With a commitment to preserve our unique cultural heritage, PAWV and its members work to save our past for the future, supporting and promoting historic preservation through education & outreach, advocacy, preservation tools, and heritage tourism.
In September 1981, a group of dedicated volunteers established the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia (PAWV). Founding members of PAWV included Dr. Barbara Howe, Ralph Pedersen, Eugene Harper, Jeanne Doughty, Dr. Emory Kemp, and Beverly Fluty. These volunteers were determined to build interest in, knowledge about, and legislative support for historic preservation through grassroots advocacy, education, and outreach. Officially incorporated the following year, the organization quickly began making significant, positive contributions to the preservation of West Virginia’s vast, proud heritage.

With similar goals in mind as were in 1981, PAWV continues to build on the original insight of its founding members. The organization continues to grow and focuses on how historic preservation can be a tool for economic and community development throughout our Mountain State.