Teaching with primary sources
The documents provided below from the Archives of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education accompany a teaching module which engages students in critically assessing the social and economic issues facing Appalachia through the lens of the Appalachian Regional Commission. There are over 150 pages of primary documents incorporated in this digital exhibit, many of which are included in the lesson plan timeline. For guidance on incorporating primary sources in classroom instruction, visit the Library of Congress and the National Archives for resources and examples.
The Legislation and Related Correspondence
This gallery contains the Area Redevelopment Act and Appalachian Regional Development Act legislation and related correspondence from Senator Byrd and others concerning their formation.
Area Redevelopment Act Projects
The documents in this gallery are carbon copies of correspondence sent from Congressman Harley O. Staggers, Sr.'s, office concerning applications for and approved projects under the Area Redevelopment Act.
Download all of the documents in a PDF here >>
Download all of the documents in a PDF here >>
Appalachian Regional commission projects (1965-1970)
This collection of documents contains press releases from the office of Senator Robert C. Byrd detailing projects approved for funding under the first authorization of the Appalachian Regional Development Act between 1965 and 1970.
Download a PDF of all of these documents here >>
Download a PDF of all of these documents here >>
Appalachian Regional COmmission Projects (1975-1980)
This series of press releases from the ARC in the late-1970s illustrate the evolution of projects supported by the commission a decade after its formation. These press releases are from the Robert C. Byrd Congressional Papers Collection.