Friends of Wheeling is West Virginia’s oldest historic preservation organization.
It is a non-profit volunteer organization formed in 1970 by local residents who strongly believed in the preservation of Wheeling’s architectural and cultural heritage. Over the years, Friends of Wheeling has been involved in numerous projects that have brought an awareness of preservation to the community.
Hughes Duplex Restoration
Located at 722-724 Main Street, the Hughes Duplex was donated to the Friends of Wheeling in January of 2022 and, at the time, was in serious danger of being demolished. Since then, FOW members and supporters have worked to stabilize and rehabilitate the duplex into two residential homes that will be assets to the North Wheeling Historic District.

Old House Seminar
Are you a realtor, property owner or potential property owner? Join Wheeling Heritage and Friends of Wheeling this National Preservation Month for their Old House Seminar!
This two hour seminar will provide comprehensive information on historic home ownership in Wheeling. Topics covered will include:
- Is this property on the National Register of Historic Places?
- Is this property in a Wheeling Design Review District?
- How can I find out about the history of the house?
- What grant opportunities and tax incentives are available?
- Is this property in tax arrears?
This program is free and perfect for those interested in preserving historic homes and maximizing their investment. It is also perfect for realtors who work with the many homes in Wheeling, to provide knowledge to potential buyers.

Preservation Loan Guarantee Fund
Friends of Wheeling, Inc. has established a Preservation Loan Guarantee Fund that will be used as collateral on projects that involve renovation work on either residential or commercial properties in Wheeling. The overall intent is to encourage preservation/renovation projects by providing access to low interest-rate loans. At this time, the maximum amount guaranteed is $25,000, and the maximum loan duration is 5 years.
Follow the below link to learn more and apply for the Preservation Loan Guarantee Fund.