I hope that this Center will become a beacon to those who want to immerse themselves in the legislative branch... the true people's branch of our government.

Senator Robert C. Byrd, 2002

The Robert C. Byrd Center Campaign

Senator Byrd's vision for the Center during its construction in 2002 was to study the full history of Congress from its origins in 1787 to the present and to make this information available to a wide public audience of citizens, teachers, and students. 

The United States Congress is too vital to the well-being of the nation to be ignored or for its story to be neglected. Like the Founders of this nation, Senator Byrd firmly believed that an informed citizenry, knowledgeable about the workings of government and the rights afforded by the Constitution, represents the best chance for the Great American Experiment in government to succeed. 

The Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, located on the campus of Shepherd University, works to promote a greater public understanding of the U.S. Congress and our constitutional system of government. Senator Byrd's extensive personal and office papers and the Center's other congressional collections contain a rich vein of West Virginia history, the history of Congress, and the history of the United States since World War II. 

You are invited to be a part of this significant campaign, which will enable the Byrd Center to:

  • Continue to sponsor free public projects and programs, such as film screenings, lectures, book talks, and unique symposiums that provide opportunities for greater ciziten engagement and dialogue on important issues before the nation, both past and present.
  • Process, preserve, and expand the Center's priceless archives and to make these available for researchers, educations, students of all ages and the public in their original form, through digital access, and traveling exhibits. 
  • Expand the Teacher Institute program throughout West Virginia to offer more educators the opportunity to learn about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Congress' constitutional role, and the legislative process. 
  • Provide more students with hands-on experience that enhances their academic studies through our Student Internship Program.

How to get involved:

Become a Friend of the Byrd Center and begin receiving monthly updates from the center and invitations to our upcoming programs and special events >>


Learn about our traveling exhibit Robert C. Byrd: Senator, Statesman, West Virginian and join us at one of our upcoming venues >>


Download information about our Special Fundraising Campaign to support the future growth of the center >>