Screening and Discussion of "Jay: A Rockefeller's Journey"

Historic photographs from the Byrd Center Archives showing Senator Rockefeller interacting with other members
​of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation, including (left) Senator Robert C. Byrd and Congressman (later Governor) Bob Wise, (center) Congressman Harley O. Staggers, Sr., and (right) Congressman Harley O. Staggers, Jr.

Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, April 27, the Byrd Center will screen a sixty-minute version of the West Virginia Public Broadcasting documentary "Jay: A Rockefeller's Journey." ​Doors will open at 6:00 pm and the film begins at 6:30 pm. 

The documentary explores why an heir to one of the nation’s largest family fortunes would come to one of the poorest states in the nation – and stay. The retired United States Senator discusses in many instances for the first time his motivations, inspirations, successes and failures, and lessons-learned from his arrival as a poverty worker to his chairmanship of some of the most influential committees in the U.S. Senate.

​Produced by award-winning Senior Producers Suzanne Higgins and Russ Barbour, the film includes in-depth conversations with the Senator, his wife Sharon Percy Rockefeller, legislative colleagues, constituents, staff members, historians, and journalists. The program threads archival news footage from the West Virginia State Archives and Marshall University’s Special Collections, with material from the Rockefeller Archive Center, donated photographs, film, and West Virginia Public Broadcasting video.

After the screening of a sixty-minute version of the film, Cecelia Mason will moderate a discussion with Higgins and Barbour.

There are still seats available for this event. Reserve your spot by contacting Mr. Jody Brumage at [email protected] or 304-876-5648. ​