To explore the archival collections at the WVRHC, please use the Guide to Archives and Manuscripts
Use the following search tips to help you locate materials
To filter by date within a chronological span, enter the initial and concluding dates of the span in the two search boxes following "Years". For example, entering "1790" and "1800" will find records with material dating from 1790 up to and including 1800, an eleven year span.
Dates in cataloging records represent the date material was created. For example, if a genealogy collection includes a family history that was created in 1980 regarding family members who immigrated in 1750, the date field in the cataloging record will only include 1980; 1750 could appear in another part of the record.
But, be aware, that not all records in the catalogue have a date. For example, some materials don't have a date and others maybe be listed as nineteenth century, so these won't show up when you refine by date.
The search engine, by default, allows filtering of search results by "types" of records. To filter results, select facets on the right side of the screen to narrow your search, including:
The search engine also allows for filtering by subjects and names. Again, to filter results, select facets on the right side of the screen.
Due to the way searches work in ArchivesSpace, a search for West Virginia University will bring up every record in the catalogue. So, to find University records about a particular subject, try the following (film as an example here):
Keep in mind that material related to a single person or entity may not all be located in the same repository. It's good to look around and see where relevant material may be located.
Other West Virginia focused primary source databases can be found on the WVRHC website. You can also explore Archiving West Virginia and the WV State Archives.
If you're interested in exploring a wider range of primary sources, check out this research guide.
To search repositories across the US and UK & Ireland, try ArchiveGrid and Archive Finder.