Thanks to a generous donation from West Virginia Feminist Activist and Women's History Collection Advisory Board member Deb Miller, the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC) will continue its mission to discover, preserve, and share the stories of women who shaped the Appalachian region via a full-time women’s collections archivist.
With over 62 individual archives, each containing numerous items and documents, the West Virginia Feminist Activist and Women's History Collection has a base of information for research and academic work by students, authors, faculty, and others about the groundbreaking activities in the field of women's rights.
Miller’s donation of $255,000 now ensures for 3 years, a dedicated archivist will uncover, record, and provide access to the historic steps women and men have taken to improve many conditions for women in our society. This is the first step in the WVRHC’s 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 founder of the collection and advisory board, Judith Stitzel, and I were talking about the National Endowment for the Humanities grant that has underwritten the archivist position for a number of years. It has been so helpful, but it will end on December 31, 2026,” said Miller.
“That would mean no one would be available in 2027 to handle the feminist activist and women’s history documents the way they are now. We discussed how much it would cost to fund that position from private support for a possible 3 years. I had never done anything like that before, but it seemed so important that I decided to use some of my good stocks to fund the archivist position and ensure that the progress will continue.”
Miller’s donation of stocks benefited both the WVRHC and Miller. She avoided capital gains, making a gift at today’s full value while ensuring a substantial deduction on her federal returns.
“It was easy because the stocks went from my brokerage account to the WVU Foundation account very quickly,” said Miller.
Supporters and friends are encouraged to engage with the West Virginia Feminist Activist and Women's History Collection in multiple ways, including identifying and donating relevant personal, event, or organizational materials. 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 West Virginia Feminist Activist and Women's History Collection, the women’s collections archivist position, or ways to support this initiative may contact WVRHC Director 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 lasting future of this vital historical resource.