BERKLEY SPRINGS — The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia (PAWV) will host its annual West Virginia Historic Preservation Conference May 12-14 in Morgan County.

Open to the public, the conference offers valuable opportunities for anyone interested in strengthening preservation advocacy, supporting municipal-level efforts, promoting cultural heritage tourism, or gaining practical tips for maintaining historic homes and buildings.

The conference will kick off Tuesday evening with a dinner reception at the historic Country Inn located in downtown Berkeley Springs, providing attendees a chance to connect and network.

A full schedule of workshops, presentations, tours, and hands-on learning experiences will take place throughout Wednesday and Thursday. Featured sessions include a deep dive into the early influences of West Virginia log architecture by historian Gerald Milnes, a panel on “America at 250” highlighting underrepresented voices and community storytelling, and an interactive advocacy workshop led by Joshua Higginbotham. Attendees can also participate in hands-on demonstrations in log cabin and masonry restoration with the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center.

Additional highlights include a guided tour of the historic Star Theatre, originally built in 1916 as an automobile garage and later transformed into a theater and telephone exchange. Participants will learn about the building’s unique history and the inspiring efforts of local preservationists to save and restore the structure.

The conference will conclude Thursday evening with the Annual Awards Banquet at the historic MAC Ice House, celebrating outstanding achievements in historic preservation across the state.

Early bird registration ends April 24. While most workshops and presentations are included in the registration fee, some activities may require an additional fee, and space is limited for select sessions.

To learn more and register, visit pawv.org/conferences.html.