Robert F. Kidd Library

06/16/2026

The 76th WV State Folk Festival starts this Thursday evening with multiple activities throughout the weekend. The Library is home to the majority of all the historical records associated with this endeavor. The documentary below provides a glimpse into this long running tradition.

The West Virginia State Folk Festival began as a folk studies course in 1950 under the direction of the folklorist Patrick Gainer. In 1973, WWVU-TV staff member Carl Fleischhauer produced a television program about the festival's 24th edition. Public television station WWVU-TV was licensed to West Virginia University until 1983, when it ceased operation. Fleischhauer retained personal copies of videotapes of the final edited program and the raw footage of the festival's "over-50" fiddle and banjo contest, portions of which were selected for the final program. Many well-known West Virginia musicians are included, most of whom are identified by announcements within the recordings. The material was digitized by the Glenville State University Library.

The West Virginia State Folk Festival began as a folk studies cours...

06/04/2026

Today’s image comes from the recently acquired Dana Farnsworth Collection and shows the Ellis Run One-Room School in 1900. Some identifications include Springston, West, Woofter, Riddle, and Farnsworth children. The teacher was Laura Barretson Ball. Does anyone recognize an ancestor?

06/03/2026

Our second archival photo today is of the Hardman Fork One-Room School from 1923. Does anyone know the name of the teacher or any of the children in this photograph?

06/03/2026

One of our archival photos today is of the inside of a tavern from, most likely, prior to 1914. This came from a group of local photographs and is believed to be somewhere nearby. Does anyone have any additional information on this photo?

05/19/2026

The pottery coming out of Glenville State College during the late 1960s to 1990s was impressive. The catalyst for the endeavor was instructor Charles Scott's dedication and passion, and many alumni have taken these skills much further than would be expected. Do you have any of these pieces in your personal collection? Did you develop your ceramics skills under Mr. Scott or Mr. Harper?

05/07/2026

The Library welcomes back this year's 50-year grads. Do you recognize any familiar faces that will be returning to campus to celebrate tomorrow?

04/30/2026

Last night, the 47th Trillium Reading took place at the Library and was well attended. The Trillium is the Language and Literature Department’s annually produced, student literary magazine of Glenville State University. The Library is lucky enough to have a copy of every volume printed since its origin. A link to the issues from 2009-Present is in the comments below.

04/22/2026

West Virginia State Folk Festival Writer's Contest Deadline Extended to May 15! $100 Prizes! Additional information and link to submission form in comments.

04/16/2026

This mid-century photo shows students constructing 'The Pyramid' on campus, below Verona Mapel Hall. Do you think any Physical Education Courses still do this activity? Do you recognize anyone in this photograph?

04/14/2026

Today, we are posting a photograph of Glenville that we believe was from around 1955. This photo came from the Jack Stalnaker section of the Don Phillips Photography Collection.