Welcome!
West Virginia Archives and History


Whether studying for the Golden Horseshoe exam, researching your family lineage, or looking for information on the history of West Virginia, the Archives and History website is the premier on-line resource. The site features primary and secondary source documents, photographs, and databases; lists collections and other materials available in the State Archives; and provides research guides and assistance for genealogists.


Articles and documents on this site contain the exact wording of the original. Comments and suggestions about the Archives and History section of this website may be addressed to Mary Johnson at the West Virginia State Archives. The Archives will not answer e-mail research requests. All research requests must be submitted in writing to the Archives and History Library; The Culture Center; 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, E.; Charleston, WV 25305-0300. Research requests from outside West Virginia must be accompanied by a $20 research fee; a $10 research fee must accompany in-state requests (checks made payable to Department of Arts, Culture and History). Please read the Archives’ listing of services available for more details on research correspondence. Important information regarding checks received for payments

The Archives Library is located in the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston (GPS coordinates: 38° 20’15″N 81° 36’50″W). Current hours are 9-5 Tuesday-Saturday. To visit, take Exit 99 (State Capitol/Greenbrier Street) of Interstate 64/77. Visitors to the Culture Center have several parking options.

For more information, contact West Virginia Archives and History at (304) 558-0230.