Wheeling Heritage Announces Six Partnership Grant Recipients
WHEELING, W.Va. – May 22, 2026 – Wheeling Heritage has awarded $6,000 in Partnership Grants to six local organizations and businesses, supporting projects focused on historic preservation, community development, and the arts in Wheeling. Wheeling Heritage’s Partnership Grant Program provides funding for initiatives that align with its mission to serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Grants are awarded across five categories: Education & Interpretation, Small Business Development, Arts, Recreation, and Fairs & Festivals. “This was an especially competitive round with so many exciting applications submitted,” said Riley Carpenter, director of programming for Wheeling Heritage. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who is investing their time, talents, and energy into projects that strengthen our community and create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. We’re proud to support these efforts and excited to see them all in action.” The Cycle Three 2026 Partnership Grant recipients include: Places: A New Play Full-Staged Production (Towngate Theater) Places: A New Play Full-Staged Production will bring playwright Butch Maxwell’s new work to life through a fully staged world premiere at Towngate Theatre. Directed by Cassandra Majetich-Hackbart, the production will feature local actors and production crew members, with performances scheduled for June 12–14, 2026. PLANTS LLC (Laurie Ruberg) GROW Wheeling is a literacy and youth engagement initiative that will establish an East Wheeling Little Library in partnership with Laughlin Community Center, the Ohio County Public Library, and local Girl Scouts. Running from June through November 2026, the project will include weekly educational activities, community programming, and a hydroponics workshop for local youth. 48 Hour Film Festival (West Liberty University) The West Liberty University 48 Hour Film Festival returns Sept. 4–6, 2026, inviting college and high school teams to create original short films in just 48 hours. The event will conclude with a free public screening and awards presentation at Waterfront Hall in Wheeling. Wheeling Heritage Trail Tour (Ohio Valley Trail Partners) The 19th annual Wheeling Heritage Trail Tour will take place May 24, 2026, featuring 10-, 30-, and 62-mile cycling routes along the Heritage Trail system. The event supports trail improvements, recreation advocacy, and continued enhancements to biking and pedestrian infrastructure throughout the region. Wheeling Film Noir Fest (Retroactivity LLC) The 2nd Annual Wheeling Film Noir Fest will return May 23–24, 2026, at the historic Kaufman’s Department Store building in downtown Wheeling. The festival will feature screenings of classic film noir movies paired with presentations exploring film history, culture, and production. PRIDE Festival (The Friendlier City Project) Pride Festival 2026 will take place June 13 at Heritage Port as a free, family-friendly celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the Ohio Valley. This year’s “Free to Be” theme will include live entertainment, local vendors, community resources, scholarship presentations, and historical exhibits. To learn more about Partnership Grants, visit https://wheelingheritage.org/grants or call 304-232-3087. The next application cycle will open July 1 and close July 31. Read the full article
