WWSTON W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia State Hospital Initiative Inc. (WVSHI Inc.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has submitted a landmark request to assume ownership of the cemeteries associated with the former Weston State Hospital. This proposal is part of Project Dignity, WVSHI Inc.’s flagship initiative, which aims to return dignity to those buried at these sites, ensure preservation, and enhance public access and engagement.
The cemeteries, active from 1864 to 1976, are the final resting places of over 2,300 individuals, including children and newborns. As part of its mission, Project Dignity will install new numbered grave markers to replace those removed in 1979. Additionally, three memorial stones will be placed within the cemeteries to provide a central place for remembrance and reflection.
What is Project Dignity?
Launched in July 2024, Project Dignity builds on three years of intensive research into Weston State Hospital and its cemeteries. The initiative focuses on restoring recognition for those interred, fostering public awareness, and addressing the long-neglected history of these sacred grounds.
Key components include:
- Replacing Grave Markers: New numbered markers will be installed to replace those removed in 1979.
- Memorial Stones: Three black granite stones, engraved by local artist Makayla Beam, will honor the themes of time, individual lives, and historical connection.
- Preservation and Engagement: Ensuring the cemeteries remain open and accessible to all while providing consistent care and financial resources.
“This initiative is about dignity restored,” said Titus Swan, Chairman and CEO of WVSHI Inc. “We aim to preserve the memory of every individual buried here, ensuring they are respected and never forgotten.”
Assuring Inclusivity
The ownership transfer request, submitted on January 14, 2025, seeks to move oversight from the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities to WVSHI Inc. This move is not intended to exclude or replace anyone but rather to provide consistent resources and empower current caretakers.
“Our goal is to enhance—not replace—the work already done by dedicated groups and individuals,” Swan explained. “This ensures the cemeteries remain sacred, accessible, and open to all.”
Expansion and Future Vision
While Project Dignity started with Weston, WVSHI Inc. plans to expand its mission statewide, including cemeteries at former state hospitals like Spencer, Lakin, and the Colin Anderson Center. Outreach to delegates in these areas is ongoing, and Riverstone Community Services—a branch of WVSHI—will support this mission by fostering community impact, scholarships, and mental health reform.
Acknowledgments and Community Involvement
WVSHI Inc. extends its gratitude to Delegate Adam Burkhammer, Pat Ryan (CEO of Sharpe Hospital), and other key supporters for their collaboration. Community members are encouraged to participate through donations, sponsorships, or volunteering.
Contact Information
Phone: 681-285-4011
Email: info@wvshi.org (General Inquiries) | tito.swan@wvshi.org (Media Inquiries)
Facebook: Search “WVSHI Inc.”
“This isn’t about blame or retribution,” Swan concluded. “It’s about honoring our past, creating a legacy, and ensuring these cemeteries are respected for generations.”
About WVSHI Inc. / Riverstone Community Services
The West Virginia State Hospital Initiative Inc. (WVSHI Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of West Virginia’s state hospitals and advancing mental health care reform. Its branch, Riverstone Community Services, focuses on community impact through scholarships, essential needs assistance, and the development of outpatient clinics to address the evolving mental health landscape.
