CHARLES TOWN — Historic properties in Jefferson County will soon have the opportunity to apply for some much-needed funding as the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission announced earlier this week that it reached its initial goal of $100,000 for the Jefferson County Historic Preservation Fund. Established at the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation just over four years ago, this Agency-Endowed Fund is one of the fastest-growing in recent memory.
Falling in line with the county’s comprehensive plan, the purpose of the money is to create a funding mechanism that supports historic preservation, restoration, and reuse throughout Jefferson County. Distributions from the fund will be made to the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission which is developing a grants program to help facilitate repairs of historic properties in Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, and Shepherdstown.
As for what’s next for Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, almost immediately after the Historic Preservation Fund reached its goal, Burke said that the next milestone he envisions for the Fund is $250,000.
For information about the fund or to contribute to support historic preservation in Jefferson County, visit the Eastern WV Community Foundation website at www.EWVCF.org.