FAQs about the West Virginia Highway
Historical Marker Program
When was the marker program established?
It was implemented in 1937, during
the Great Depression, to encourage tourism. The West Virginia
Commission on Historic and Scenic Markers worked with the State
Road Commission, Works Progress Administration, and Federal
Emergency Relief Administration to place 440 markers during the
first year alone. After World War II, markers were placed at the
sites of most state-run facilities and schools. The West Virginia
Historic Commission took over the program in 1963. Since the late
1960s, the program has been managed by the West Virginia State
Archives, which is today part of the West Virginia Division of
Culture & History.
Does the West Virginia State Archives keep a list of
markers?
The State Archives maintains files on
each of the markers. Unfortunately, many of these files are
outdated because markers have been moved and road names have been
changed. In 1996, the Division of Culture & History was awarded
a federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)
grant to survey the state's highway markers. An updated markers guidebook is now
available.
Who pays for the markers?
They were funded by the state until
1985. All markers placed since then have been funded by groups or
private individuals. There are two styles of markers, both of which
include the State Seal. The traditional cast aluminum is available
for $1,325 with the same inscription on both sides or $1,425 with a
different inscription on each side. The 80-gauge aluminum markers
cost approximately $350. Installation and transportation costs are
approximately $75. All prices are subject to change.
What subjects or events will be considered?
The site, property, district, or
community honored with a marker must possess some degree of
significance in state or local prehistory (archaeology), history,
natural history, architecture, or cultural life. A complete list of
guidelines can be obtained from the State Archives.
How many markers are there?
Approximately 1,000 markers have been
placed in West Virginia. However, the recent survey indicates
nearly 30% are no longer standing and a majority of the remaining
markers are in dire need of repair.
How are markers maintained?
There is no state funding to repair
or replace markers. Some historical societies and civic groups
assume the cost for refurbishing markers in their counties. Missing
or damaged markers should be reported to the State Archives.
How can I find out more information about the markers
program?
Please contact Fredrick Armstrong, Director
of the West Virginia State Archives.
West Virginia State Archives Photo Copying
Project FAQs
What is the photo copying project?
The West Virginia State Archives
collects copies of West Virginia photos to help preserve historical
images and make them available for future generations.
How does the photo copying process work?
The State Archives staff simply takes
a photo of your picture. The originals are usually returned to you
within minutes. On busy days, this process may take a little
longer.
What will I need to do?
It is helpful to have as much
information about the photos as possible. For example, please write
down the photo's location, when it was taken, and individuals
pictured. You will be asked to sign a consent form allowing the
staff to make copies of your photos available at the State
Archives.
Is the original photo damaged at all?
No, your photos are not damaged by
this process. The staff may have to unframe photos but we will also
re-frame them. If the staff feels unframing may harm the photo, the
photo can still be copied in the frame but with less quality.
Unframing and reframing will require additional time.
How can you obtain copies of your photos?
You can order prints of your photo
from the local sponsor of the photo copying project. At a later
date, the State Archives will provide the local sponsor with
contact prints (sheets which display reduced versions of the photos
copied). You may then order 8x10 black & white prints of any of
the photos on the contact prints for a fee.
What kinds of photos will the State Archives copy?
The State Archives is interested in
any photos which document West Virginia's past. This includes
family photos if at least some of the members are identified as
well as photos which relate to the following topics: industry,
agriculture, religion, education, politics, social functions,
athletics, transportation, local businesses, architecture,
etc.
What kinds of photos will the State Archives NOT
copy?
We do not copy every photo that is
brought in. If you are in doubt about the historical value of your
photo, bring it in and let us make the decision. We usually do not
copy recent color photos unless they document significant events
such as the 1985 flood. However, it is important to copy many color
photos from the 1960s which are fading badly.
Can the State Archives copy glass plate or cellulose
negatives?
No, we cannot copy them like photos.
The State Archives can make prints from glass plate or cellulose
negatives but the negatives must be taken to Charleston. The
negatives will be returned at a later date.
For more information about photo copying projects, please
contact Debra
Basham.
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the West Virginia State Archives