West Virginia Historic Preservation Conference Returns to Wheeling, May 1-3

Discounted entry for PAWV members and volunteers! Become a PAWV member and automatically be entered into a raffle to win free conference registration.

Tour at previous PAWV Conference in Parkersburg.

The West Virginia Historic Preservation Conference will take place in Wheeling, West Virginia, from May 1 to May 3, 2025. The conference will feature an exciting lineup of educational sessions, tours, and hands-on demonstrations designed to engage preservation professionals, historic home-owners, historians, and community leaders alike. Experts in topics ranging from historic rehabilitation tax credits and small-scale development to architectural salvage and the preservation of historic cemeteries will speak at the conference. Attendees will hear from industry leaders,  including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America, and discover practical strategies for revitalizing historic buildings and homes. The event will also offer valuable opportunities to network with fellow preservationists and building experts while learning from successful preservation projects across the state and nation.

In addition to the educational sessions, there will be unique experiences such as Thursday's activities that include a tour of historic sites in Marshall County and a hands-on stucco demonstration led by experts, Adventures in Elegance, a Wheeling-based general contracting business specializing in plaster, stucco, terra cotta, and masonry restoration. An opening reception and one-of-a-kind lime burn bonfire on Thursday evening will provide perfect opportunities to make new connections and spark ideas before the sessions begin the following day. For those wanting to explore Wheeling’s amazing architecture, sign up for a variety of focused tours that will take you to Wheeling Island, North and East Wheeling, West Virginia Independence Hall, and Mt. Wood Cemetery.  On Saturday, the conference will be at the Scottish Rite with historic preservation exhibitor spaces and live demonstrations showcasing hands-on preservation trades.

On Friday evening, the annual West Virginia Historic Preservation Awards Banquet will be held at Glessner Auditorium at Oglebay Resort. This special event is a time to celebrate and recognize outstanding preservation projects and advocates across the state. The keynote speaker, Dr. Matthew Wagner, Chief Innovation Officer for Main Street America, will share insights from his work supporting community revitalization efforts across the country.

PAWV members will enjoy exclusive benefits at the event, including discounted entry of $200 for all 3 days including the awards banquet. For PAWV members unable to attend the entire event, there will be several free activities throughout the conference that they can attend. Space is limited and registration is required to gain free entry into:

• ​Marshall County Historic Sites Driving Tour (Thursday)
• Opening Reception at Wheeling Heritage (Thursday)
• ​Lime Burn & Bonfire (Thursday) - Must be 21+
• Exhibitor Space & Outside Demonstrations (Saturday)
• Guided Tours (Saturday)

PAWV membership options are affordable, with individual memberships available for $25 and student memberships for just $10. New and renewing members will be entered into a raffle from now until mid-April to win free conference registration, which totals $225 for non-members! Raffle winners will be announced on April 16, 2025.

For those who may need financial assistance, volunteering at the conference is a great way to earn discounted registration of $150 for the full event, including the awards banquet, or $40 to participate in each individual day (does not include the awards banquet).

The West Virginia Historic Preservation Conference is more than just an event—it’s a powerful opportunity to explore how preserving our state’s rich historic heritage can drive community revitalization and economic growth. By bringing people together to connect, learn, and collaborate, the conference highlights how historic preservation strengthens local identity, attracts investment, supports small businesses, and creates vibrant, thriving communities.

​To learn more about becoming a member or volunteering, contact [email protected]. 

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

---