All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Upshur libraries receive funds as Dept. of Arts, Culture and History announces fiscal year 2023 grants

Charles W. Gibson Public Library
Charles W. Gibson Public Library / My Buckhannon file photo

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH) announces grants awarded to organizations and individuals for fiscal year 2023 through the State Library Commission, State Historic Preservation Office and the State Arts Office. A list of the grantees and grant amounts are listed below.

“We are proud to be able to distribute these grants to deserving organizations, projects and individuals across the Mountain State,” said WVDACH Curator Randall Reid-Smith. “We are very thankful to Governor Jim Justice for securing the funding that allows us to help these organizations, and for always supporting the mission of our department to grow the arts in West Virginia, help preserve historic properties across the state and assist public libraries to provide access to resources and services to all West Virginians.”

The West Virginia Library Commission (WVLC) provides Grants in Aid (GIA) to West Virginia Public Libraries which, in combination with local support, provides operating funds to public libraries to expand and enhance services to their patrons. GIA funds are distributed to all public libraries based on service area population as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau’s Decennial Census. Currently service population is calculated using the 2020 Census. The WVLC also offers Public Library Service Center and Unassigned Affiliate Grant, provides funding to Service Center libraries for cooperative professional support to affiliate libraries. The Library Commission works with the larger libraries in the state to improve services and for continuing education.

The State Historic Preservation Office manages the State Development Grant Program for rehabilitation of properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a contributing property in a historic district or/and archaeological development of a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The funding source for this grant program is appropriated by the WV Legislature, through Lottery Funds.

The State Arts Office administers the Arts Partners grants, Community Arts Project Support (CAPS) grants, Arts in Education grants and Professional Development grants. Arts Partners provides general operating support for long-standing, stable arts organizations to further the general purpose or work of an organization rather than for a specific purpose or project. CAPS provides support for projects in all disciplines that offer arts programming to the public. Sub-categories include presenting artists, performing arts, visual arts, media arts, and folk/traditional arts. Arts in Education provides support for curriculum-based, hands-on projects that involve K-12 students and teachers in the arts during daily instruction or outside of regular school hours; support to present performing, literary, and visual artists to students in grades K-12; and support for schools, nonprofit community arts organizations and other nonprofit sponsors that do not present a season of events for the presentation of West Virginia artists in arts education projects. Professional Development provides support for professional and emerging artists to expand or improve their work or share their expertise and support for art organizations that meet the needs of underserved artists by offering programs that help them expand or improve their work.

Grants in Aid (GIA) for West Virginia Public Libraries

  • Alderson Public Library $21,739.71
  • Belington Public Library $34,854.06
  • Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library $101,220.43
  • Boone-Madison Public Library $114,771.57
  • Bridgeport Public Library $49,131.43
  • Brooke County Public Library $99,789.01
  • Buffalo Creek Mem Public Library $52,373.18
  • Burnsville Public Library $16,756.05
  • Cabell County Public Library $496,524.27
  • Calhoun County Public Library $32,780.60
  • Capon Bridge Public Library $24,307.85
  • Chapmanville Public Library $51,610.11
  • Charles W. Gibson Public Library $27,291.73
  • Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library $275,785.42
  • Clay County Public Library $42,369.02
  • Cowen Public Library $22,923.79
  • Craft Memorial Library $250,172.45
  • Craigsville Public Library $43,163.67
  • Doddridge County Public Library $41,090.21
  • Dora B Woodyard Public Library $27,333.83
  • Elkins-Randolph Public Library $70,555.39
  • Fayette County Public Library $213,071.27
  • Five Rivers Public Library $20,281.98
  • Gassaway Public Library $24,086.82
  • Gilmer Public Library $38,985.18
  • Grant County Public Library $57,762.06
  • Greenbrier County Public Library $40,090.32
  • Hamlin-Lincoln County Public Library $107,688.14
  • Hampshire County Public Library $97,220.87
  • Hardy County Public Library $75,249.61
  • Helvetia Public Library $19,108.42
  • Hundred Public Library $11,819.75
  • Jackson County Public Library $146,252.32
  • Kanawha County Public Library $844,507.00
  • Keyser-Mineral County Public Library $135,874.51
  • Kingwood Public Library $108,040.73
  • Logan Area Public Library $67,403.10
  • Louis Bennett Public Library $89,637.50
  • Lowe Public Library $12,251.28
  • Lynn Murray Mem Public Library $34,780.38
  • Marion County Public Library $295,783.22
  • Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library $642,434.52
  • Mary H Weir Public Library $115,213.63
  • Mason County Public Library $133,948.41
  • McDowell County Public Library $100,573.14
  • Mingo County Public Library $102,036.13
  • Monroe County Public Library $34,885.63
  • Morgan County Public Library $59,856.57
  • Morgantown Public Library $556,896.57
  • Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library $160,987.53
  • Mountaintop Public Library $15,303.58
  • New Martinsville Public Library $40,958.65
  • Nitro Public Library $34,859.32
  • Nutter Fort Public Library $7,857.03
  • Ohio County Public Library $223,264.89
  • Paden City Public Library $15,677.22
  • Parkersburg/Wood County Public Library $387,557.32
  • Paw Paw Public Library $29,938.81
  • Pendleton County Public Library $32,328.02
  • Peterstown Public Library $30,244.04
  • Philippi Public Library $46,531.72
  • Piedmont Public Library $5,888.83
  • Pine Grove Public Library $11,825.01
  • Pioneer Memorial Public Library $11,767.13
  • Pleasants County Public Library $40,274.51
  • Pocahontas County Public Library $41,411.23
  • Princeton Public Library $63,814.03
  • Putnam County Public Library $302,282.50
  • Rainelle Public Library $34,075.19
  • Raleigh County Public Library $392,540.98
  • Richwood Public Library $43,158.41
  • Ritchie County Public Library $44,437.21
  • Roane County Public Library $73,823.45
  • Ronceverte Public Library $27,754.84
  • Rupert Public Library $21,113.46
  • Russell Memorial Public Library $23,518.46
  • Shepherdstown Public Library $101,215.17
  • Sistersville Public Library $20,129.36
  • South Charleston Public Library $71,818.41
  • South Jefferson Public Library $101,220.43
  • Southern Area Public Library $1,889.27
  • Summers County Public Library $62,935.17
  • Summersville Public Library $43,158.41
  • Sutton Public Library $24,660.44
  • Swaney Memorial Public Library $22,050.20
  • Taylor County Public Library $87,911.37
  • Terra Alta Public Library $72,023.65
  • Tyler County Public Library $19,339.98
  • Upshur County Public Library $98,041.83
  • Valley Head Public Library $22,044.94
  • Vienna Public Library $56,056.98
  • Wayne County Public Library $205,145.83
  • Webster-Addison Public Library $21,166.09
  • White Sulphur Springs Public Library $28,770.52
  • Williamson Public Library $21,992.31
  • Wyoming County Public Library $112,524.45
  • Total Awarded $9,439,571.01

Public Library Service Center and Unassigned Affiliate Grant

  • Cabell County Public Library $166,749.00
  • Craft Memorial Library $42,406.00
  • Greenbrier County Public Library $79,099.00
  • Kanawha County Public Library $5,089.00
  • Keyser-Mineral County Public Library $45,377.00
  • Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library $51,935.00
  • Mary H Weir Public Library $10,002.00
  • Morgantown Public Library $56,860.00
  • Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library $20,837.00
  • Parkersburg/Wood County Public Library $29,094.00
  • Raleigh County Public Library $22,840.00
  • Upshur County Public Library $65,058.00
  • Doddridge County Public Library $6,267.00
  • Gilmer Public Library $6,643.00
  • Lowe Public Library $1,244.00
  • Nutter Fort Public Library $1,243.00
  • Southern Area Public Library $1,243.00
  • Total Awarded $611,986.00

State Historic Preservation OfficeState Development Grants

  • The Orpheum Theatre, Huntington, Cabell County $20,825.00
  • C.K. Miller House, Alderson, Greenbrier County $7,666.00
  • Robert Higgins House, Moorefield, Hardy County $23,000.00
  • Happy Retreat, Charles Town, Jefferson County $4,887.50
  • Armory House #107, Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County $16,932.00
  • Armory House #24, Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County $15,500.00
  • Barber Shop-Block E, Lot 6, Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County $18,033.00
  • 1030 Quarrier St. (the “Professional Bldg”), Charleston, Kanawha County $40,000.00
  • Ruffner Payne Cottage, Charleston, Kanawha County $33,750.00
  • First Presbyterian Church, Fairmont, Marion County $40,000.00
  • A.F. Kisar House, Point Pleasant, Mason County $18,750.00
  • FriendStone, Wheeling, Ohio County $38,000.00
  • Hughes Houses, Wheeling, Ohio County $40,000.00
  • Fort Henry Building, Wheeling, Ohio County $40,000.00
  • Arthurdale Heritage, Inc., Arthurdale, Preston County $37,655.00
  • 211 Prince Street, Beckley, Raleigh County $16,387.00
  • Davis & Elkins College Liberal Arts Hall, Elkins, Randolph County $40,000.00
  • Tygart Hotel, Elkins, Randolph County $40,000.00
  • French Creek Presbyterian Church, French Creek, Upshur County $3,475.00
  • Wyoming Hotel, Mullens, Wyoming County $45,000.00
  • Total Awarded $539,860.50

State Arts OfficeArts Partners

  • Old Opera House Theatre Co., Inc. $37,547.00
  • Oglebay Institute $73,629.00
  • Charleston Ballet, Inc. $34,952.00
  • Parkersburg Art Center $38,775.00
  • Randolph Co. Community Arts Council $17,345.00
  • Greenbrier Repertory Theatre Company $43,238.00
  • West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Inc. $77,703.00
  • Huntington Museum of Art Inc. $72,360.00
  • Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences $62,583.00
  • Morgan Arts Council, Inc. $23,785.00
  • Artsbridge, Inc. $25,625.00
  • Wheeling Symphony Society, Inc. $55,382.00
  • Carnegie Hall, Inc. $51,775.00
  • Total Awarded $614,699.00

Community Arts Grant Awards

  • RiffRaff Arts Collective $7,450.00
  • The River House $4,323.00
  • Chuck Mathena Center $20,000.00
  • Augusta Heritage Center $20,000.00
  • Youth Museum of Southern WV $20,000.00
  • WVU at Parkersburg Foundation $7,078.00
  • Alban Arts Center $10,475.00
  • Appalachian South Folklife $9,700.00
  • Contemporary American Theatre $20,000.00
  • Fairmont Chamber Music Society $2,986.00
  • Pocahontas Opera House $11,720.00
  • Speak Storytelling $11,316.00
  • WV Arts Presenters $12,750.00
  • WV Professional Dance Company $17,875.00
  • Kanawha Valley FOOTMAD $4,043.00
  • City of Morgantown $20,000.00
  • Children’s Theatre of Charleston $17,400.00
  • Strand Theater $6,700.00
  • Alchemy Theatre Troupe $8,113.00
  • Beckley Art Group $14,324.00
  • Appalachian Chamber Music Society $5,951.00
  • First Stage Theatre Company $3,241.00
  • Summit Chamber Music Series $7,259.00
  • Northern WV Dance Council $10,581.00
  • West Virginia Public Theatre $17,000.00
  • Arthurdale Heritage Center $9,360.00
  • Friends of Music $14,953.00
  • Total Awarded $314,598.00

Arts in Education

  • WV Professional Dance Company $15,000.00
  • West Virginia Youth Symphony $4,170.00
  • High Rocks Educational Corp. $11,590.00
  • Kanawha County Schools $14,250.00
  • Kanawha Valley FOOTMAD $4,600.00
  • Greenbrier County Schools $14,075.00
  • WVU at Parkersburg $10,200.00
  • ArtsBank, Inc. $5,800.00
  • Jefferson County Board of Ed. $7,500.00
  • Hampshire County Arts Council $2,050.00
  • Mountain Laurel Learning Cooperative $2,760.00
  • Total Awarded $91,995.00

Professional Development Awards

  • Tamarack Foundation for the Arts $4,853.00
  • Carline Waugh $2,500.00
  • Steven Hughart $2,311.00
  • Clara Haizlett $2,076.00
  • Leslie Norris $1,932.00
  • Domenica Queen $1,266.00
  • Rebekah Kendyl Bostic $732.00
  • Peggy Owens $660.00
  • Emily Dodrill $452.00
  • Marcus Floravante $2,339.00
  • Total Awarded $19,121.00

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.
BUHS Golf Feature Image

Parker and Westfall to represent B-U in North-South All-Star Golf Tournament

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Parker Lockwood and Jevon Westfall will represent the North Bears in the second annual North-South All-Star Golf Tournament at Little Creek Golf Course, joining seven other top high school golfers.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 20, 2025

Buckhannon residents can look forward to the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, school art show reception, FFA greenhouse sale, and a community book swap event at The Yellow Door.

Allyson Peters Lewis honored with prestigious honorary American FFA degree at National FFA Convention & Expo

Allyson Peters Lewis, a dedicated agricultural educator, has been awarded the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her long-standing commitment to advancing agricultural education and inspiring student success nationwide.

Retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen recognized for service and sacrifice

Retired Buckhannon Volunteer Firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen were honored by the Buckhannon Fire Department for their years of service and sacrifice during the annual Friendly Way Day celebration.

Healthy Grandfamilies offers free workshops and support for Upshur grandparents this summer

The Healthy Grandfamilies program, offering free weekly support sessions, childcare, and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren, returns to Upshur County starting June 12 at the Upshur County Recreational Park pavilion.

West Virginia Wesleyan College announces President’s List, Provost’s List for spring 2025

West Virginia Wesleyan College recognized students on the President’s List for earning a 4.0 GPA and on the Provost’s List for achieving at least a 3.5 GPA during the Spring 2025 semester.