Exploring White Supremacy and the Ku Klux Klan in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia since World War I
The mission of the citizen history Seeking Truth project is to bring to light the history of the Ku Klux Klan in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia since World War I. By engaging community participation, the project will specifically focus on uncovering primary source information, both archival and information that may be located in the homes of private citizens, as a means of showing the scope of influence the Klan has had in the region.
By exposing the true nature and activities of organizations such as the KKK in the local area, the citizens of the Eastern Panhandle can better understand their history. This understanding can lead to an examination of our own personal prejudices and beliefs, and foster dialogue in the community about who we really are and who we wish to become.
The project aims to bring hidden truths to the forefront, as a way of engaging citizens, strengthening community ties, and healing the animosities and wounds of both the past and the present.
About Our Project
Seeking Truth is a citizen history project focused on revealing the impact of the Ku Klux Klan in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia since World War I. Our goal is to gather primary source information to showcase the significant influence of this organization in the region and to engage citizens in dialogue that will foster stronger community ties.
Through archival research and community engagement, we aim to create a comprehensive narrative that sheds light on the historical context and legacy of the Ku Klux Klan in the local community.
Testimony by Our Project Chairperson
Read the testimony by our project chairperson to learn what inspired him to conduct research on the Ku Klux Klan in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. He invites you to join our committee.
My Life in the Shadow by William Thompson
Contribute to Our Project
Get Involved!
Seeking Truth is a project in the early stages of development, and we need your help to grow and flourish. We have multiple opportunities to participate, either as a citizen historian, researcher, or volunteer.
Share a Story
Engage with local residents to uncover personal stories and artifacts that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the Klan’s impact. Do you have letters, scrapbooks, photos, or articles related to the history of the Ku Klux Klan in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia?
Call for Volunteers
Do you have experience in non-profit management, administration, PR, community activism or any other area you feel would be of benefit to the project? Get in touch! As a new project, we have lots of opportunities for participation.
Call for Researchers
Explore historical archives to reveal authentic accounts of the Ku Klux Klan’s activities and influence in the region. Are you an amateur or professional historian? Do you have a project that you feel is in line with the Seeking Truth mission? Or would you like an opportunity to help Seeking Truth expand our body of references? Contact us to offer your help in researching, cataloging, and writing this important local history story.
Contact us by emailing seekingtruthepwv@gmail.com and share how you’d like to be involved. To view other pages related to this project, click on the links below.
Martinsburg-Berkeley County, WV NAACP, Branch 3242 