MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — At the heart of West Virginia University Libraries’ West Virginia Feminist Activist and Women’s History Collection lies a dedicated mission: to discover, preserve, and share the stories of women who shaped our region. With over 62 individual archives now received and cataloged, each containing numerous items and documents, the collection in the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC) has a base of information for future research and academic work by students, authors, faculty, and others about the groundbreaking activities in the field of women's rights.
But certainly, more is needed to complete the story from all areas of the Mountain State and Appalachia region.
Starting in the 1960s and even up until today, women and men have taken steps to improve many conditions for women in our society. Records, posters, photos, documents and oral histories chronicle the stories of family, friends and community members who have made a difference in fields such as economic or social justice, healthcare or professional development in all trades and fields.
The unsung hero that makes these collections vibrant and accessible is the archivist. The WVRHC is advancing plans to establish a permanent archivist dedicated to women’s history, strengthening efforts to preserve and share the diverse stories of women and feminist activism in the region and beyond.
The proposed full-time archivist will be dedicated to working with our West Virginia women and activists to seek additions of new materials while expanding, organizing and promoting the collection as a teaching tool. This role will deepen the collection’s capacity to serve WVU students, faculty and researchers across the state, country and around the world.
By investing in professional stewardship, WVU Libraries aims to safeguard the diversity and richness of women’s voices at what supporters describe as a “crucial moment” for historical memory.
Donor leadership and vision
Judith Gold Stitzel, a champion of women’s and gender studies and a lead supporter of the collection, has renewed her personal commitment to this work. Through her current and planned gifts, she is helping to lay the foundation for the permanent archivist position and encourage others to join her.
“I am made aware every day of the importance of our efforts and those of our devoted supporters like Judith,” WVRHC Director Lori Hostuttler said. “Without her and the Feminist Activist and Women’s History efforts, the WVRHC would not be able to preserve and uplift the stories of women in our history, especially those of women whose contributions have often been overlooked."Call for community involvement
Supporters and friends are encouraged to engage with the collection in multiple ways, including identifying and donating relevant personal, event or organizational materials. Through word of mouth, community members can also suggest others who may hold important records documenting feminist activism and women’s history.
Those interested in learning more about the Feminist Activist and Women’s History Collection, the proposed archivist position or ways to support this initiative may contact the WVRHC and Lori Hostuttler directly at 304-293-1116 or visit wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/collections/west-virginia-feminist-activist-collection.
Inquiries about donating archival materials, making a financial gift or connecting others who may wish to participate are welcome and encouraged as WVU Libraries works to secure the future of this vital historical resource.