News

WHEELING, W.Va. – August 3, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage’s Board of Directors announced today that Executive Director Alex Weld will be leaving the organization. Weld, who has been with Wheeling Heritage since 2017, will vacate her role in September to pursue a new role as the executive director at
Generation West Virginia.

The organization’s board of directors is currently in the process of searching for a new executive director.

“This is a bitter-sweet moment for Wheeling Heritage,” said Walker Holloway, Chair of the Wheeling Heritage Board of Directors. “Alex has been a wonderful leader and motivator during her time as executive director, especially while navigating the difficulties 2020 presented. I am confident she will make Generation West Virginia thrive for years to come, and we thank her for her efforts.”

During her tenure, Weld oversaw the growth of the organization, advocated for state and federal policy, and supported efforts to revitalize Wheeling through historic preservation, arts and culture programming, and downtown development work.

“I have loved working to make Wheeling an even better place to live, work and visit. Now, I have the opportunity to continue that work statewide, as the incoming executive director at Generation West Virginia, a nonprofit that works to retain, advance, and attract young talent throughout West Virginia,” Weld said.

“While Alex will certainly be missed, the Wheeling Heritage board of directors is excited to begin the search for our new executive director,” said Holloway. “The organization is already on a great trajectory and we intend to find a leader who will keep the momentum going.”

The Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for the role. Candidates with executive-level leadership experience at a nonprofit and an interest and knowledge of local heritage, cultural tourism and economic development are encouraged to apply. The board intends to seek applications from candidates until the position is filled. A full description of the role and its requirements is available at wheelingheritage.org.

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. – June 24, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage will host a book discussion on Tuesday, June 29, at 6 p.m. at its conference room located on the second floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center. Author William Hal Gorby will discuss his latest book, “Wheeling’s Polonia: Reconstructing Polish Community in a West Virginia Steel Town.”

Wheeling’s Polonia weaves together stories of immigrating, working, and creating a distinctly Polish American community, or Polonia, in the heart of the upper Ohio Valley. The book addresses major topics in the history of the United States in the first half of the 20th century, while shifting from urban historians’ traditional focus on large cities to a case study in a smaller Appalachian setting.

Gorby currently serves as Teaching Associate Professor of History and Director of Undergraduate Studies at West Virginia University. He teaches courses on West Virginia, Appalachian, and American Immigration History, and is the 2020-21 recipient of the Eberly College’s Outstanding Teacher award and the University’s Nicholas Evans Excellence in Advising Award. He also received a History Hero Award from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History in 2020. In 2019, Gorby partnered with Wheeling Heritage Media to research, write and host a podcast titled “Henry: The Life and Times of Wheeling’s Most Notorious Brewer.”

Copies of “Wheeling’s Polonia” can be purchased online at artisancenter.com. Gorby’s book will also be available to purchase during the event from the Artisan Center Shop.

Wheeling Heritage hosts several exhibitions and events throughout the year that support the local arts community. As COVID restrictions continue to ease, the organization is looking forward to hosting more in-person events featuring the works of local artists and creators. To learn more about this event, visit wheelingheritage.org/events.

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. – June 9, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage has once again been designated as an accredited Main Street program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

“We are proud to recognize this year’s 889 nationally accredited Main Street programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During an incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to drive impressive local recovery efforts, champion small businesses, and foster vibrant downtown districts. I am inspired by their hard work and confident that these accredited communities will continue to help their downtowns flourish in the next stages of recovery.”

Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Wheeling Heritage has continued to shape downtown Wheeling’s revitalization through historic preservation and interpretation, community development, and arts and recreation. Most notably, Wheeling Heritage was able to respond to the needs of the community with two rounds of a special COVID-19 Partnership Grant. These grants awarded $93,000 in assistance to 82 local businesses.

Throughout the pandemic, Wheeling Heritage also supported small businesses through a virtual Show of Hands event as well as through a virtual CO.STARTERS session, an entrepreneur-training program for local business owners.

Wheeling Heritage’s performance is annually evaluated by Main Street West Virginia, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet 10 national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.

In 2020, Main Street America programs across the country have generated $4.14 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 4,356 net new businesses, generated 14,988 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,488 historic buildings, and clocked 983,702 volunteer hours.

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.

About Main Street America

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for 40 years. Today, it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development Since 1980, communities participating in the program have leveraged more than $89.57 billion in new public and private investment, generated 687,321 net new jobs and 154,435 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 303,836 buildings. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit www.mainstreet.org.

WHEELING, W.Va. – June 7, 2021 – Wheeling’s third annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held in person this year on Saturday, June 19, to commemorate the end of slavery in America. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a short ceremony at the north end of Market Plaza. The location is of significance as the space was once a slave auction block. After the ceremony, music, entertainment and food trucks will follow at Wheeling Heritage Port. The event is free and open to the public.

The Wheeling Juneteenth Committee, which is made up of representatives from Wheeling Heritage, Wheeling YWCA, City of Wheeling, Wheeling NAACP, Oglebay Institute and local leaders in the Black community, will host this year’s event.

Juneteenth celebrations date back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863.

Speakers for the event’s opening ceremonies include Loma Nevels, vice chair of the Wheeling Human Rights Commission; Dr. W. Franklin Evans, president of West Liberty University; Owens Brown, president of the West Virginia NAACP; and Glenn Elliott, mayor of the City of Wheeling.

After the ceremony, live entertainment will be held at Wheeling Heritage Port featuring performances by Ezra and the relativs, Keez, Tree of Life, Logan Wojcik, Darryl Watts and Tony Williams.

“We want to kick off this event with a ceremony, to remember those that came before us, but ultimately, Juneteenth is a celebration. That’s why it is so important to incorporate music. We’ve all missed gathering, and this is an opportunity to gather safely in celebration,” said Ron Scott, cultural diversity and community outreach director at the YWCA Wheeling, and chair of the Juneteenth Committee. “It would be really easy to stay feeling down right now, but this is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the black community in Wheeling.”

“When we took part in organizing Juneteenth as part of the Wheeling 250 Celebration in 2019, we said this will be an annual celebration, not just a one-off thing. When COVID-19 hit, we transitioned our 2020

program to virtual. Now, in 2021, we are so happy to be able to start gathering again, and celebrating in person,” said Betsy Sweeny, director of Heritage Programming at Wheeling Heritage.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to get involved, contact Ron Scott at cdcodirector@ywcawheeling.org.

About YWCA Wheeling

YWCA Wheeling is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen our community. The organization offers programming for family violence prevention, cultural diversity and community outreach, residence and emergency homeless sheltering and non-treatment recovery. YWCA Wheeling is an active member agency of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.

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 18, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage will host a book signing from 3 – 6 p.m. on Friday, May 21 at the Wheeling Artisan Center Shop, 1400 Main Street (second floor). Alan Fitzpatrick will be signing copies and answering questions about his new book The Untold Story of Isaac Zane: White Eagle of the Wyandot. Fitzpatrick’s latest book is the third in a trilogy of books that explore the history of white colonial settlers and Native Americans in the latter part of the 18th century.

The Untold Story of Isaac Zane: White Eagle of the Wyandot follows the story of Isaac Zane from his capture in 1763 at the age of nine in the South Potomac River Valley during Pontiac’s War, to his adoption by the Wyandot at Detroit and his subsequent entry into the Wyandot warrior society at Upper Sandusky. Isaac was adopted, assimilated, married, and fought as a warrior against colonial frontiersmen to protect his family, clan, and tribe. The book is preceded by The White Indians and Captives and Kin that share similar stories of life in the Ohio River Valley between settlers and Native Americans in the mid-to-late 1700s.

Wheeling Heritage hosts several exhibitions and events throughout the year that support local artists and creators. This latest event will be the organization’s first in-person gathering since the start of the pandemic. “After having to put many of our events on hold, we’re excited to cautiously begin hosting more in-person events that showcase local talent,” said Chris Villamagna, program manager at Wheeling Heritage.

Copies of The Untold Story of Isaac Zane: White Eagle of the Wyandot can be purchased online at artisancenter.com. Fitzpatrick’s book will also be available to purchase during the event.

Attendees must wear a mask while visiting the Wheeling Artisan Center.

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, 2021 – With a now permanent 25% historic rehabilitation tax credit in West Virginia, Wheeling is expecting to see an increase in historic revitalization projects.

Currently, planned and in-progress projects in Wheeling total more than $51 million in investment, according to Wheeling Heritage. With the state legislature’s recent passage of S.B. 344, bipartisan legislation that makes the tax credit permanent, investment is likely to increase. The credit can be used on contributing historic properties within historic districts or individually listed structures. Currently, Wheeling has eleven historic districts throughout the city.

“Wheeling has already seen a great deal of historic rehabilitation since 2018, when the historic tax credit was increased to 25%,” said Alex Weld, executive director of Wheeling Heritage, noting projects like the Flatiron building, the new Mugshots coffee shop on Main Street, and the Wheeling-Pitt Lofts, which is currently underway.

The organization is already getting inquiries about available properties, she said. The 25% credit often fills a financing gap in a project. When developers are crunching the numbers, the historic tax credit is frequently the deciding factor, because it makes the project feasible. The tax credit becoming permanent removes uncertainty, and it ensures developers that the credit will be available as they plan long-term projects.

Weld was part of an advocacy team that worked to garner support for the permanent tax credit. Sen. Ryan Weld, who represents Wheeling, was the lead sponsor of the legislation.

“Over the past several years, this program has led to a substantial number of buildings all across the state – many of which have sat vacant for decades – to finally be rehabilitated and given a second life,” Sen. Weld said. “I firmly believe that this program is one of the most significant pieces of our state’s economic development plan, and ensuring it continues into the future is vital to the next chapter of our cities and towns.”

The state historic tax credit is capped at $30 million of income tax credits per year. The program also offers a 20% residential rehabilitation credit for historic homes, which has also been made permanent.

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. – April 28, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage was recently named in bipartisan federal legislation that would help keep the organization in operation. The proposed legislation, introduced in both the House and Senate, would extend its authorization as a National Heritage Area for the next 15 years. Currently, the organization is set to sunset at the end of September 2021.

Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito introduced the legislation in the Senate, and Reps. McKinley and Miller introduced a companion bill in the House. Both pieces of legislation also include the reauthorization of the National Coal Heritage Area, which encompasses 13 counties in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

An extension of the official designation as a National Heritage Area ensures Wheeling Heritage will remain eligible for grants, funding and technical assistance from the National Park Service.

“This designation has brought additional federal funding to the region since 2001, when Wheeling was officially named a National Heritage Area,” said Alex Weld, executive director of Wheeling Heritage “This bipartisan support from our legislators shows they see the value in both preserving our history and supporting redevelopment. We’re hopeful that this bill will make its way through the legislative process, ensuring our work continues to support our region.”

According to a 2017 economic impact study, over a three-year period, Wheeling Heritage generated $86.6 million in economic impact in the area, with support for 1,109 jobs and $6.4 million in tax revenue.

Projects of Wheeling Heritage include the creation of the Artisan Center, the development of Heritage Port and the Intermodal Transportation Center, and the designation of 11 historic districts throughout the city of Wheeling. The organization works with various partners to spur entrepreneurship, encourage historic redevelopment, and tell Wheeling’s story through interpretive signage as well as its online publication Weelunk.

Wheeling Heritage is one of 55 National Heritage Areas across the country. These areas are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape.

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. – 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. – Feb. 24, 2021 – The 25th annual Wheeling Celtic Celebration will take place virtually on Saturday, March 6, with online programming from noon to 5: 30 p.m. This year’s Celtic Celebration will feature Celtic entertainment, food, history, and more, all streaming from Wheeling Heritage’s Facebook page.

Noting the popularity of Celtic food during the annual festival, the organization has teamed up with River City Restaurant to offer Curbside Celtic Food Boxes. The boxes, which feature scotch eggs, corned beef sandwiches, colcannon and scones, can be ordered now until March 3. The boxes are $20, and pick-up for the boxes is March 6 from noon to 3. Those who have ordered can simply pull up to the Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street, and the orders will be delivered to their car. To order, visit wheelingheritage.org/celtic-celebration.

“While we would love to celebrate the 25th Wheeling Celtic Celebration in person, this year’s virtual event gives people from Wheeling and beyond the chance to engage with our programming in new ways, ” said Chris Villamagna, program manager at Wheeling Heritage. “It’s going to be a fun, engaging event celebrating Wheeling’s Celtic heritage and traditions.”

There is no cost to attend, and all programs will be streamed from Wheeling Heritage’s Facebook page (facebook.com/WheelingHeritage) at the top of every hour, beginning at noon.

Schedule of Events:

● 12 p.m.: Music Performance by The Celtic Lads. Celtic Lads, Ben and Art, teamed up over 12 years ago to play classic Irish-American pub music on St. Patrick’s Day. The duo has performed every year since to share their love of Irish music with the community.

● 1 p.m.: Cooking Demonstration with the Vagabond Chef. Matt Welsch, owner of the Vagabond Kitchen, will lead a cooking demonstration for Paddy’s Irish Stew.

● 2 p.m.: Music Performance by Gallowglass. Wheeling’s premier Celtic band will perform instrumental and vocal music from the Celtic nations.

● 3 p.m.: Children’s Storytime. The kids can tune in to listen to a Celtic tale read by Lee Ann Cleary, Children’s Specialist at Ohio County Public Library.

● 4 p.m.: Irish Traditions Discussion. Sean Duffy of the Ohio County Public Library will lead a discussion about Irish customs and traditions.

● 5 p.m.: Music Performance by the MacDonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh’s oldest continually operating bagpipe band will close out the event with their traditional Scottish pipe band music.

To learn more about the event, visit wheelingheritage.org/celtic-celebration .

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. – Feb. 18, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage announced today that 34 Wheeling businesses have received assistance through its latest Small Business COVID Support Partnership Grant. In total, $64,000 in funds were given to Wheeling small businesses, made possible through CARES Act and Wheeling Heritage funding. Based on need and desired use of funding, awards ranged from $900 to $4,000.

Proposals were evaluated based on the business’s location within Wheeling city limits, the owner’s efforts to creatively adapt during the pandemic, and how the requested funds would positively impact the business and community. Many applicants’ needs included additional PPE for employees and customers, new equipment to adapt to changing circumstances, and business-related expenses that have been difficult to cover due to COVID.

“While we certainly would have loved to award the full amount requested to each business, we had to carefully consider how to distribute the funds in a way that could do the most good for the most businesses,” said Chris Villamagna, program manager at Wheeling Heritage.

Wheeling Heritage received more than $200,000 of grant requests, which underscores the current challenges small businesses are facing, said Chris Villamanga, program manager at Wheeling Heritage.

“It’s been remarkable to see how many of our local businesses have adapted during an unprecedented year,” said Alex Weld, executive director of Wheeling Heritage. “We look forward to seeing these businesses serve our community for years to come, and we encourage everyone to continue shopping local and supporting our small businesses.”

This is the second COVID-related grant Wheeling Heritage has announced in the last year. In April of 2020, the organization awarded more than $25,000 to 41 artists, small business owners and entertainers through a COVID-19 Emergency Grant. That program, which preceded state and federal assistance programs, gave awardees up to $1,000, with priority given to those with immediate needs of shelter, food and other essentials.

Recipients include:

● Airport Limousine Service
● Attention to Detail
● Braun’s Custom Framing
● Bridge Tavern and Grill
● Bullfrogs and Butterflies
● Cirque de Cheveux
● Clientele Art Studio
● East Wheeling Clayworks
● Edgington Studio LLC
● Empress Emporium
● Gypsy Lace Café
● Healthy Vibes for You
● High Grade Audio
● Honeycomb Salon
● Island Mould & Machine Co
● Later Alligator
● Making Magic, LLC
● Nail City Record
● OV Power Yoga
● Rachel’s on 16th
● Rayzor’s Barber Shop
● Re’Decorate Consignment
● Sarah’s on Main
● SMART Centre
● Sport Your Colors Inc.
● Table 304
● The Auto Shop
● The Vagabond Kitchen
● Thrive Wheeling
● Tripp’s Fun Zone
● Under the Elder Tree
● Uniglobe
● Valley Cheese
● Wheeling Brewing

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. – Jan. 28, 2021 – Wheeling Heritage today announced that it is accepting applications
for its Small Business COVID Support Grant, which is made possible due to CARES Act funding. The grant
is open to Wheeling small business owners who can apply to receive up to $5,000 in assistance. Priority
will be given to those who have made efforts to creatively adapt during this pandemic.

“Small businesses around the world have had to adapt due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our local business owners have gotten creative and found new ways to be successful, but that has often
come with increased costs,” said Alex Weld, executive director of Wheeling Heritage.
“We’re hopeful that this small grant will enable our small business owners to continue playing an
important role in our community, while also providing some financial relief.”

Applications can be filled out and submitted at wheelingheritage.org/grants. To apply, a small business
must be located in the Wheeling Heritage Area (Wheeling city limits). Grant applications will be
reviewed and awarded on a weekly basis until funds are exhausted. Based on the demand and available
funds, some applicants may receive a partial award. One application for each individual or business will
be reviewed and only one grant will be awarded.

In April of 2020, the organization awarded a total of $25,000 to 41 artists, small business owners and
entertainers through a similar COVID-19 Emergency Grant. That program, which preceded state and
federal assistance programs, gave awardees up to $1,000, with priority given to those with immediate
needs of shelter, food and other essentials.

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.