Genealogy and history groups encouraged to nominate “Heroes”

11/8/2011

Genealogy and history groups encouraged to nominate “Heroes” for History Day event
to be held at State Capitol

Local groups with an interest in history or genealogy are invited to participate in the 16th West Virginia History Day, set for Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston while the West Virginia Legislature is in session. Authorized by the legislature, West Virginia History Day commemorates local groups’ efforts to preserve, protect and promote the study of the Mountain State’s past.

Historians, genealogists, educators, preservationists, veterans, fraternal organizations, librarians, ethnic groups and families with an interest in West Virginia’s history are invited to provide exhibits featuring historical documents, photographs, artifacts and publications. Other attractions will include re-enactments of events in the state’s history, storytelling, and a ceremony honoring citizens from across the state who have made contributions to the history of West Virginia.

Local historical, genealogical, preservation, museum, patriotic and other similar groups are encouraged to provide nominations for the “History Hero” awards which are presented to people who have made significant grass-roots contributions to the preservation of local or regional history.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History joins the Archives and History Commission, West Virginia Historical Society, Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, West Virginia Humanities Council, West Virginia Association of Museums, Friends of West Virginia Culture and History, and Mining Your History Foundation as organizers of this year’s event. All West Virginia History Day events are free and open to the public.

“History Hero” nominations must be postmarked by Saturday, Dec. 31. Nominations may be hand-delivered to the Archives and History Library at the Culture Center in the State Capitol Complex no later than Friday, Dec. 30.

Applications from groups interested in setting up displays on history-related projects are due by Jan. 31, 2012. For more information about History Day, or to request nomination or display space reservation forms, contact Archives and History at (304) 558-0230.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the Division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Contact Information

Caryn Gresham