History Day Set For February

By Joy Stalnaker

The Seventh Annual West Virginia History Day, Thursday, February 27, 2002, has officially been designated by the West Virginia Archives and History Commission as a special day to recognize the state's rich and varied history. Activities for the day will be held at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex during the first session of the 77th WV Legislature. It is co-sponsored by the Friends of WV Culture and History, Preservation Alliance of WV, WV Historical Society, the WV Historical Association, WV Association of Museums, Mining Your History Foundation, the Archives and History Commission, and the WV Humanities Council.

Historical organizations are invited to tell the story of their locality or organization in a manned exhibit in the Capitol Rotunda between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Space reservations are required. Groups are encouraged to take this opportunity to discuss historical issues with your legislators.

Activities will also include recognition of the state's History Heroes in a ceremony in the Cultural Center, a reception in their honor, and announcement of their presence from the floor in the WV House of Delegates.

History Heroes are individuals working at the "grass roots level" who display exceptional dedication and/or service in the preservation of local history in the community, county, region or state. Nominations for History Heroes may be made by organizations working for the preservation of and education about West Virginia's history.

Further information, nomination and reservation forms may be requested from Joy Stalnaker, Chairperson, WV Archives and History Commission, 45 Abbotts Run Road, Horner, WV 26372, phone 304.269.7091; by e-mail to wvhistoryday@hackerscreek.com; or on the internet at http://www.culture.org/history/historyday2003.html