By Jody Brumage

As we process the collections in our archive at the Byrd Center, we often come across photographs that pique our interest. Some of the most compelling are photographs which capture meetings between the members whose papers we preserve and celebrities. Looking into related documents in the collection, we uncover stories behind legislative efforts or projects which led to these intriguing meetings. One such image is a photograph of Congressman Harley O. Staggers with actor Lorne Greene, famous for his role as Ben Cartwright in the long-running television western Bonanza. Taken in 1976, the photograph shows Greene presenting Congressman Staggers with an award on behalf of the American Horse Protection Association following the passage of amendments to the Horse Protection Act.​

By Jody Brumage
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Forty years ago, Congress passed the most comprehensive set of laws seeking to improve working conditions and benefits for miners in the United States. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 was built on the foundation of several important legislative achievements in the long effort to make mining a safer industry. This act brought several different regulations and oversight groups under one organizational structure and improved the safety net for miners who suffered the ramifications of this dangerous occupation, such as respiratory illnesses like Black Lung.

By Jody Brumage

This week, our traveling exhibit, Robert C. Byrd: Senator, Statesman, West Virginian is going to be featured in the West Virginia Press Association Convention at Canaan Valley. We thank the press association for this opportunity to share the exhibit with representatives of the press from across the state, many of whom have helped us to spread the word about various events on our exhibit tour over the past sixteen months. The upcoming trip inspired us to look into the archives and see what role Senator Byrd played in the creation of one aspect of this scenic region: the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.