How to research historic homes in West Virginia: Free state webinar offers tools

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Homeowners, local historians, and community members interested in historic homes in West Virginia will have an opportunity later this month to learn how to research the history of their properties through a free, beginner-friendly webinar hosted by state preservation agencies.

According to Lauren Bodnar, director of public relations and strategic partnerships for the West Virginia Department of Tourism, the West Virginia Archives & History and the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office will host an educational webinar titled “Research Tools for Historic Homes: Your DIY Toolkit.”

The webinar will take place on January 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. and will run approximately one hour. It is free to attend and designed for beginners, including homeowners seeking information on historic homes in West Virginia, students, preservation advocates, and anyone interested in local history.

Learning how to research historic homes in West Virginia

Bodnar says the presentation will introduce participants to the fundamentals of researching historic homes and buildings. Topics will include how to formulate research questions, practical tips for navigating the research process, and an overview of public historical resources available in West Virginia and where to find them.

The session is intended to help participants build a foundation for independent research. Attendees will learn how to access archival materials, public records, maps, photographs, and other commonly used sources to determine when a home was built, how it was used, and how it fits into the broader history of a community.

By the end of the webinar, participants are expected to have a clearer understanding of how to begin researching historic places in their own neighborhoods and towns, including their own homes.

Registration is required by the end of the day on January 21, 2026. Interested participants can register online or contact Claire Tryon at claire.e.tryon@wv.gov or Meredith Barbery at meredith.e.barbery@wv.gov for more information.

Why historic homes matter to West Virginia homeowners

Understanding historic preservation can provide homeowners with tangible financial and practical benefits. For owners of historic homes in West Virginia, knowing a property’s architectural features, construction history, and historical context can guide renovation and maintenance decisions, helping avoid changes that reduce character or long-term value.

Preservation knowledge can also help homeowners identify eligibility for incentives such as historic tax credits, grants, or local rehabilitation programs. In many cases, homes that retain their historic integrity perform more steadily in the real estate market, benefiting from buyer demand for distinctive properties and from the stability associated with well-defined historic neighborhoods.

Historic preservation and economic impact in West Virginia

State preservation officials note that historic preservation is not only about documenting or protecting older buildings, but also about strengthening local economies across West Virginia.

Rehabilitation of historic buildings is typically labor-intensive, supporting local jobs in construction, design, and skilled trades while keeping more project spending within local communities. Historic districts also tend to experience more stable property values, helping protect homeowner equity and support local tax bases.

Historic homes and districts are also a major driver of tourism in West Virginia. Visitors drawn by architecture, culture, and history often stay longer and spend more on lodging, dining, and shopping, bringing outside dollars into local economies.

In addition, adaptive reuse of historic structures allows communities to take advantage of existing infrastructure such as streets, utilities, and transit, often reducing public costs compared with new development. Revitalized historic downtowns frequently attract small businesses, restaurants, and creative enterprises, supporting walkable, locally owned commercial districts.

Preservation advocates say educational efforts, such as the upcoming webinar, help residents better understand the value of historic homes in West Virginia and equip them with the tools to participate in preservation at the local level.

The January 22 webinar is part of ongoing efforts by state agencies to expand public access to historical resources and encourage informed stewardship of West Virginia’s historic places.