Preston County Org Recognized For Preservation Of New Deal Project

Arthurdale Heritage Inc. (AHI) in Preston County was recognized for its stewardship of a nationally historic site by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities maintain and enhance the power of historic places. 

Arthurdale was established as the nation’s first New Deal homestead community under President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the height of the Great Depression. It became a favorite project of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who visited Arthurdale more than 30 times. 

“Arthurdale fell into decline and neglect in the 1940s following its return to private ownership. In 1985, a group of determined volunteer residents formed AHI to restore the town, transforming it into a vibrant heritage campus,” the National Trust said in its recognition. “By connecting visitors to the stories of the original homesteaders, embracing a more inclusive interpretation of the site’s history, and keeping traditional crafts alive, AHI has established Arthurdale as a nationally significant site.” 

Elizabeth Satterfield, curator and director of Education at Arthurdale Heritage, said the homesteading projects were about resettling people who were impoverished and giving them a new start on life. 

“Arthurdale really was founded on self-help and self-sufficiency, and then subsistence agriculture. Also focused very much on cooperative ventures and handicrafts, things that are very traditional to Appalachia,” she said. “So all of that’s really central to the history of Arthurdale, and still very central to our identity today, and the programming and education that we do.” 

To Satterfield, the recognition is a testament to the work of 40 years to preserve, interpret and educate about the community’s history.  

“I think it shows that the history of the place is not over. That things are still happening,” she said. “History is still being made. It’s still a vibrant community space. It’s really a humbling honor.”  

Satterfield called Arthurdale more than a museum.  

“We’re a community space, activity is happening almost on a daily basis, and we would invite everyone to come visit to learn more about us, to get involved,” she said. “We try to be really open, accessible, and a connective space for our community. The history that happened there 90 years ago is still continuing today.” 

Satterfield dedicated the award to Arthurdale Heritage’s volunteers and community, as well as to the state and Preston County. 

The award was presented Tuesday evening as part of the 2026 National Preservation Awards in Washington, D.C., the highest professional honors for the preservation industry dating back to 1960.