Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History today announced that he has named Joe Geiger of Huntington as director of the agency’s Archives and History Section, effective Jan. 1, 2009. Geiger will be responsible for administering the state archives, archives library, historical collections and the database for the Veterans Memorial.
Since 1998, Geiger has worked for Archives and History, serving as historian, Webmaster and assistant director. In November, 2007, he was appointed acting director of the section. For the past 11 years, he also has served as an adjunct professor in the history department at Marshall University. Before that, Geiger worked in the finance division for the City of Huntington.
“I love West Virginia and its people and am passionate about its history,” said Geiger. “I am honored to assume the duties as director of Archives and History, and blessed to work with an experienced staff that does exemplary work in collecting, preserving and making accessible the history of West Virginia and is dedicated to serving the people of the state.”
Reid-Smith said, “I am so pleased that Joe has accepted the position. For the last 10 years, he has shared his talents and enthusiasm for history and understands the value of our storied past. His knowledge and leadership skills are a great asset to the Division.”
Geiger received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in marketing and a master’s degree in history from Marshall University. He has published numerous scholarly articles and a book, Civil War in Cabell County, West Virginia, 1861-1865.
In addition, Geiger is a member of the Commission on Archives and History for the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the West Virginia Historical Society, and the Mining Your History Foundation.
For more information, contact Jacqueline Proctor, deputy commissioner for the Division, at (304) 558-0220.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. Its administrative offices are located at the Cultural Center in the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, which also houses the state archives and state museum. The Cultural Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. The agency also operates a network of museums and historic sites across the state. For more information about the Division’s programs, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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