Photo provided A concept rendering of a proposed mural for Brooke County's entry into West Virginia's America250 mural program could trace some of the history and culture of the area, from the early frontier to today.

WELLSBURG – As many communities across the country are preparing to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, Brooke County officials are discussing their potential contribution to the anniversary.

County commissioners heard from Rachel Keeney, executive director of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tuesday, with a proposal for a mural reflecting the county’s history.

“It’s part of the governor’s America250 mural program,” Keeney explained. “It celebrates the county’s history and looks toward the future. We’re really just trying to highlight what makes West Virginia special and all of the individual communities within the state.”

Gov. Patrick Morrisey and the West Virginia Department of Tourism announced the America250 Mural Project in November as a statewide initiative to celebrate West Virginia’s local and national heritage. The goal is to establish a mural trail of new and original works in each of the state’s 55 counties, with support from a grant program to award $5,000 to each county.

“This is really something we would like the county to participate in,” Keeney said. “I think this is a great way to encourage visitors to maybe come to a part of the state they’ve never been to.”

The proposed mural, designed by a Wheeling-area artist, would have a cost of $25,000, according to Keeney, with plans to apply for the $5,000 from the state and the county responsible for the remaining funds.

While commissioners tabled action Tuesday, they anticipate having a decision at their meeting next week.

“We do have funds that can be put into tourism,” Commissioner Stacey Wise said. “We haven’t done that in some time.”

The proposal would have the mural painted onto the southern wall of 622 Charles St., now home to All Area Bail Bonds.

“It’s a nice, beautiful wall in the heart of downtown Wellsburg,” Keeney said, noting she visualizes the mural being complementary of the nearby Brooke County Museum, the county courthouse and Wellsburg Town Square, along with other local attractions.

The proposed design would depict a series of shifting scenes to showcase the frontier beginnings of the region to the establishment of trade along the Ohio River, the introduction of local industry and the growth of communities, with a look toward the future.

Commissioner Christina White asked if there was any potential for community involvement, including clubs from the local schools.

Keeney noted, while the project, ultimately, is up to the county officials, there is a deadline involved, with the state now accepting applications for the grant up to May 1, with plans to have the murals ready by July 4.

Keeney said if commissioners give their approval next week, it’s possible the mural could be finished by the end of May or early June.