ACAF Aids in Historic Newspaper Preservation

ACAF • September 1, 2019

The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented a grant to the Bolivar Library to assist with efforts to digitize its collection of Allegany County Democrat newspapers.

 Published from 1867 – 1965 (initially as the Allegany Democrat) and with the tagline Fearless and Independent (see photo), the papers offer a look at happenings around the county and insight into local social and economic history. Library trustee Kelly Lounsberry notes that the papers will be a great resource for genealogists, teachers, town historians, and anyone researching the development of Allegany County.

The library’s collection spans the years 1874-1963 (with the exception of 1909 – 1923). Digitization is underway; the ACAF grant will help finish the project. Once it’s complete, interested persons may access the papers via CD at the library.

‘This a really interesting project that can benefit a variety of persons and communities.’ Reports ACAF Executive Director Bruce Campbell. ‘The Foundation is really pleased to participate in it.’

In addition to the Democrats, the library has 70+ years’ worth (1892 – 1956) of another local paper, The Bolivar Breeze. These are indexed, and exist now in hard copy and on microfilm. The library would like to eventually have these digitized, too.

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