West Virginia History Heroes are nominated by historical, genealogical, preservation, museum, patriotic or like organizations from across the state. The purpose of the annual award is to give state-level recognition to individuals chosen for dedicated service on behalf of an organization’s programs or for a recent significant contribution to state and local history through research, interpretation, publication, or preservation. The West Virginia History Hero award is a one-time only recognition.
Abruzzi was nominated by The Town of Paw Paw for his ongoing volunteer efforts to document Paw Paw’s “Built History”. Between November 2023 and November 2024 Abruzzi was successful in getting four historic buildings individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are the: 1893 Old Mayor’s Office and Lockup; 1876 St Charles Catholic Mission Church; 1928 Paw Paw Black School; and the 1909 Senator P.E. Nixon House. Of the more than one and a half million properties on the National Register less than 7% are listed individually – an indication of the very stringent criteria and documentation required for a building to be listed solely on its own historic significance.
In addition to researching and writing the four individual nominations Abruzzi completed a study and submitted a report to the WV State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on the last four remaining buildings associated with Paw Paw’s Apple Orchard Industry requesting determinations of eligibility for individual listings to the National Register of Historic Places. WV SHPO’s determination was two of the four buildings were eligible – the 1940 Consolidated Orchard Packing Plant and the 1942 Consolidated Distributors HQ Building (currently the Paw Paw Town Hall).
Abruzzi also volunteered to serve as Paw Paw’s official government representative on the Executive Boards of the Morgan County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (Travel Berkeley Springs) and the C&O Canal Towns Partnership. Through his participation on these boards, he is working to spur economic opportunities in Paw Paw by promoting its location, history, attractions, and outdoor activities.
About David Abruzzi:
David Abruzzi is a retired veteran, West Virginia registered architect, and historian. As the principal consultant at Cacapon Preservation Solutions LLC, he established the company with the vision of protecting and preserving West Virginia’s historical places for the benefit of current and future generations. In fulfilling that vision, he consults with and assists WV property owners, municipalities, residents, and concerned citizens who want to protect and preserve historic structures navigate the historic preservation process.
