West Virginia Archives and History: Preserving the State's Legacy
The preservation of a state's identity relies heavily on the safeguarding of its documents, artifacts, and stories. In West Virginia, this mission is carried out by Archives and History, an institution with a legacy that spans over a century of dedicated curation and strategic growth.
The Foundations of State Preservation
The origins of the agency trace back to the West Virginia Historical and Antiquarian Society. This quasi-public organization operated for 15 years starting in 1890, maintaining a museum and library within the state capitol to collect essential books and artifacts.
In 1905, the State of West Virginia formalized these efforts by creating the Bureau of Archives and History. This legislative act mandated that all materials acquired by the antiquarian society using state funds be transferred to the new official agency. To lead this endeavor, the governor appointed Virgil A. Lewis as the state historian and archivist on June 1, 1905.
Virgil A. Lewis, an accomplished author and historian, was instrumental in the creation of both the original society and the Bureau. Serving until his death in 1912, Lewis is regarded as the most significant figure in the agency's first 75 years.
Strategic Moves and the Great Fire of 1921
One of Lewis's most critical contributions was the relocation of historical materials. Under his leadership, collections were moved from the capitol building on Capitol Street to a newly constructed capitol annex across the street. Additionally, he transferred materials from the State Law Library and other capitol offices at the direction of the Board of Public Works.
This foresight proved vital in 1921 when the state capitol burned. Because the materials had been moved, numerous irreplaceable items were saved, including the records of the antebellum sessions of the Virginia Court of Appeals at Lewisburg.
Beyond preservation, Lewis expanded the agency's holdings by acquiring the records of the Wheeling conventions—which led to the establishment of West Virginia in 1863—from Granville Davisson Hall, as well as Civil War records from the West Virginia Adjutant General’s Office.
Expansion and Modernization
As the collection grew, the agency required more space. In 1929, the State Archives, State Museum, and Archives and History Library moved to the new state capitol in the east end of Charleston. By 1976, overcrowding necessitated another move to the newly constructed Culture Center.
The move to the Culture Center sparked a period of rapid growth; collections expanded nearly nine-fold within six years. This era saw the addition of the Boyd B. Stutler Collection, which focuses on John Brown and Civil War materials. The agency also reclaimed state records from other facilities and acquired various county and circuit court records.
In 1977, Archives and History became part of the newly established Department of Culture and History. Later, in 1989, the State Museum was moved to a different section within that same department.
Legal Protections for State Records
The transition to the Department of Culture and History brought significant legislative protections. The state historian and archivist was appointed to the state records management and preservation advisory committee. Crucially, new laws barred state agencies from destroying or disposing of records without the joint approval of both the records administrator and the state historian and archivist.
Key Facts
- Established: The Bureau of Archives and History was created in 1905.
- Founding Leader: Virgil A. Lewis served as the first state historian and archivist (1905–1912).
- Critical Save: The 1921 capitol fire did not destroy key records because they had been moved to the capitol annex.
- Major Collections: Includes the Boyd B. Stutler Collection and records of the 1863 Wheeling conventions.
- Current Affiliation: Part of the Department of Culture and History since 1977.
| Year | Event/Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1890 | West Virginia Historical and Antiquarian Society begins operations. |
| 1905 | Bureau of Archives and History created; Virgil A. Lewis appointed. |
| 1921 | State capitol burns; relocated records are saved. |
| 1929 | Move to the new state capitol in east Charleston. |
| 1976 | Relocation to the Culture Center to alleviate overcrowding. |
| 1977 | Integration into the Department of Culture and History. |
| 1989 | State Museum moved to a different section of Culture and History. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Virgil A. Lewis?
Virgil A. Lewis was an author and historian who served as the first state historian and archivist from 1905 until 1912. He is credited with the agency's early growth and the strategic relocation of records that saved them from the 1921 capitol fire.
What happened to the records during the 1921 capitol fire?
Because Virgil A. Lewis had previously moved historical materials to the capitol annex and other locations, many records—including those from the Virginia Court of Appeals at Lewisburg—were saved from destruction.
What is the Boyd B. Stutler Collection?
The Boyd B. Stutler Collection is a significant addition to the archives that focuses on materials related to John Brown and the American Civil War.
How are state records protected from destruction today?
Under legislation associated with the Department of Culture and History, state agencies are prohibited from destroying or disposing of records without the approval of both the records administrator and the state historian and archivist.
Where is the agency currently located?
The agency moved to the Culture Center in 1976 to provide more storage space and alleviate overcrowding previously experienced in the state capitol building.