 vendors will be accepted to sell their goods.

Click here to download an application for Handmade Holiday.

You can also call Wheeling Heritage at 304-232-3087 to request an application. Applications are due by Sept. 28.

Wheeling Heritage is in the running to receive the 2019 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). The National Main Street Center has named Wheeling Heritage one of ten semifinalists.

Each year, the National Main Street Center recognizes exceptional Main Street communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization.

This year’s semifinalists were selected from a nationwide pool of accredited applicants by a national jury based on their successful and innovative uses of the Main Street Approach. Winners will be announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Seattle, Washington, on March 25, 2019.

Wheeling Heritage was chosen as a semifinalist for its success in making the community an exciting place to live, work, play and visit, as well as its commitment to historic preservation and its ability to create strong partnerships.

“It’s an honor to receive national recognition for the impact of our work,” said Jake Dougherty, executive director of Wheeling Heritage. “While all of us here in Wheeling see the progress the city has made, it’s always nice to see people outside of the city recognize our progress and potential. Although we were selected for work that has been done in the past three years as a Main Street community, this is built off of decades of work by many people.”

Wheeling Heritage has been shaping the city of Wheeling’s development since its creation in 1994. It leads comprehensive efforts in historic preservation, arts and downtown development. Earlier this year, Dougherty was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for leading efforts to increase the West Virginia State Historic Tax Credit, a change that is helping to spur revitalization in Wheeling.

Wheeling was designated as a Main Street community in 2015. Through a merger with Reinvent Wheeling, Wheeling Heritage began operating the Main Street program in 2016.

“We’ve been successful because we are cognizant of the ever-changing nature of our community,” said Alex Weld, project and outreach manager at Wheeling Heritage. “We evaluate and adapt our programming to address pressing needs in the community, which we feel is the best way to help Wheeling continue to flourish. While we’ve taken great strides, our work isn’t done.”

Most recently, Wheeling Heritage saw the need for and brought CO.STARTERS, an international entrepreneur-training program, to Wheeling. Show of Hands, Wheeling Heritage’s community supported crowd funding program, continues to grow, with more than $42,000 given to community projects through the event. Wheeling Heritage also recently expanded its Partnership Grant program, which provides funding to projects that recognize, communicate and preserve Wheeling’s heritage.

If you have an idea for a new business, a business expansion, or a project that will impact Wheeling, you are encouraged to apply for Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands. The winner will leave the event with more than $3,000 to put towards his or her idea.

Click here to submit your application by Sept. 5. A committee will review applications, and four will be chosen to move on to the presentation round.

At the event, four presenters explain their ideas to community members in attendance. Attendees vote on their favorite, and the presenter who receives the most votes receives $3,000, plus door donations, to put towards the project. To date, Show of Hands has given more than $42,000 to 14 projects.

The next Show of Hands event is scheduled for Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Artisan Center, located at 1400 Main Street in Wheeling. Attendees pay $5 at the door, which is added to the winner’s prize.

Recent winners include Sarah’s on Main, a new café and bakery, as well as Zeb’s Barky Bites, a dog treat company that recently opened at Centre Market.

Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, donates $1,000 for each event. The Friends of Show of Hands, which consists of community members and business owners, also contribute to each event.

As the year hits its midpoint, we want to share our progress so far in 2018 while giving insight on what to look forward to for the rest of the year.

At Wheeling Heritage, we believe that the past informs our future. We not only learn from our history, we shape our present and future based upon it. This idea is integral when considering strategies for the revitalization of Wheeling. We recognize what makes Wheeling special, and highlight those strengths to make progress where it is needed most. Wheeling Heritage is focusing on three program areas: Community Development, Arts and Recreation, and Historic Preservation and Education.

Community Development
At the beginning of 2018, Wheeling Heritage set a goal to award $30,000 to various projects through our Partnership Grant program. Just seven months into the year, we have awarded $15,000 to local projects including, the Artist Studio Tour, Ohio Valley Pride Festival, Bike Wheeling’s “Bike Rodeo,” and the upcoming Reuther-Pollack Labor History Symposium in September.

Show of Hands, a crowd-funding event aimed at giving up-and-coming businesses a leg-up in today’s economy, has awarded more than $10,000 so far this year. In January, Zeb’s Barky Bites, a healthy pet food company created by a 9-year-old and his parents, won $4,270 in January. In May, our largest crowd yet – 437 voters – awarded our largest prize yet – $5,865 – to Sarah Lydick. She will be opening her restaurant, Sarah’s on Main, this summer.

After a successful launch of our first ever CO.STARTERS cohort, 12 graduates learned how to take their budding business ideas and turn them into thriving businesses. The nine-week small business training program will be kicking off its second session in September.

Arts and Recreation
Our community programs are reaching more people than ever before. In February, in partnership with the YWCA, we hosted the Art of Inclusion, a photo series on diversity, in the Artisan Center gallery. The community art exhibit attracted more than 400 attendees. The 21st Annual Celtic Celebration was, once again, successful and attracted approximately 2,000 attendees. We even launched a new program, Lunchtime Live!, a monthly lunchtime concert series in Market Plaza on the first Friday of each month during the summer. The June and July events attracted 350 attendees and increased business at local restaurants.

Historic Preservation and Education
We have made headway on several historic preservation initiatives that tell our story, culturally enrich Wheeling, and economically stimulate the economy by making more funding opportunities available. The Soldiers and Sailors monument relocation is underway. During this two-year effort, we have raised more than $150,000 for the relocation through public, private, and individual contributions. We have also continued to make progress on the Blue Church, an Iconic 1837 Greek Revival Church. Currently, an engineering study is being conducted on the iconic front porch.

We are continuing work to preserve and recognize two of Wheeling’s most historic neighborhoods, North Wheeling and South Wheeling. Phase 1 of the Early Dwellings Survey in North Wheeling has been completed. Over the next two years, we will be completing Phase 2 and Phase 3, which will result in a National Register Nomination.

By creating initiatives that seek these outcomes, we are building an ecosystem in which Wheeling’s unique sense of place is preserved and enhanced, entrepreneurship is encouraged, and residents have economic and cultural amenities – a place where people want to be.

Wheeling Heritage has launched a survey to learn about the types of businesses you’d like to see in downtown Wheeling.

Click here to fill out the quick survey by July 31.

The results will help identify the types of retailers, restaurants and services that consumers would like to see downtown. Findings will also be a useful resource for businesses that are considering expanding into the growing downtown market.

Through Main Street West Virginia, Wheeling Heritage has been working with Downtown Professionals Network (DPN), as well as various partners, to create the survey. DPN, a firm specializing in research for downtown economic development, will analyze the results and provide business recruitment strategies.

“As we learn more about our residents and workers, we can better target our business development and training programs to help target the types of businesses people want to see here,” said Alex Weld, project and outreach manager at Wheeling Heritage, referencing the organization’s CO.STARTERS and Show of Hands programs.

The results will be shared with partners including the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), the City of Wheeling, and the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, and will also be available to the public on Wheeling Heritage’s website.

The latest Show of Hands winner is breathing new life into her historic building with a modern yet nostalgic approach to cafe cuisine. Sarah Lydick, the owner of Sarah’s on Main, took home a check totaling $5,865 for her business.

Sarah plans to create an outdoor dining area at her soon-to-be-open storefront, located at 2122 Main Street. The outdoor dining area will prove useful as she continues to revitalize the building formerly known as the Lebanon Bakery.

The $5,865 check is the largest in Show of Hands history, which is due to increased corporate support as well as a large turnout at the event. A total of 435 people paid $5 at the door to cast a ballot, and all of that money was added to the check total.

Competition included proposals from three additional up-and-coming businesses:

• Mugshots: The former Keg and Kraut, located in East Wheeling, will soon be home to Mugshots, a gourmet coffee shop and eatery. Owner Grant Coleman has purchased the majority of equipment for the restaurant, but is hoping to refurbish more of the building, as well as work with local artisans to create a coffee bar with Show of Hands funding.
• Stradwick’s Fade Cave: Barber Chad Stradwick is hoping to create the “ultimate grooming experience” for men with his Fade Cave, to be located at 1902 Market Street. Show of Hands funding would provide him with build-out costs to create an old-school barbershop with a man-cave feel.
• Wheeling Threads: Using historic traditions and giving them a modern, light-hearted twist, owner Daniel Finsley is creating shirt designs to create pride in Wheeling. The company is also creating shirt designs as fundraisers for various nonprofits and causes in the Wheeling area. Daniel is looking to build his inventory, find a downtown storefront, and purchase an on-site payment system.

Although Sarah’s on Main received the popular vote, all four businesses were given the opportunity to advertise and network while participating in the event.

The latest Show of Hands marks the 14 successful event. So far, more than $42,000 has been given to winning community projects.

Show of Hands would not be possible without its generous sponsors. Orrick is the event’s corporate sponsor. The Friends of Show of Hands include Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru, Joseph Orthodontics, Touchstone Research Laboratory, H Lawrence Jones, Ed. D., Kennen & Kennen Realtors, Warwood Armature, Fuzz & Barb LaRue and an anonymous donor.

The next Show of Hands is Sept. 26. Learn more.

We hope you will support one — or both! — of our projects that are part of the Amazing Raise this year. Donate to the Soldiers and Sailors monument move or Mt. Wood Cemetery restoration project on May 1.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument Move

We’re raising funds to bring the Soldiers and Sailors monument back to downtown Wheeling. The monument’s relocation near Independence Hall would enhance the iconic building and complement its history.

Since we partnered with the Wheeling Civil War Monument Committee two years ago:

• The monument’s future home has been assessed and prepped.
• The vacant building next door to the lot, Kirk’s Art Supply store, has been slated for demolition. The building is rapidly deteriorating beyond repair, and must be removed before the monument can safely be relocated.
• More than $100,000 has been raised for the monument’s move.

Now, less than $20,000 separates the Soldiers and Sailors Monument from its new home. We are on the brink of completing this project, and every dollar helps.

Click here to donate to the Soldiers and Sailors project.

Mt. Wood Cemetery Restoration

Mt. Wood Cemetery is Wheeling, West Virginia’s, oldest extant cemetery. Incorporated in 1848, it is resting place for many of the area’s prominent and hardworking citizens.

Mt. Wood Cemetery has been a victim to gravity and vandalism in years past. So far, we’ve reset dozens of large obelisks,  leveled and reset hundreds of smaller monuments and gravestones, and cleaned hundreds more.

But we still need your help. Our project is wholly funded by donations from the community. There are still ten mausoleums and hundreds of gravestones that need repaired. This work can only continue through the generosity of donors like you!

Click here to donate to the Mt. Wood Restoration project.

Wheeling Heritage has once again been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center.

Each year, the National Main Street Center and its Coordinating Program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

“We are thrilled to honor this year’s 829 nationally accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to preservation-based economic development and the revitalization of their commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “The power of Main Street shines across the country through these vibrant communities, who have all worked to generate impressive economic returns, preserve community character, and celebrate local history.”

In 2017 alone, Main Street America programs generated $4.48 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,211 net new businesses, generated 30,294 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,737 historic buildings, and clocked 2.7 million volunteer hours.

Wheeling Heritage’s performance is evaluated annually by Main Street West Virginia, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.

Wheeling Heritage works to shape downtown Wheeling’s revitalization through three types of programs: historic preservation and interpretation, community development, and arts and recreation.

Through efforts of Wheeling Heritage and its partners, the National Heritage area has a substantial impact on the economy. According to an economic impact study by Tripp Umbach, Wheeling Heritage brings an average of $86.6 million to the area annually through tourism, grant making and capital projects. The organization’s efforts helped to bring an average of $6.4 million in tax revenue and 550,000 visitors to Wheeling through grant making, heritage site restoration and community development each year from 2014 to 2016.

Jake Dougherty, the executive director of Wheeling Heritage, has been named to a national list of honorees by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

A new initiative from the National Trust, “40 Under 40: People Saving Places,” recognizes 40 movers and shakers—all age 40 and under—from a variety of backgrounds and industries. These innovators are expanding our view of what it means to save places and tell America’s full history.

Dougherty was nominated for his work in economic revitalization. While his focus is on Wheeling, he has also championed state-wide efforts. As a member of the WV Abandoned Properties Coalition, he successfully led a grassroots advocacy effort to increase the West Virginia State Historic Tax Credit.

“Jake worked diligently to ensure West Virginia’s incentives for preservation are some of the best in the country,” said Renee Kuhlman, director of Policy Outreach at the National Trust. “His commitment to our heritage was also evident when he worked tirelessly with legislators like Rep. McKinley to keep the historic tax credit as part of the tax code.”

She noted that Dougherty created a financial model that can be used by other states to evaluate the effectiveness of their own state historic tax credits.

“This recognition speaks to the quality of work Wheeling Heritage produces every day and the positive direction Wheeling is headed,” Dougherty said. “Wheeling is fortunate to have a community that supports and cultivates young leaders who are passionate about the success of our city and state.”

Currently, Dougherty serves on the Boards of Directors of the Augusta Levy Learning Center, Generation WV, Regional Economic Development Partnership, and Wheeling-Ohio County Convention & Visitors Bureau. He is also a member of the Rose Urban Green Fund CDE advisory board. A Wheeling native, Jake previously served as Director of Reinvent Wheeling, where he led initiatives around community engagement, small business development, public art and transportation. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Communications from American University in Washington, D.C.

All honorees were chosen by the National Trust for their significant impact on historic preservation and related fields such as architecture, community activism, storytelling, and business, as well as for their contributions to the public’s understanding of why places matter.

Wheeling Heritage, in partnership with the Wheeling Historic Landmarks Commission, has selected Heritage Architectural Services to complete the National Register of Historic Places nomination for South Wheeling.

Currently, the proposed district includes 133 properties in the South Wheeling neighborhood. It stretches roughly from Water to Jacob streets, from 35th to 39th streets.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of buildings, structures, objects, and sites recognized for their importance to local, state, or national history.

“This proposed historic district will help to highlight the importance of South Wheeling as an industrial powerhouse during the city of Wheeling’s development,” said Bekah Karelis, project manager at Wheeling Heritage. “But this is also important to the future of South Wheeling. A listing on the National Register can help to spur preservation and investment in the neighborhood.”

Property owners included in National Register districts may be eligible for various incentives, such as the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, which provides up to 20% of income tax credit back to building owners who carry out material rehabilitation of historic private residences.

The firm has already begun work on the project, which includes reviewing preliminary research, performing a survey to confirm the district’s boundaries, determining the district’s period of significance, and conducting additional historical research.

The project will be completed by August 1 and submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office. If approved, the district will be listed on the National Register as early as January 2019.

The Historic Landmarks Commission and Wheeling Heritage received a grant from the WV State Historic Preservation Office that will help offset the cost to complete neighborhood’s designation.

WHEELING, W.Va. – February 23, 2018 – Wheeling Heritage will host its 22nd annual Wheeling Celtic Celebration on Saturday, March 3, at the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street, Wheeling. The event will open with entertainment and activities at 11 a.m. and continue until 11 p.m.

The Artisan Center’s three floors will be filled with Celtic music, dancers, vendors, culture and great food offerings. A children’s activity area, presented by the Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley, will take place on the second floor from noon to 4 p.m.

The Celtic Marketplace, on the second and third floors, will feature a selection of wonderful Celtic merchandise including clothing, pub shirts, glasses and signs, jewelry, photography, honey mead wines, and much more. Members of Gallowglass will be set up on the second floor to provide educational information and cultural presentations on various Celtic instruments and practices.

River City Restaurant will be open to offer their regular menu selections on the first floor, and will offer ethnic food selections on the third floor, including Scotch Eggs, Colcannon, and other Celtic delicacies as well as imported and domestic beers.

This year’s entertainment will include returning favorites such as The Macdonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh, the Burke Conroy School of Irish Dance, Brigid’s Cross, Wheeling’s Gallowglass and Terry Griffith.

The Celtic Celebration will end with a performance by the Kilmaine Saints. Fans of Dropkick Murphys, The Pogues and Flogging Molly will enjoy the high-energy Celtic punk band, who are appearing in Wheeling for the first time.

“The Wheeling Celtic Celebration has become an annual tradition enjoyed by many in and around the Ohio Valley. It’s a time to celebrate Celtic culture and heritage and a time to gather with family and friends,” said Chris Villamagna, Wheeling Heritage program manager, noting that the festival sees about 2,000 attendees each year.

Admission to the Celebration this year is $7 per person. Admission for children 12 and under is free.

The event is sponsored by the Felton CPA, Wheeling Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Ohio County Commission, the WALS Foundation, Altmeyer Funeral Homes, and the West Virginia Division of Culture & History.

Wheeling Heritage and Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED) are bringing CO.STARTERS, a program for entrepreneurs and small business owners, to Wheeling. The program equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships and tools needed to turn business ideas into action.

Those who have a project idea or want to expand a current business can apply at wheelingheritage.org/costarters. The cost to participate, including materials, is $200. The program will meet every Tuesday evening for nine weeks, beginning March 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Orrick, 2121 Main St. Applications are due March 6.

Drawing from the experience of successful entrepreneurs and start-up veterans from around the globe, CO.STARTERS walks creative small-business owners through lean, effective business modeling methods in a simple and intuitive way, and with the help of a supportive community.

Rather than treating a start-up like a large corporation and writing a detailed business plan, CO.STARTERS participants are encouraged to build and test small models first. In the process, participants receive real-time customer feedback, update their models to meet customer needs and avoid creating businesses based on incorrect assumptions.

“We hear from a lot of entrepreneurs that they have an idea to either start or expand a business, but they aren’t sure where to start. We want to provide resources and help them make connections, so entrepreneurship can continue to grow in Wheeling,” said Alex Weld, program and outreach manager for Wheeling Heritage.

Small business remains one of the fundamental economic drivers for local economies and job creation, but these smaller-scale startups have not received the same level of support as their high-growth counterparts. CO.STARTERS aims to narrow that gap.

“Small businesses help to create the culture of our community,” said Valerie Piko, small business coordinator at RED. “As we see more entrepreneurs opening up shop in the area, this program will help to ensure their longevity and success.”

For more information on CO.STARTERS, visit costarters.co.

Four Wheeling businesses with hopes to expand shared their ideas with more than 200 Show of Hands attendees on Jan. 24 at the Artisan Center. The big winner was Zeb’s Barky Bites, a local dog treat company that has plans to open in Centre Market.

Show of Hands is a community-supported crowd funding event hosted by Wheeling Heritage. Four presenters pitch their ideas. Then, those in attendance cast a vote on the project they feel will best impact Wheeling. The winner leaves with a check to put towards that project. This event raised a total of $4,270 for the winning presentation, the largest prize in the event’s history.

Zeb’s Barky Bites, a business run by nine-year-old Zeb and his parents, received the most community votes and left with the cash prize.

Other presenters included:

• Empress Emporium, whose owner plans to expand its product offering and relocate to 700 Main Street in North Wheeling.
• Tito’s Sloppy Doggs, a restaurant specializing in hot dogs, located at 1068 Market Street. The owner would like a food truck to attend festivals and visit various locations in the area.
• Ziklag, a retail shop in Centre Market that sells local artists’ work and needs more product shelving.

Since its creation in 2014, Show of Hands has given $36,385 winning projects. Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, donates $1,000 for each event. The Friends of Show of Hands, which consists of community members and business owners, also contribute to each event. In 2016, Show of Hands received $4,000 from the Governor’s Innovation Awards. In 2017, the program won $8,000 through the West Virginia Development Office’s Main Street Awards.

Four small business owners with hopes to expand will each make a pitch at Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands event on Jan. 24. The event, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street, invites attendees to vote for the project they feel is the most worthwhile. The winning presenter will leave with about $4,000 for his or her business expansion. Join us to learn more about the projects and  to vote for the business you think should receive the award.

Here are the upcoming Show of Hands presenters:

The Empress Emporium

The business, which had been located in Centre Market, is relocating to 700 Main Street. Its owner, Cindy Bonfini-Hotlosz, would like to expand to offer a sit-down tea service. Bonfini-Hotlosz notes that the new storefront in North Wheeling is at the intersection of National Road and Main Street, an iconic location and one that would be great for a new shop. “If successful, we would add a small kitchen and a counter to offer sweet and savory snacks and salads,” she said.

Tito’s Sloppy Doggs

The restaurant, located at 1068 Market Street, has become a lunch staple for many Downtown Wheeling regulars. Now, the owners would like to expand with a food truck. “Customers feel engaged in city life when they purchase from a food truck,” said Chris Burress, Tito’s owner. “Food trucks bring new food choices to customers where lunch options are limited, and by parking near small retail establishments, a food truck can help these businesses gain new customers.”

Zeb’s Barky Bites

A family-owned dog treat company, Zeb’s is named after the nine-year-old who had the idea to create the fresh, preservative-free treats. “Zeb’s Barky Bites is outgrowing the capacity of our home kitchen,” said owner Betsy Helmick, who explained the company will soon open in the upper Centre Market house, as well as buy new equipment. “This will enable us to increase our production and give us space to continue to develop new offerings for cats and dogs,” she said.

Ziklag

With Ziklag, a recently opened shop in Centre Market, owner Jessica Clark-McDowell has created a place where local artisans can easily sell their work – without the upfront costs that come along with their own storefront. “We’ve already outgrown our space in just a few short months, and we’ve had to cut off artist intake,” she explained. “We would like to use local artisans – Renew Refinishing and Restoration – to build tables, fixtures and displays that can hold the specialty items in a more organized way, so we can fit more work in the store,” she said.

Show of Hands attendees pay $5 at the door for a ballot, and the money goes back to the event’s winner. Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, donates $1,000 for each event. The Friends of Show of Hands, which consists of community members and business owners, also contribute to each event. In 2016, Show of Hands was awarded $4,000 from the Governor’s Innovation Awards.

A popular book sale has raised more than $5,000 for the restoration of Mt. Wood Cemetery. Wheeling Heritage’s Old and Used Book Sale, which took place Nov. 6 to 11, invited book lovers to browse more than 15,000 books, most of which were priced at $1.

This year’s profits are the highest the annual fundraiser has ever seen, said Bekah Karelis, Wheeling Heritage project manager. She attributes the higher sales to the growing popularity of the sale, noting that 750 people attended this year.

“We couldn’t have raised this money without the book donations from members of our community. The book donors, along with the volunteers who helped sort the books and worked at the sale, made this possible,” Karelis said.

Wheeling Heritage, which serves as the project manager for the Mt. Wood Cemetery Restoration Project, will use the funds to reset some of the cemetery’s large monuments, as well as to repair several retaining walls.

Established in 1848, the Mt. Wood Cemetery was designed during the rural romantic movement, which paid homage to its location’s significant and unique topography.  Located above what was known as Jonathan’s Ravine, just off of National Road, and overlooking both the Wheeling Creek Valley and the Ohio River Valley, the cemetery was a popular place of internment during the mid- to late 1800s.

Click here to learn more about the preservation of Mt. Wood Cemetery, and view our Mt. Wood Story Map to learn more about cemetery’s history.

Happy Giving Tuesday! After Small Business Saturday and Black Friday, Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to giving back. Give to Wheeling Heritage to help us continue to make Wheeling an even better place to live, work and visit.

Click here to Donate Now

Why support Wheeling Heritage on Giving Tuesday?

Thanks to supporters like you, Wheeling Heritage has had a successful year of celebrating our region’s rich history and enjoying its vibrant present.

Here are some of the great things we’ve accomplished in 2017:

• • Our Trek the Trail program brought hundreds outdoors for free events, like the Soup Stroll, on Heritage Trail.
  • The restoration of  Wood Cemetery is ongoing, with stone resetting and retaining wall repairs.
  • More than $30,000 has been given to small businesses and community projects through Show of Hands.
  • We’re bringing local art to the community through exhibits and retail space at the Artisan Center.

It’s our mission to be a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. But as a nonprofit organization, we can’t do it without your help. Please consider making a gift today by making a tax-deductible donation to Wheeling Heritage.