Mission Statement 

The West Virginia Semiquincentennial Commission was created by the West Virginia Legislature, through the passage of House Bill 2916 on April 7, 2021, to support the celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The Legislature finds that the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding is of such historical significance as to warrant its commemoration. The purpose of the Commission is to prepare for and commemorate the semiquincentennial.

Commissioners

Statutory Members

  • Ennis Smith, Department of Arts, Culture and History, Acting Cabinet Secretary – Chair
  • Matt Herridge, Department of Commerce, Cabinet Secretary
  • Mike Graney, Department of Economic Development, Acting Cabinet Secretary
  • Chelsea Ruby, Department of Tourism, Cabinet Secretary
  • Jill Upson, Executive Director, Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs
  • Charles Morris, West Virginia State Museums – Director
  • Aaron Parsons, West Virginia State Archives, State Historian and Archivist
  • Michelle Blatt, West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools
    • *Joey Wiseman, Designee for Superintendent Michelle Blatt
  • Jim Justice, United States Senator
  • Shelley Moore Capito, United States Senator
    • *Todd Gunter, Designee for U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito
  • Carol Miller, Congresswoman, 1st District
    • *Darian David, Designee for Congresswoman Carol Miller
  • Riley Moore, Congressman, 2nd District
  • Randy Smith, West Virginia State Senate, President
    • *Jack David Woodrum, West Virginia 10th District, West Virginia Senate Designee
  • Roger Hanshaw, West Virginia House of Delegates, Speaker
    • *Jeff Stevens, West Virginia 6th District, West Virginia House of Delegates Designee

*Indicates designee of statutory commission member.

Citizen Members

  • Beth Bloch, Charleston
  • Kayla Lantz, Clarksburg
  • Zachary Northup, Hurricane
  • Kelly Williams, Moorefield
  • Amy Panzarella, Charles Town

Sons of the American Revolution

  • Jay Frey, Wheeling

Daughters of the American Revolution

  • Lisa McNeil, Wheeling

Three Collegiate History Professors

  •  Dr. Melissa Bingmann, West Virginia University, Morgantown
  •  Dr. David Javersak, West Liberty University (Retired), Wheeling
  •  Dr. Rodney Montague, Bluefield State College, Princeton

Upcoming Meetings

Check back for the next scheduled meeting