West Virginia Highway Historical Marker Program
The Highway Historical Marker Program seeks to commemorate and educate the public about significant places, events, and individuals in the history or prehistory of our nation, state, or region.The Vision
From historic homesteads to natural wonders, West Virginia is the beginning of endless discovery. The state’s rich history and culture continue to make our visitors’ experiences unforgettable. Through the Highway Historical Marker Program, we’re telling the story of Almost Heaven, one marker at a time.
We’re looking forward to looking back with you.
Eligible Sites & Sponsors
A group or organization such as a historical society, family association, patriotic or civic group, landmark commission, church or school group, or county or agency.
An individual may not apply, but can work through a group to sponsor a marker. The group must identify such sponsorship in its application. The sponsoring group is responsible for purchasing the marker and continuing marker maintenance.
Review the GuidelinesHow to Apply
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply online and attach all documentation necessary to support all statements made in the application. This documentation is critical in the subsequent evaluation process. Sufficient documented information must be provided so that the reviewers can clearly understand the significance of the subject being proposed and what resources are available to support the claim of significance. The application and submitted text will be reviewed and researched by the Department of Tourism, which will decide what evidence is acceptable and sufficient for the determination of approval for each marker.
The Review Process
The West Virginia Department of Tourism reviews all completed applications. If markers are considered viable, research is done to verify supporting materials. Once the application is approved and the marker text is written, the actual production of the marker and its subsequent installation may take six to nine months. Only markers approved in this manner may carry the State Seal.
The Highway Historical Marker Program will now be part of the Department of Tourism’s Cooperative Advertising Program. The total cost of a new highway marker shall be split 50/50 between the Department of Tourism and the marker’s sponsoring agency. The sponsoring agency shall be responsible for any and all costs associated with refurbishing, repairing, and/or replacing the highway historical marker.
Questions
If you have questions about the West Virginia Highway Historical Marker Program, please contact Aaron Parsons at Aaron.P.Parsons@wv.gov.