Ohio County Public Library Archives
In 1950, W.C. Brown, one of the Wheeling’s early photographers, donated to the library a collection of prints from photographs he and his father had taken. Providing fascinating a glimpse into 19th and early 20th century Wheeling, the Brown Collection is one of the most important held by the Ohio County Public Library. The Brown Collection of Photographs was the first major building block in what has evolved into the library’s Archives and Special Collections.
Since the addition of the Brown collection, the library has acquired many more additional collections of photographs and other materials over the years. Former assistant director Lou Horacek did yeoman’s work in organizing, catalouging and preserving and protecting what now comprises the library’s Archives and Special Collections. Thanks to Lou’s efforts, a large percentage of the collection is accessible online via the library’s Flickr page, and the library archives staff is currently working to increase and improve that accessibility for researchers.
In 2013, the library added a secure new room to safely and properly house its growing collection.In 2014, a large bed scanner with capabilities to scan and read fragile texts as well as handle over-sized photographs was purchased. The addition of the scanner will allow staff member to add materials that previously been unable to be digitized to the library’s online collections.
CAPABILITIES OF OUR ARCHIVES
- Storage and protection of archival materials
- Scanning: texts, photographs, photographic negatives
- Creation of searchable pdfs from historic texts
- Video and video processing for spoken histories and interviews
- Photograph Conservation
- High-resolution photography
Interesting in donating to or viewing our collections?
- Read our ARCHIVAL POLICY
ABOUT THE OHIO COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Established in 1882, The Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling is West Virginia’s oldest tax-supported library. The library’s aim is to educate and connect our citizens and communities while preserving our rich heritage.
52 16th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-232-0244 | http://www.ohiocountylibrary.org
CONTACT THE OHIO COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
