(Photo by Amber Phipps) Diana Hill stands in front of one of many bookcases containing over 10 years of carefully curated research.

PARKERSBURG — Diana Hill, Secretary for the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society, was amazed to discover she was nominated for the 2025 History Heroes award. Devoted and hardworking, Hill worked as the lead docent at the Phelps-Tavenner House located at 2401 Camden Ave. in south Parkersburg.

Established in 1955, the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society in Parkersburg is a non-profit organization focused on maintaining and preserving the history of the county.

On March 12, from 9:30-11 a.m. in the State Theater at the Culture Center in Charleston, Hill will be recognized for her years of hard work and attention to detail by the West Virginia History Heroes.

According to The Culture Center, “West Virginia History Heroes are nominated by historical, genealogical, preservation, museum, patriotic or like organizations from across the state.”

The West Virginia History Hero Award is a one-time only recognition and Hill is among those who will be recognized this year. The purpose of the award is to acknowledge individuals for their contributions and commitment to research, history and preservation.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Phelps-Tavenner House is located at 2401 Camden Ave. in south Parkersburg.

Prior to Hill’s 10 years as the society’s secretary, she spent 25 years as a librarian at Emerson Elementary School. She has always loved history and with so much experience as a librarian, she was perfect for the position when the society began cataloging and researching local history in 2016.

“I am privileged to work in the Historical Society with an amazing group of selfless, dedicated and hard-working people who all deserve this honor,” Hill said.

Bob and Dottie Enoch are president and vice president of the society. Serving in those positions, the couple couldn’t help but notice their secretary’s work ethic and her diligence towards research, they said.

“Diana excelled in her position,” Dottie said. “She’s very meticulous, thorough and enthusiastic about history.”

Hill has written the scripts for fellow docents to use and has curated most of the information about the house for guided tours.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The outside of the updated Phelps-Tavenner house. Built around 1798, it’s the oldest brick house in Wood County.

When research began at the Phelps-Tavenner House, Hill requested more space for her research. She didn’t wait long before the construction crew brought in and decorated a trailer beside the home where Hill could have the space she needed to dive deeper into the county’s history.

The Enochs were beyond excited to nominate Hill for this award.

“When we nominated her, she was so surprised,” Bob said.

According to the Enochs, Hill excels when it comes to gathering research and providing accurate historical information. She spent her time organizing volunteers for the weekends, created an impressive filing system and spent hours upon hours conducting thorough research about the local history in the area, they said.

Hill rarely ever misses her workdays and never hesitates to go above and beyond to do what needs to be done in order to provide the public with enriching and accurate history, the couple said.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Phelps-Tavenner Research Center is located adjacent to the main home on the property.

“My dearest hope with this award is that I can inspire more people to visit the Phelps-Tavenner House,” Hill said. “I would love to give everyone a tour and share its fascinating story.”

The Phelps-Tavenner House is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. or by appointment.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The dining room with the original brick wall foundation showcased in the back corner.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) A collection of artwork and historical documents the Wood County Historical Preservation Society has on display in the research center.