WHEELING — Residents who planned out-of-town vacations this summer might find satisfying options much closer to home thanks to a new program that spotlights a dozen local cultural and historic sites.
The West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation launched the Hidden Gems of Wheeling initiative to motivate locals to visit attractions they may have overlooked. The program highlights museums, arts centers, environmental education sites and other community institutions across the city.
What changes for residents
Participants can pick up a passport that lists the featured locations and encourages visits to multiple sites. The program is aimed at expanding public awareness of Wheeling’s cultural resources and reinforcing the city’s role in state history and arts.
"We came up with the Hidden Gems idea to encourage people to visit local sites in the Wheeling area they may not know about," said Gerry Reilly, president of the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation.
Reilly pointed out that many residents are not aware Wheeling is home to the birthplace of the state — West Virginia Independence Hall — which is among the program’s stops.
Included sites
The initiative brings together municipal, nonprofit and educational sites. The following locations are participating:
- West Virginia Independence Hall, 1528 Market St.
- The SMART Center, 1410 Main St. (new location)
- Museum of Oglebay Institute — Mansion Museum and Glass Museum, Oglebay Park
- Schrader Environmental Education Center, Oglebay Park
- Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road
- Oglebay Institute School of Dance, 1330 National Road
- Towngate Theatre, 2118 Market St.
- Artworks Around Town gallery, 2200 Market St. (Upper Market House)
- Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, 115 Skyway Lane
- Ohio County Public Library, 52 16th St.
- Wheeling Artisan Center Shop, 1400 Main St.
The passport scheme is intended to make it easier for families, seniors and visitors to plan short outings across town and to discover both history-focused and creative venues.
Practical details and local impact
Officials with the foundation say the effort should help smaller organizations draw visitors who otherwise might not know about them. For residents, the program offers a low-cost way to fill summer weekends with museum visits, theater events and hands-on learning at the SMART Center and environmental education sites.
| Site type | Examples |
|---|---|
| History | West Virginia Independence Hall, Ohio County Public Library archives |
| Arts & performance | Stifel Fine Arts Center, Towngate Theatre, Artworks Around Town |
| Science & education | SMART Center, Schrader Environmental Education Center |
Visitors should check individual sites for hours, admission fees and any special programming. Several participating venues are located inside Oglebay Park and may have separate parking or entry arrangements.
The foundation hopes that by drawing attention to a broader slice of Wheeling’s cultural landscape, more residents will spend leisure time locally, support small arts groups and deepen connections to the city’s history.
For more information about the passport and participating locations, contact the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation or visit participating sites directly.
