WVU Libraries and the West Virginia & Regional History Center have a vision to build upon and sustain the activities of the WV Feminist Activist and Women's History collections by establishing a permanent full-time archivist position charged with the mission to secure and preserve relevant materials and ensure their future use in the state, region and beyond. The archivist will oversee the work of documenting the struggles, experiences, contributions and accomplishments of women, with particular focus on feminist activists.
Having a dedicated archivist will ensure that women’s history is:
- identified, archived and preserved,
- available in classrooms, on and off campus and
- showcased in exhibits and programs that educate future generations.
The work of this archivist will ensure an ever expanding and deepening of future generations’ understanding of women’s experiences and contributions.
The Right Time, The Right Place
Women’s history continues to be made every day in West Virginia. And yet, many more stories are being silenced with the passage of time and inattention to the historic record. One of those stories was that of the Artemis Sisters, a Feminist Collective whose local social and political activism are imbedded in the fabric of our community. Today, materials like these, and from many others including creatives, tradeswomen, educators, coal miners, civic leaders and advocacy groups are growing in our collection.
The Opportunity
Our goal is to build a $2 million endowment that will create a permanent, sustainable source of support for a West Virginia women’s history archivist who will be charged to carry out the work of documenting, preserving and making public the multi-faceted and significant contributions of women of West Virginia.
Philanthropic support is critical to reaching our goal. Alumni, supporters and University friends have made it possible for us to reach the first stage of the goal – creating the endowment. Now we embark on realizing the completion of our final milestone – fully funding the endowment. Your partnership will provide the critical momentum to expand the work and elevate the status of women in demonstrable and sustainable ways.
How To Support
Our WVU Libraries Development office can work with you to craft a gift to sustain the work of the WV Feminist Activist and Women's History Collection, today and for the future. To make a donation online, note the Fund #2V1553 - WV Feminist Activist Collection.
For questions or further information on giving to the campaign, contact WVU Libraries Director of Development Paula Martinelli at paula.martinelli@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-0303.