Collections

The Berlin B. Chapman Papers consists of postcards, photographs, books, and manuscript materials documenting Chapman's personal life and professional career. The bulk of the collection pertains to materials related to education, including Chapman's own academic experiences as well as the history of educational institutions and the teaching profession in Marion County and central West Virginia.

Personal diaries of Festus P. Summers, a historian who served on the faculty of West Virginia University from 1932 to 1965 and as chairman of the history department from 1946 to 1962. The diaries are in 19 volumes covering the period 1953-1971. They document in a thorough manner his experiences in the communities of West Virginia University and Morgantown. He comments on local and national events, including for example a visit of Harry Truman to Morgantown in 1956.

Letters to Dr. Callahan, mainly from members of his family; typescripts on the history of West Virginia University; and miscellaneous research and clippings relating to his published and unpublished writings.

One box of 16 mm negative microfilm containing a typescript draft with editing and proofreading notes of "History of West Virginia University: Problems and Policies" by Dr. J. M. Callahan; contains 817 exposures.

This collection contains materials of various formats used and created by historian Dr. Ronald Lewis throughout his career. There are records and course materials from classes taught by Dr. Lewis at the University of Delaware and, primarily, at West Virginia University (WVU). It includes other documents relating to his work as a faculty advisor to graduate students in WVU's history department. There is extensive documentation of his research, most of which was done on Appalachian history and West Virginia coal mining, including articles he has written, facsimiles of primary and secondary sources used in his research, and A/V materials like oral histories. Records generated from Dr. Lewis's scholarly activities are included, such as book and article reviews and conference presentations. There are also materials relating to his other professional pursuits, such as his membership in historical organizations and correspondence with other professionals in the field. This collection provides a broad overview of the work of an historian in an academic institution.

The dates provided are reflective of material creation, except within the Welsh Miners and Scott's Run subseries. These dates, listed in folder titles, reflect the content and were determined by the donor when he created and titled these files. Please be aware that the dates may not be accurate for every item within the folder/box but rather reflect the general timeframe of the subject matter.

Born digital and audiovisual materials exist within the collection as floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and cassettes.

Addendum of 2024 May 29 includes similar materials but reflects Dr. Lewis's more recent work. There are materials relating to his work as a professor and faculty member, the development of two books and other publications, and documentation of his career. Common formats include lecture notes, facsimiles of research sources, and correspondence; digital materials exist within the addendum as floppy disks, zip disks, and CDs.

This collection consists of a partial duplication of the contents of the West Virginia University Center for Women's and Gender Studies time capsule. The contents include materials regarding the Center for Women's and Gender Studies and West Virginia University campus events and programs, as well as the current state of Morgantown, the state of West Virginia, the United States, and the world. Materials include letters to students of the future, programs, brochures, news clippings, and button pins. Please see the first folder of this collection for a contents list.

Lists and information regarding honorary degrees awarded by West Virginia University. Includes honorary degree recipients (1947-1983), order of the vandalia award recipients (1961-1984), alpha list of honorary degree recipients (1873-1969).

Administrative files of the West Virginia University Student Affairs Office. Includes historical files, publications, administrative records, ephemera, artifacts, oversize images, and other material. Historical files document topics such as residence hall living, various University units, the Mountaineer mascot, the Daily Athenaeum, buildings, and student organizations, among others.