Wheeling Heritage Annual Appeal 2024
The work we do at Wheeling Heritage isn’t possible without your support. Every dollar you give directly supports the programs and services that make Wheeling a more vibrant place to live, work, and enjoy together. Donate today and be a catalyst for revitalization with us!
Revitalizing Wheeling Together
Historic Preservation
We’re committed to supporting the preservation and development of Wheeling’s historic districts and public spaces. We take pride in providing property owners with free technical assistance, which includes grant support and professional design services. These services ensure that our historic architecture remains a lasting source of enrichment for our community. Your donation helps protect and restore these historic properties.
Arts & Culture
Through our arts and culture programs, we’re helping foster creativity and enriching the lives of people in our community. Our monthly artist workshops are just one example of how we are helping showcase local artists while teaching people new skills. Your donation ensures that we can continue to redefine Wheeling as a city that values the arts and celebrates our rich traditions.
Small Business Development
To support our small business development programs is to invest in the economic growth and cultural enrichment of our community. Through programs like Show of Hands and CO.STARTERS, we empower entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build and sustain their businesses. Your donation directly contributes to the success and vitality of our local businesses, creating a stronger, more prosperous community for us all.
Grants & Investments
By supporting our Grants and Investment initiatives, including the Partnership Grant program, you play a crucial role in fostering positive transformation in Wheeling. These grants act as a driving force for community engagement that creates a more vibrant city. Your donation supports community leaders in carrying out innovative projects in areas such as history, small business, arts, recreation, and community festivals.
2025 Initiatives
Support Our Journey
Artisan Center Renovation:
Contribute to transforming our Artisan Center into a community hub for arts and culture, featuring workshop space and a new third-floor conference and event space.
Historical & Neighborhood Interpretive Signage:
Help preserve local history and contribute to revitalizing Wheeling’s story by sponsoring the restoration of Historical & Neighborhood Interpretive signs throughout the area.
Marsh Wheeling Stogies Sign:
Support the revitalization of the Marsh Wheeling Stogies Sign as a welcoming entrance to our city.
Show of Hands:
Help us empower entrepreneurs for over ten years by becoming a Friends of Show of Hands Sponsor.
Wheeling Gateway Visitors & Heritage Project:
Shape the city’s future through development support for the Wheeling Gateway Project.
A Year in Review
Show of Hands 10-Year Anniversary
Show of Hands recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, marking a milestone of $143,864 in funding for local businesses and community projects in Wheeling. This community-driven crowdfunding event empowers local entrepreneurs as attendees vote on projects they feel will positively impact the area. Funds from donations and community partners directly support the winning project, fostering growth and retention in Wheeling. Looking ahead to 2025, Show of Hands events are scheduled for January 29, May 14, and September 24.
Wheeling Artisan Center Renovation
As part of a $1.5 million renovation project, the first floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center is being transformed into a more welcoming and functional space. This includes establishing two new retail storefronts, relocating the Artisan Center Shop to the first floor along Main Street, introducing outdoor dining along 14th Street, and establishing the Atrium Gallery for art exhibitions and special events. Further projects include refinishing the floors, upgrading restrooms and lighting, implementing new wayfinding elements, and more. These improvements ensure that the Wheeling Artisan Center will continue to be a gathering place for the community to enjoy for years to come.
Wheeling Gateway Visitors & Heritage Center
Wheeling Heritage continues to be a catalyst for projects that improve our community. One such initiative is the Wheeling Gateway Project – a redevelopment project led by the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau that will transform the City of Wheeling’s primary entrance from the I-70 corridor.
This undertaking involves Wheeling Heritage partnering with the CVB to provide funding to real estate developer Tipping Point, tasked with overseeing the remediation and demolition of the former Wheeling Inn, as well as devising sustainable redevelopment plans for the site. This project is expected to have a profound state and regional impact, boosting tourism, fostering economic development, and preserving Wheeling and West Virginia’s historical legacy.
Friend of Heritage Breakfast
Wheeling Heritage honored Jeanne Finstein with the 2024 Friend of Heritage Award. Finstein’s passion and dedication have greatly impacted the community, inspiring many to value and preserve Wheeling’s shared heritage. Thanks to all who celebrated with us, as well as to our corporate sponsors — Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal, M&G Architects & Engineers, and RED: Regional Economic Development Partnership. Your support makes moments like this possible. Here’s to Jeanne Finstein, a true Friend of Heritage, and to many more stories yet to be told!
Power of Partnership Panel
“The Power of Partnerships” panel discussion at the Wheeling Artisan Center celebrated Wheeling Heritage’s 30th anniversary, highlighting the impact of public-private partnerships on the city’s growth and preservation. Moderated by former Wheeling Heritage Executive Director Hydie Friend, the event featured community leaders who shared insights on collaborative efforts driving Wheeling’s revitalization.
Our thanks to panelists Robert Herron, Wheeling City Manager; Zachary Abraham, Ohio County Commissioner; Mike Howard, COO of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce; Frank O’Brien, Executive Director of Visit Wheeling, WV; Josh Jefferson, CEO and President of RED: Regional Economic Development Partnership; Natalie Hamilton, Community Development/Grants Administrator of Belomar Regional Council; and Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director of Wheeling Heritage for their contributions and expertise in building a stronger Wheeling.
Wheeling Island Memorial Flood Wall
The Wheeling Island Memorial Flood Wall, located at the corner of Virginia and South Penn streets, has been fully restored through a collaborative effort led by the City of Wheeling, Wheeling Heritage, and dedicated community partners. Artist Mindi Yarbrough meticulously restored the flood markers, with funding provided by the Wheeling Arts and Cultural Commission and private donor Jessica Barclay. As part of the restoration, Angelina Stone and Marble repointed the brickwork, while Dirk Bauer and DJ Eddy from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT DC 53) painted the wall’s base using supplies donated by PPG Paints. This revitalization preserves the memorial as a lasting tribute to the area’s flood history, honoring the resilience of the community.
