The Whitesville Historical Society is seeking community support to restore the historic Stinnett House, launching a fundraising campaign to replace or repair 40 windows in the 19th-century landmark. The goal is to raise $50,000 through donations and sponsorships.
Local contractor Matt Morris has been leading the restoration efforts. He said the project began with repairs to the home’s foundation and basement before addressing larger concerns such as leaking gutters that caused damage for years. With those problems resolved, the focus now shifts to the windows.
“Our main goal is getting these windows and getting the exterior dried in this season,” Morris said. “Once that takes place, the rest of it will actually move a lot faster.”
Morris said balancing modern construction with the home’s historic integrity has been a priority. He noted that the team has partnered with Sun Windows, who offer architectural-style windows that closely match the originals, while also providing today’s benefits of energy efficiency.
“We actually got very lucky. Whenever you put the two side by side, there’s not a whole lot of difference in the actual style of the window,” he said. “Our plan is to keep the windows underneath the porch so that they can be original to the home, but unfortunately the majority of them are beyond saving.”
Morris said the Stinnett House represents one of the few remaining historic homes in Whitesville, making its preservation a community-wide effort.
“Coming from a small town like this, it’s something that’s been a staple of our community,” he said. “Unfortunately, we’re not left with very many older-style houses like that from the past, so when you have an opportunity to save one, it’s a joint effort.”
Donations can be made through PayPal using the QR code provided by the Historical Society or mailed to the Whitesville Historical Society, PO Box 231, Whitesville, KY 42378.
The Historical Society encourages ongoing monthly donations to provide continued support for the project. All donations are tax-deductible.
