The W.G. Harvey Collection and Washington Street Baptist Church Collection contain 79 new items including two books.
“The W.G. Harvey and Washington Street Baptist Church collections are significant and fascinating pieces of Paducah history that we are so excited to be able to offer for easy access to the general public for the first time,” says Adult Services Manager Sarah McGowan.
Both collections can be accessed online by visiting the library’s website at www.mclib.net.
Library staff distributed special bookmarks promoting the collections’ release at the 44th Annual Eighth of August Emancipation Celebration Parade on Saturday.
The W.G. Harvey Collection consists of primary source material including photographs, writings, photocopies, and ephemera from the longtime pastor and civil rights leader. Harvey’s collection highlights his work with Harrison Street and New Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, as well as his pivotal role in local politics, as the first African-American elected as Paducah City Commissioner. The physical collection is on display in the library lobby through September 1st.
The Washington Street Baptist Church Collection is comprised of the church’s first ledger book and a publication detailing the congregation’s history in Paducah. The church was established in 1855 as the first African-American church in Western Kentucky.
For more information about the library’s historical resources, contact Local and Family History Coordinator Nathan B. Lynn at 270-442-2510 extension 134 or nlynn@mclib.net.
