College archivist leading way for local historical preservation
Larry LaFollette is serious about history. In fact, in has become his life’s work, his passion, as he serves as archivist at the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, working to collect and preserve bits of historical information while weaving the goods into a colorful and lasting tapestry that will keep Harlan County’s past alive for future generations to read, to view and enjoy.
Recently, LaFollette, who also heads the school’s Historical Information Management Program, and a group of local people have come together to create the Harlan County Historical Society. The society began meeting last July on a monthly basis and currently boasts a membership of over 40 people with about 12 regularly attending monthly meetings. The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month beginning at 7 p.m. in the conference room at the SKCTC Harlan Campus.
A native of Fremont, Ohio, he holds degrees from Florida State and Michigan State universities and has been at Southeast for eight years. He is upbeat about the development of the historical organization which is supported by Southeast.
“The organization,” he says, “holds the historical records of Harlan County to be its greatest cultural resource and works to promote the collection, preservation and use of the county’s historical record and encourages the open sharing of the county’s historical heritage.”
As an organization which promotes the value, access to and preservation of the historic resources of Harlan County, the membership, which represents all corners of the county, according to LaFollette, are committed to collecting, preserving and sharing the history of Harlan County, its communities and its people.
It also encourages pride in and appreciation of Harlan County’s rich history and fosters connections between the county’s past, present and future and promotes accuracy and authenticity in the telling of the history of Harlan County.
“We are working to maintain high standards of excellence in developing and maintaining a historical network which make historical records accessible to everyone while also working hard to boosts historical tourism in the area,” he said.
LaFollette is walking through the vast archives area of the Appalachian Center at Cumberland. The air is heavy with the scent of aged relics, manuscripts and other assorted artifacts. The specialized lighting designed for the room bathes the items lining the many shelves with a supernatural golden radiance as if the glow of the dawn is arriving to begin a new day.
The newly-formed organization, he said, “is about helping individuals with their historical treasures, helping them to preserve and organize their treasures as they share and display the artifacts with others. But we are not so much about actually collecting the items, but should someone wish to donate any piece of historical information we will be happy to add the piece to our growing collection.”
“The Harlan County Historical Society openly seeks photographs, letters, journals, diaries, personal and corporate papers and genealogical information. In a broader sense, we are seeking any and all information that factually portrays the life and culture of Harlan County. We refer to it as ‘evidence.’ Not ‘evidence’ in the legal sense as in a courtroom setting, but evidence that truthfully portrays what it means to have lived in Harlan County. This was a topic of considerable discussion in our formative meetings as our county has such a rich and colorful history that is often not well, accurately or impartially presented. One of the main goals is to see to it that the story of Harlan County is truthfully presented.”
LaFollette went on to mention that the mission of the organization is not so much about collecting individuals’ historical items but, rather, being of service, providing assistance in helping people share their historical information. “The traditional model of a historical society is: “We’ve got the stuff... you come see it. Our organization model is: You as a resident of Harlan County have in your closets, attics, garages and under the beds a wealth of historical information. Let us help you keep it yourself, have an appreciation for what one has, preserve it, organize it and make it virtually available to those who are interested.”
The organization’s website, which is under construction, will be, he acknowledges, crucial to this process as a great many people already have their own sites on a variety of social interaction sites.
“Often these sites contain great historical materials from Harlan County. Often though, in the case of photographs, it becomes the virtual equivalent of rummaging through a dresser drawer to find a photograph that may or may not be there. Our website will allows those who have an interest in making their materials available and we will provide the resources to organize them in a manner that makes them specifically and readily available with links to an individual’s webpage,” he said.
The collection and preservation of historical information is something everyone should take an interest in he suggested. “It’s our history. I believe the people of Harlan County take great pride in their heritage, and I also believe they have the desire to have the story of their lives, their families, their work, their schools, their churches and their social and cultural activities to be told well and told truthfully. In order for that to happen, all of those elements that historically describe our life together need to be available and accessible to all.”
So, in the meanwhile, LaFollette and the members of the Harlan County Historical Society are working to spread the word that no piece of local history should ever be forgotten.
For information about becoming a member of the historical society, contact LaFollette at SKCTC Cumberland, phone 589-3131 or at Larry.Lafollette@kctcs.edu
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