West Virginia & Regional History Center

06/04/2026

West Virginia's history isn't just something we remember—it's something we're still discovering. Join us June 18 at 2 p.m. to hear from the next generation of historians whose research is uncovering new perspectives on the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the Mountain State for generations.

WVU Associate Professor of History Dr. William "Hal" Gorby will lead a panel discussion with these panelists:
- Dr. Kristen Bailey, PhD, 2025
- Matthew Powell, MA, 2025
- David Solomon, MA, 2025
- Dr. Jack Weaver, PhD, 2025

Mark your calendar➡️ wvu.libcal.com/calendar/events/wv-day-2026

06/02/2026

We’ve been hard at work preparing exciting new collections for access, and most recently, we added new materials to the Seneca Glass Collection.

New additions include glass sample drops, photographs of the factory, images showcasing Seneca glassware, newspaper articles, and a document authorizing the purchase of twenty sets of glassware for the U.S. Embassy in France.

Founded in Ohio in 1891, the Seneca Glass Company relocated to Morgantown in 1896 and became an important part of the region’s glassmaking history.

We’re excited to preserve and share this important piece of local glassmaking history!

Read more about the collection: archives.lib.wvu.edu/repositories/2/resources/1092

05/21/2026

As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, we invite you to join us with WVU Libraries on Thursday, June 18 at 2 p.m., to honor both this momentous anniversary and West Virginia Day!

Kicking off the afternoon with birthday cake and a panel discussion, Dr. William "Hal" Gorby will lead a conversation honoring the history and culture that have shaped the Mountain State over the last 250 years.

After the reception, head up to the 6th floor to be among the first to explore the new exhibit, “Mountaineers Are Always Free: West Virginia at 250.” This exhibit will feature the power of place in West Virginia, examine the people who call West Virginia home, and highlight stories of struggles for freedom and democracy across the state's history.

Mark your calendar➡️ wvu.libcal.com/calendar/events/wv-day-2026

05/14/2026

We are thrilled to announce a generous donation from West Virginia Feminist Activist and Women’s History Collection Advisory Board member Deb Miller, securing three years of funding for a full-time women’s collections archivist position!

Miller’s donation ensures that a dedicated archivist will uncover, document, and provide access to the stories of women who shaped the Appalachian region.

Supporters and friends are encouraged to engage with the West Virginia Feminist Activist and Women’s History Collection. In addition to using the materials in the collection for research, community members can also identify and donate relevant personal, event, or organizational materials. Those interested in learning more can visit the collection website: https://ow.ly/VI7Y50YZvXx.

To read more details about the donation, visit: https://ow.ly/2BAf50YZvXw

WVU Foundation

05/01/2026

Even historic rivalries can’t keep great research apart.

Fourth-year students from Virginia Tech’s Appalachian Futures Lab visited the WVRHC to study Alexander Mahood’s designs for WVU’s Creative Arts Center. It’s one of many ways our architecture collections continue to draw scholarly attention and spark regional collaboration.

04/29/2026

Welcome, Dean Paris!

We are excited to welcome Mark Paris as Dean of WVU Libraries and Press!

As Dean, Paris serves as the chief administrator and strategic leader of WVU Libraries, the West Virginia & Regional History Center, the William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences, the WVU Humanities Center, and the West Virginia University Press.

Throughout his career, Paris has focused on positioning libraries and their allied units as strategic partners in advancing research excellence, student success, and the public mission of higher education.

We look forward to the future and continued growth of WVU Libraries! 💙💛

Read more about Dean Paris: exlibris.lib.wvu.edu/news/2026/04/27/wvu-libraries-welcomes-dean-mark-paris

04/22/2026

What happens when poetry meets the archives?

The Art in the Libraries 2026 Mountain Artist-in-Residence, L. Renée, transforms archival coal industry records into powerful poetry in "Remain," uncovering the human stories beneath the surface of mountaintop removal.

Get a behind-the-scenes look in our recent Q&A with L. Renée:
https://ow.ly/SkVS50YNGMF

Then join us tomorrow, April 23 at 4 p.m., in the Milano Reading Room at the Downtown Library to experience her work in person—featuring a film, performance, and Q&A.
https://ow.ly/vuRO50YNGMG

Poets & Writers
Ucross Foundation

04/15/2026

Join us tomorrow!

Join us with WVU Libraries for the exhibit opening of, “Cartography of Congress: A Geographic History of Political Parties,” inspired by Dr. Kenneth Martis’ landmark atlas. Hear from Dr. Martis and Dr. Raymond Smock as they illuminate the ideas behind the maps on display and how they come to life in the exhibition.

After the program, explore the exhibit and view rare political materials including historical photographs, manuscripts, and campaign memorabilia that bring these electoral stories into sharper focus. Mark your calendar ➡️ wvu.libcal.com/event/16148134

03/30/2026

🗓️ Save the Date for April 11 at 10:30 a.m.! Join us, along with the Monongalia Arts Center and the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media, for a program highlighting the long-standing significance of Appalachian congregational singing among West Virginians through the lens of Primitive Baptist hymnody.

Don't miss the public interview with recognized practitioner Ginny Hawker on the tradition’s history, spiritual impact, and distinctive musical features. The event will also feature a student-compiled exhibit of locally held primary sources from our collections, culminating in group singing under Hawker’s leadership.

03/26/2026

Thank you to all who supported the History Center on . Your donations inspire and invigorate us as we carry out our mission to preserve and share West Virginia and Appalachia history. Every dollar makes a difference. Your contributions are sincerely appreciated by me and the faculty and staff of the WVRHC.