Established in 2002, Appalshop archive cares for an extensive media collection that includes thousands of hours of 16mm film, videotape and audio recordings as well as photographic negatives and prints, paper documents and material ephemera that portray a multifaceted view of life and history in central Appalachia. Our physical infrastructure is in critical need of upgrades and renovations to so that we can properly preserve and digitize our collections. In addition to a secure work area, the 40 year old roof above the vault needs to be replaced. In the coming years, our ability to make a wealth of currently inaccessible materials available to community members as well as scholars, researchers, and the public, will depend on these infrastructure improvements.
With architectural and engineering plans drafted, we are now embarking on a 4-year capital campaign made possible by an Infrastructure and Capacity Building $125,000 Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. To meet the Challenge, we must match it 3 to 1 and raise $375,000 to leverage the total of $500,000 cost of upgrades.
Please consider making a donation to help ensure the longevity of and improved access to Appalshop Archive’s rich holdings by visiting our Project Donation Page.