There is special criteria to be identified as a WV Endangered Property. Each property must be listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; suffer from a demonstrable preservation emergency; and maintain owner and local support for the re-use of the property in the respective community.  Owner support is necessary because it’s the first step to ensuring the preservation process begins.  It is PAWV’s goal to encourage owners to turn these properties into viable contributors to WV’s economy.  Properties that were formerly on the endangered list but have graduated to saved include the First Ward School in Elkins and the Quarrier Diner in Charleston.

We hope you will take a look around your community for an historic building that is in need of attention, rehabilitation, speaks to the history of the community, has great potential to be re-purposed to serve community needs, and is of more value saved than destroyed.  If you know of such a building, please consider taking the time to submit a nomination for the property.

Nominations forms and additional information on Endangered Properties nominations can be found here.

For more information on West Virginia Endangered Properties and a list of current Endangered Properties in West Virginia, please visit http://www.pawv.org/endanger.htm or contact PAWV’s Preserve WV AmeriCorps member, Mercy Klein, at [email protected].

Project and Outreach Manager

The Wheeling National Heritage Area Corp. seeks a dynamic individual to join their leadership team. Candidates who possess previous experience with local or statewide “Main Street” programs/projects or related activities are preferred. Ideal candidates must have great presentation skills, verbal and written communication skills, thrive with community outreach/relations and be an avid networker and communication specialist in addition to having exceptional command and utilization of social media, Microsoft Office applications, and other web based marketing/design platforms and technology.

This position will be accountable for the following primary responsibilities:

• Management of the Main Street program, Reinvent Wheeling, and related activities
• Manage and implement the organization’s marketing strategies through social media, advertising, marketing, event planning, and related efforts
• Coordinate and lead community-supported crowdfunding programs (i.e., Show of Hands)
• Write and manage needed/new grants
• Develop partnerships and relationships with downtown Wheeling stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the business community, non-profits, and government entities to accomplish strategic objectives
• Provide and increase education about revitalization and related best practices
• Recruit, coordinate, and manage organization volunteers (i.e., Main Street committees and working groups)
• Serve as lead communication specialist for the organization, leading key messaging and outbound communications (press releases, design collateral, social media outlets, etc.)

This position provides a very competitive compensation package that is commensurate upon experience level. This position also provides health insurance. If you feel you are a good fit for this newly constructed role, please send your resume, cover letter, and a sample of your marketing or advertising work product via e-mail by no later than January 13, 2017, in confidence, to Mr. Jake Dougherty, Executive Director, at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer

​This year, PAWV hired Terrell Ellis & Associates (TEA) to examine the feasibility of establishing a revolving loan fund to protect historic properties in West Virginia.  If determined feasible, TEA was given the task to make recommendations on the structure and management of a historic preservation revolving loan program.

In researching this matter, TEA interviewed 23 individuals representing a combination of community developers, nonprofit and for profit lenders, private developers, and professional service providers.  TEA also surveyed 37 historic property owners and community developers.  Based on this research, TEA recommended that PAWV move forward with the development of a revolving loan program based on the following parameters:

• Target historically significant and/or endangered properties;
• Include restrictive covenants in the program design to ensure compliance with the Secretary of Interior Standards;
• Establish funding priorities in “Main Street” commercial type projects and endangered properties;
• Use loan funds for predevelopment funds to get a project in position for financing and for flexible financing, such as bridge loans, for predevelopment, acquisition, and rehabilitation expenses that will accept deferred payments until a project is done and cash flowing;
• Manage the fund in partnership with a nonprofit organization that understands nonprofit lending and mission driven development activity but that also has the background and expertise in financial analysis and loan underwriting;
• Aim for initial capitalization of the loan program at $100,000; and
• Loan only to projects that demonstrate a commitment to leveraging the multiple resources available to fund historic properties.

Now that the feasibility study has been completed, and the recommendation has been made to proceed in creating a historic properties revolving loan program, PAWV will apply for a second round of grant funds from the 1772 Foundation to develop a business plan.  PAWV will also identify a nonprofit organizational partner and start raising funds for the initial capitalization of the loan program.  PAWV will have the bulk of 2017 to create a business plan and fundraise for this program if awarded funds from the 1772 Foundation.  Consider increasing your donation to PAWV to help us make the loan program a reality. Visit http://www.pawv.org and donate through PayPal – the button is at the bottom left-hand corner of the homepage.

The feasibility study was made possible with generous grant funding from the 1772 Foundation.  The 1772 Foundation works to ensure the safe passage of our historic buildings and farmlands for future generations. To learn more visit, http://www.1772foundation.org/.   For a full copy of the feasibility study, email our executive director, Danielle LaPresta at [email protected].

One of the overall issues with the Old Jackson Mill has always been a lack of cohesiveness in the objects displayed and a disconnect from the period that we primarily interpret.  For example, we have gear work from a grist mill that was not the Jackson’s, an entire water-powered sawmill (which would have been located in a separate building nearby), as well as farming equipment, much of which is from the post-Jackson era.  Visitors who toured our site were often confused until a guide would offer some explanation for how these pieces related either directly or indirectly to the story of our site.   In an effort to address these issues, and provide a richer visitor experience, I developed a number of new exhibits.

I wanted the exhibits to be more than just a dry description of what the people were looking at so I wrote a description that included both the pieces, as well as their importance to the Jacksons, the region, and the history of the period.  Ultimately, we installed three exhibits in the Jackson Mill.  The first one was called “Forest to Floors” which described how that particular saw worked, how the Jacksons, used theirs, and how the timber industry was important in the region.  I also developed another one for the gear work in the mill called “What Makes a Mill Go ‘Round?”  The concept here was to discuss the various types of gear work necessary to drive the large stones necessary for gristmilling and how these gears varied from those that drove the Jacksons’ mill stones.  Finally, I created an exhibit entitled, “Field to Stone.”  This exhibit ties together the various plows, planters, and grain cleaners that are also on the main floor.  The narrative discusses the entire season from planting, to growing, and harvesting.  It also touches on how the grains needed to be cleaned and dried before they could be brought to the mill for grinding.  These exhibits are more traditional in their presentation.  This was not the case for some of our other buildings such as the Blaker gristmill.

When we reevaluated the first floor of the Blaker gristmill we concluded that because this is our active mill we wanted it to have a more functional and active feeling, rather than the more traditional exhibit space in the Jackson Mill.  Since the gristmill was historically a gathering place for the community, and because we conclude all of our tours with a demonstration grind, we have reconfigured the miller’s office to reflect a more “lived in” feeling and give visitors a sense of what a miller’s office was like when people visited the mill for business.  In the Blaker Mill, there are three sets of stones, two of which we use and one that is utilized for display.  Since each set of stones are carved with pattern called the dress, and this carving needed to be maintained, or redressed every so often, we set up the machinery necessary to raise the stones in order to redress them.

The exhibits discussed here are only a small sampling of some of the many updates that have been made at the Jackson’s Mill Farmstead, many more will continue to be installed in the coming months.  To see more on our efforts, or learn about the history of Jackson’s Mill, stop by the Farmstead for a visit.  Guided tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday from April through October.

Main Street Fairmont Seeks Executive Director

Do you have what it takes to lead a dynamic organization and create change in your community? If so, we have the job for you!

Executive Director – Main Street Fairmont 

Main Street Fairmont seeks a part-time Executive Director to lead the revitalization and economic development of downtown Fairmont, a designated West Virginia Main Street community and 2010 Great American Main Street Award winner. Fairmont is enjoying an exciting renaissance of its small downtown, although much work remains. Potential candidates must be entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, well organized and capable of functioning effectively in an independent environment while coordinating multiple public and private interests. Excellent communication, fundraising and collaboration skills are essential. Strong leadership is required. A bachelor’s degree and professional experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: economic development, urban planning, historic preservation, and/or non-profit leadership. Candidate will be familiar with the Main Street Four Point Approach.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 
Duties

•Raise the profile of downtown Fairmont in order to reach new audiences and build its reputation as a business friendly environment that will thrive with the emergence of new commerce and the resulting increase of foot traffic. Serving as the lead advocate for Main Street Fairmont (MSF), the Executive Director utilizes a high level of knowledge and enthusiasm in fundraising, non-profit management, and communications in order to ensure that the downtown continues to flourish. The Executive Director is expected to establish good relationships with existing and potential sponsors, and will build a strong fundraising operation for the organization.
 
•The Executive Director oversees the development of a balanced annual budget and strategic operating plans; plans and implements fundraising and business activities to secure adequate operating and capital monies; utilizes reserve funds effectively; all through sponsorship, applying for grants, and identifying and implementing new business ventures and revenue streams. In consultation with the board of directors, the Executive Director prepares and monitors the annual budget, provides excellent fiscal oversight, controlling receipts and expenditures, meeting budgeted financial obligations while working within the MSF by-laws.

•Articulate a clear vision and set of strategic priorities for the organization, with defined goals and objectives for achievement: The Executive Director is charged with reviewing the mission, vision, strategic priorities and objectives of MSF and, in collaboration with board of directors and co-partners, will continue to develop and implement a strategic plan consistent with the goals of the organization.

•Become familiar with all persons and groups directly or indirectly involved in the downtown commercial district. Assist Main Street Fairmont’s board and committees in developing an annual action plan for implementing a downtown revitalization program focused on four areas; design/historic preservation, marketing, operations/management, and business enhancement/development.

•Coordinate activity of Main Street committees, ensure that communication between committees is well established; assist committees with implementation of work plan items.

•Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the City of Fairmont and Marion County to ensure that all aspects of the downtown revitalization efforts are compatible with the goals and objectives of the City and County.

•Coordinate and participate in ongoing public awareness and education programs designed to enhance appreciation of the downtown’s architecture and other assets and to foster an understanding of Main Street Fairmont’s goals and objectives. Through speaking engagements, media interviews and appearances, keep Main Street Fairmont highly visible in the community.

•Assist individual tenants or property owners with physical improvement projects through personal consultation or by obtaining and supervising professional design consultants; assist in locating appropriate contractors and materials; provide advice and guidance on necessary financial mechanisms for physical improvements.

•Assess the management capacity of downtown businesses and encourage improvements in the downtown community’s ability to undertake joint activities such as promotional events, advertising, special events, and business recruitment. Encourage cooperation between downtown interests and local public officials.

•Work closely with local media to ensure maximum event coverage; encourage design excellence in all aspects of promotion in order to advance an image of quality for the downtown.

•Represent the community at the local, state, and national levels to important constituencies. Speak effectively on Main Street Fairmont’s directions and findings. Help build strong and productive working relationships with appropriate public agencies at the local and state levels.

•Oversees operations of the Citizens Building, located on Adams Street.

Qualifications

Job Knowledge and Skills Required
The Director should have a bachelor’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: public relations, marketing, volunteer recruitment/management, event planning and management, commercial district management, small business development, non-profit administration, fundraising, architecture, and/or retailing. The Director must be sensitive to design and preservation issues. The Director must understand the issues confronting downtown business people, property owners, public agencies, and community organizations. The Director must be entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, well organized, and capable of functioning effectively in a very independent situation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Supervisory skills are desirable.


How to Apply
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following: a resume, cover letter, three work-related references and salary history by October 7th. To apply, send materials to [email protected].

Aurora Research Associates, LLC is hiring for two temporary architectural survey positions

Approximately three weeks of field work, not necessarily continuous, will take place in southern West Virginia in the fall of 2016.  Completion of survey inventory forms will continue through 2017.

Candidates should be willing and able to travel for field work and to work from home completing forms and historic research.  Knowledge of coal-related history and resources a plus.

Job title: Architectural History Field Surveyor 
Job Description: Temporary contract position assisting with architectural history survey in southern West Virginia.  Surveyor will work with team in the field documenting historic resources, including architectural features, materials, alterations, additions, and other data.

Must be available approximately 3 weeks of field work in West Virginia fall 2016.  Will also work at home in office completing West Virginia Historic Property Inventory forms; must have computer and internet connection for telecommuting.

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in historic preservation, architectural history, architecture, history or related field.
• Willingness to learn architectural history and terms. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Flexible for travel for field work.
• Comfortable using iPad mobile applications, Microsoft Work and photo- editing software such as Photoshop.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database software a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and transportation required.

Compensation: $15/hr
​
To apply, please send cover letter, resume and writing sample by September 30, 2016 to:  Courtney Zimmerman  Aurora Research Associates, LLC  1436 Graham Road  Silver Lake, OH 44224   or   courtney@aurora‐llc.com



Job title: Architectural Historian
Temporary contract position assisting with architectural history survey in southern West Virginia. Architectural historian will work with team in the field documenting historic resources including architectural features, materials, alterations, additions, and other data.

Must be available approximately 3 weeks of field work in West Virginia fall 2016.  Will also work at home or in office 1436 Graham Rod Silver Lake, OH 44224 completing and reviewing West Virginia Historic Property Inventory forms and assisting and writing; must have computer and internet connection for telecommuting.

Qualifications:  

• Graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely-related field, with coursework in American architectural history, or a bachelor’s degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or closely related field plus at least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Flexible for travel for field work.
• Comfortable using iPad mobile applications, Microsfot Word, and photo-editing software such as Photoshop.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database software a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and transportation required.

Compensation: $30/hr

To apply, please send cover letter, resume and writing sample by September 30, 2016 to:  Courtney Zimmerman  Aurora Research Associates, LLC  1436 Graham Road  Silver Lake, OH 44224   or   courtney@aurora‐llc.com

Dan and Cathi Hartsook, the current owners of French’s Mill, are looking for people of interest in the purchase and preservation of the mill.  The “on table” selling price is 149,900.00, will be negotiable.  Please visit their website frenchsmill.com for contact information, history of the mill and photo gallery.

In 1900, 428 mills were listed in West Virginia.  In 1980, there were 18.  Today, only four remain operable to include French’s Mill. Ref: Wonderful West Virginia Magazine, June 2016. With post and beam construction much of the building and machinery remains intact, providing a rare view into an early 20th century electric powered gristmill, both in terms of construction as well as operation.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History can offer matching grants between $2,000 and $10,000 to West Virginia nonprofit arts and history organizations whose buildings or collections were impacted by recent flooding.

The Cultural Facilities and Capital Resources Fast Track ADA Emergency Grants provide emergency funds to address damage and the threat of damage or unsafe conditions involving a building or collection. This includes damage to an art or history museum’s infrastructure or sudden failure of equipment that may result in harm to the collections and public safety. Smaller renovation and construction projects needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act also are eligible. This program has a rolling deadline, and funds for approved projects are generally available within 6 weeks.

Funding for the grant program is provided by the West Virginia Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, contact Debbie Haught, program coordinator, at (304) 558-0240 ext. 714 or Debbie.R.Haught@wv.gov or visit www.wvculture.org/Arts.

CERF+ relief assistance: CERF+ would like to make sure that any professional artist working in a craft discipline seriously affected by the flooding is aware of the emergency relief assistance available from CERF+. If, as an artist, you have suffered loss, please contact us when able. If, as an arts organization representative, you know of artists in the disaster areas, or plan to correspond with your artist constituents in the near future, please pass this information on. If there are organizations that directly work with artists in your community that you think we should know about, please send us their contact information.

Direct Assistance to Artists Working in Craft Disciplines: CERF+’s programs include:

• Grants up to $6,000;
• No-interest loans up to $9,000;
• Booth fee waivers at craft shows;
• Discounts on materials and equipment from suppliers and manufacturers;
• Assistance with business development through referrals to consultants and other low or no-cost resources.

For eligibility requirements and more detailed information, please visit the Emergency Relief section of our website or contact us at: CERF+ PO Box 838 Montpelier, VT 05601 ph: (802) 229-2306 fx: (802) 223-6484 relief@craftemergency.org www.craftemergency.org

Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Information for Artists The CERF+ Studio Protector website has extensive information and resources designed to help artists and those helping them in the disaster recovery effort, as well as disaster planning resources.

• Getting help from FEMA and other major relief providers
• Disaster aid provided by arts related organizations
• Managing disaster recovery volunteers and volunteering
• Tips for disaster clean-up
• Salvage and e-salvage tips
• Rebounding after a disaster
• Video interviews with artists who have been through disasters New York Foundation for the Arts’ national artists’ emergency resource list in NYFA Source Stay in Touch with CERF+

We rely on people like you to let us know when an artist has been affected by a disaster. Help us help artists in need by staying in touch with CERF+. Join our mailing list to receive these notices and other CERF+ information aimed at safeguarding and sustaining the careers of craft artists and providing emergency resources that benefit all artists. Thank you for helping spread the word about CERF+! Share on Facebook. Please contact me if you have questions, Les Snow Program Manager relief@craftemergency.org

‘War Comes to Union’

Event Offers Unique Volunteer Opportunities

June 24, 2016. August 27th, 2016 is the date for the Monroe County Heritage Days Living History event: War Comes to Union! The organizers are looking for people interested in portraying local citizens of Union, West Virginia, during the 1860’s. The event seeks to recreate that time in 1864 when our town was visited by the Federal Army and occupied for five days. Citizens of the area were Southern Secessionist, Unionist and pacifist. Many were local farmers, laborers, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, teamsters, etc. We are seeking men, women, and children to bring that time ‘alive’. This unique volunteer opportunity is your chance to “step back in time” and live for a day as our ancestors did during that defining moment in American History. In May of 1864, Union General George Crook led his force through Union on a Sunday morning after his victory at Cloyd’s Mountain, VA. The 10,000 men, 200 wagons, 35 ambulances, 213 prisoners, and over 100 negroes of Crook’s army took six and a half hours to march through town and spread out for miles to camp and forage. The population of Monroe County was nearly doubled by the size of the army that occupied Union. The Monroe County Heritage Days organizers are seeking volunteers, reenactors, and living historians to bring this history alive. This living history event will attempt to portray the 1864 Federal occupation of Union’s historic district and surroundings. There will be an encampment in the fields surrounding the town’s Confederate Memorial. There will be drills, demonstrations throughout the encampment. In Union and the vicinity there are several historic structures (log cabins, homes, churches, and the stately Elmwood mansion), which will serve as scenes for scenarios of events that happened (documented, first person accounts). We would like to have civilian (local ‘southerners) impressions to portray the townsfolk and how they will be ‘dealing with the Yankee troop’s ‘foragers’ as they occupy the town. There will be an initial ‘skirmish’ with local Home Guard by the forward skirmishers of the Federal’s leading element. Friday will be arrivals and set-up of participants. Saturday, August 27th is the ‘main event’, that evening we will host a period dance. Sunday we are planning a period ‘church service’. Please join us!

For more information about the event and volunteering visit our web site:MCHDWV.COM and contact Chris Johnson at [email protected], or call (304)772-4712.