NICHOLAS COUNTY “OLD MAIN” FOUNDATION TO RECEIVE PRESERVATION ALLIANCE AWARD

The community is welcomed to a November 18 reception at which the Nicholas Old Main Foundation will be honored with presentation of a Preservation Achievement Award for its efforts in preserving the historic Nicholas County “Old Main” High School in Summersville, Nicholas County, WV. The doors of the former Nicholas County High School, now “Old Main” will open at 6:00 pm with refreshments, tours, open museum rooms, and then presentation of the Preservation Achievement award in the Old Main auditorium at 7:00. Invitation is specifically extended to all Nicholas County Old Main graduates and especially anyone who has ever been a member of the Nicholas Old Main Foundation.

Old Main High School in Summersville, WV. Photo courtesy of Ray Moeller.

The Preservation Alliance of WV (PAWV) selected the Old Main project for its adaptive re-use plan that incorporates multiple uses while preserving the historic integrity of the building – including the auditorium. The Nicholas Old Main Foundation’s multi-use facility serves as a museum, event space, rental & meeting rooms, and venue for live productions. “What’s remarkable about this project is that it is cutting edge compared to other school projects in West Virginia – many of which are in a stage of infancy,” remarked PAWV Executive Director, Danielle LaPresta. “The Nicholas Old Main Foundation found an approach that worked and ran with it. It may not work for every school building, but this project shows that there are endless options for preserving and re-using historic schools. What you really need is a dedicated group of volunteers with creative minds who are willing to roll up their sleeves.”

Since 2009, the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia (PAWV) has recognized the valuable contributions and hard work of preservationists across the state during its annual Historic Preservation Awards Banquet. Because of the dedication, wherewithal, and perseverance of grassroots groups and esteemed individuals, historic preservation in West Virginia is growing and successful. PAWV gives awards each year to those often overlooked for the work they do to make West Virginia communities such great places to live. PAWV is a statewide, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation in the Mountain State. For more information, please visit http://www.pawv.org.

Please join us in honoring the achievements of this dedicated group of citizens. Old Main is located at 100 Old Main Drive, overlooking downtown Summersville. Call 304-872-2881 with any questions.