Storer

THE RECORDS OF

STORER COLLEGE

in the

University Archives

Virginia Union University

April 1999

These records reflect the status and activities of Storer College, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Storer was founded in 1867 by the Home Mission Society of the Free Baptist Church, and named in honor of the late Mr. John Storer, a prosperous businessman of Sanford, Maine. Storer College was the first higher educational institution for African Americans in West Virginia.

Storer College ceased operation in 1955. In 1964, the College’s assets were divided between Virginia Union University and Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia. Storer’s endowment went to Virginia Union and it’s alumni files were welcomed into Virginia Union’s Alumni Association. Storer’s campus is now part of the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.

Other Storer College records can be found at the library of Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and at Howard University’s Moorland-Springarn Research Center.

The bulk of the collection is Annual Reports submitted by Storer College’s fourth president, Richard I. McKinney. The 1947 Report also contains minutes for a Board of Trustees meeting. The 1949 Report includes a "comprehensive report" on the school after President McKinney’s first five years in office.