Think you know West Virginia history? Then it's time to put that knowledge to work and help save some of the state's historic buildings.
Historic buildings in West Virginia are getting a big boost from a new emergency fund that provided more than $20,000 to rescue initiatives in 2020.
Organizers are kicking off a campaign to double that Tuesday with a virtual trivia-night fundraiser, according to Danielle Parker, executive director of the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia.
"We have already received a pledge in the amount of $20,000 for the 2021 fund and are working to match it dollar for dollar," Parker said.
"My hope is that we will simultaneously build awareness of the Saving Historical Places Grant program and our goal to raise $40,000, which is double what we gave out in 2020."
The program is the alliance’s newest initiative to save West Virginia's historical places by funding emergency building repairs and jump-starting building preservation projects.
In 2020, the alliance invested more than $20,000 in technical assistance grants to save historical places in Lewis, Preston, Monroe, Webster, Greenbrier, Jefferson, and Pocahontas counties, Parker said.
Virginia Shimek, an alliance AmeriCorps member, said the Tuesday event was devised to attract West Virginia history buffs who have been isolated by the covid outbreak.
“We aimed to create lots of opportunities for interaction with fellow trivia buffs while staying safe in a virtual setting," Shimek said.
"It should be a great night, and it’s BYOB, of course, with snack breaks highly encouraged.”
Pre-registration for the virtual event on EventBrite is required and can be found on the Alliance's website at pawv.org/givingtuesday, Shimek said.
Donations are deductible on federal income taxes, and donations of $500 or more are eligible for West Virginia NIP Tax Credits.
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is the state's nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation. It also administers the Preserve WV AmeriCorps program, a national service initiative where AmeriCorps members help main streets thrive.
For more information, visit www.pawv.org or call 304-345-6005.
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