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History 

Historic Resources 

Archeology Index
This index has information regarding the early inhabitants of these lands and archeological sites around the state.

Audio/Video Files From the WV State Archives
These videos show footage from important events in WV history. They can be opened or downloaded to your computer, are in Windows Media Player version 9 format.

Community Histories
In October 1921 a country community score card was developed, which listed specific standards or goals under nine headings--history, government, business, farm, clubs, homes, schools, churches and health. As a result of these community score cards, approximately one hundred community histories were published by the Agricultural Extension Division in Morgantown in the 1920s and 30s. The West Virginia State Archives library currently holds fifty-eight of these histories, which are presented here.

Genealogy Corner
Here you will find genealogy resources provided by the West Virginia Archives and History Commission.

Genealogy Surname Exchange
The Surname Exchange is a list of surnames and researchers compiled from the West Virginia State Archives' Genealogy Exchange cards submitted since 1987, a surname exchange conducted during the second "Mining Your History" Conference at The Cultural Center, and all genealogy exchange requests submitted by patrons since October 1995. More than 2,600 researchers from forty-eight states and ten countries currently participate in the exchange, which is designed to allow genealogists to contact others who are conducting research on identical surnames.

Highway Historical Markers
This is a link to information about West Virginia's Highway Historical Marker Program. You can search the marker database,

Historic School Photo Gallery
View assorted historic photographs of West Virginia Schools. The pictures are arranged by county.

History Alive!
History Alive! is a program that brings historical characters to life through portrayals by presenters who have conducted scholarly research on their character. It provides a passport to the past for student and adult audiences in West Virginia. Presenters are available to non-profit groups across the state such as libraries, schools, museums, historical societies, and civic organizations.

Photo Gallery - 19th and 20th Century Women Leaders
A photo gallery of women leaders in the 19th and 20th century.

Photos of the Women of World War II
Photos of women during World War II.

State History Video Archives
State Archives provides nearly 100 video resources relating to historical events ocurring in West Virginia. If you are interested in learning more about West Virginia history these video files are a wonderful resource.

State Museums
This is a guide to the six museums operated by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

West Virginia History Center
This page provides information, photos, and videos on important people and events in West Virginia's history.

Did You Know?

On January 26, 1960 Danny Heater, a student from Burnsville, scored 135 points in a high school basketball game earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.