West Virginia State University Receives Nearly $200,000 in Preservation Grants
8/12/2021
Contact: Jack Bailey
(304) 766-4109
Jbaile19@wvstateu.edu
August 12, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
West Virginia State University Receives Nearly $200,000 in Preservation Grants
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) has been awarded a nearly $200,000 grant from the National Park Service (NPS) as part of a program to assist in the preservation of historic structures on campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The $197,219 grant from NPS will go toward historic preservation work on two buildings on the WVSU campus, Canty House and East Hall. The grant was announced Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va.
“West Virginia State is grateful for this preservation grant from the National Park Service for the Canty House and East Hall, two buildings that have played a significant role in the 130-year history of the university,” said Ericke S. Cage, WVSU vice president and chief of staff. “This grant will help ensure they remain a vital part of our campus life for years to come. We are thankful to Congressman Mooney for his leadership in securing this grant, and we commend WVSU’s Title III Director Eric Jackson for his commitment in applying for this grant and seeing the process through to its successful funding.”
Canty House was built in 1923 and is the only Greek-revival architecture on campus and possibly within the Institute area. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and after serving as a private home and later university offices, today is home to the WVSU Sports Hall of Fame.
The oldest building on campus, East Hall was built in 1895 and has served as a dormitory and later as the home to five WVSU presidents. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in during the 1990-1991 academic year, and currently serves as the home of University Advancement.
“West Virginia State University has been a pinnacle of opportunity for thousands of students throughout its rich history. I am glad to see this funding be awarded to assist with the preservation and restoration of the Canty House and East Hall on WVSU’s campus,” said Congressman Mooney. “These resources will support the campus’ efforts of preserving the history and contributions of WVSU to the Mountain State and ensure that its facilities are preserved for generations of Yellow Jackets.”
Since 1995, the NPS has awarded $77.6 million in grants to 66 HBCUs. Projects funded by these grants will support the physical preservation of National Register listed sites on HBCU campuses to include historic districts, buildings, sites, structures, and objects.
The work funded by the NPS grant to WVSU will include replacement of the Corinthian columns on the Canty House as well as a new roof and carpet for East Hall among other work.
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West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi-generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service, and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.
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