Guide to Archives and Manuscripts

This database provides access to the finding aids of the more than 4,000 archives and manuscripts collections stewarded by the WVRHC. The finding aids describe and list the contents of collections and contain information about the person, family, or organization that created the collection. Understanding that archival description was not and is not a neutral practice, our finding aids may contain language that is outdated and harmful. This is also true for the materials we steward. Due to the age of many of our collections, researchers may encounter language that is offensive. While we cannot alter language in the historical materials, we are working to update the harmful language in our finding aids. We encourage researchers to alert staff to harmful or offensive language in the description of any of our collections. Please fill out the Harmful Language Form should you come across something you think needs to be updated.

Explore our Search Tips to learn more about searching this database.

Other materials: For information on how to search our other collections, please visit their individual pages.

Appointments: To schedule an appointment to use archival material, please visit our appointment bookings page.

Contact: Please contact the WVRHC reference staff for additional research assistance.