As a National Heritage Area, Wheeling Heritage is committed to protecting our city’s historic resources by supporting the preservation and development of historic districts and public spaces. Our work ensures that Wheeling’s historic integrity is preserved for generations to come. Be sure to watch our video for an in-depth explanation of our efforts in historic preservation.
Own an old building? Interested in buying one? Check out our preservation resources page for a list of programs available for current and prospective property owners interested in redeveloping their historic buildings.
Our Projects
Below are some examples of how our organization works to revitalize our most important assets.
Wheeling Historic Revitalization Subgrant
This program seeks to fund downtown commercial redevelopment, and catalytic urban neighborhood redevelopment projects. Wheeling Heritage received a Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior to create this program in 2021, and then for a second time in 2023 to continue the program. With each of these grants Wheeling Heritage was awarded $750,000 to fund this program and to subgrant to qualified projects. Interested in applying? Follow the link below to learn more.
National Register Nominations
Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archaeological resources. In each state, the program is handled through the State Historic Preservation Office.
Wheeling Heritage has been involved with the nomination of individual structures, as well as the nomination and expansion of historic districts. These historic districts give eligible properties the ability to qualify for historic tax credits. These tax credits drive restoration projects across Wheeling.
You can view the boundaries of the historic districts on the City of Wheeling’s website, and detailed explanations of contributing structures can be found on the SHPO website.
The Blue Church
Consecrated in 1837 as St Matthew’s Episcopal, this Greek Revival church is one of the few pre-Civil war buildings remaining in Wheeling, and one of the oldest church buildings in the community. When St. Matthew’s congregation moved to its fourth home, the church was purchased by the First Baptist Church, whose members called it home for nearly 100 years. The building most recently was used by the Church of God and Saints of Christ.
When the Wheeling Young Preservationists and Wheeling Heritage heard that the church was for sale, they partnered to buy the building. Through generous donations from two local foundations and countless individuals from all over the country, the partners were able to raise the funds necessary to acquire the building. Since its transfer of ownership to Wheeling Heritage, the Blue Church has seen significant renovations. While much work is left to be done, the space is poised to be developed and used by the community once again.
Friend of Heritage Award
Dating back to 2003, the Friend of Heritage Award was conceived as a way to acknowledge the efforts of local agencies, associations, and individuals who are enhancing the future of Wheeling while respecting our heritage. Click the link below to read about those who have been recognized over the years.
