Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education Director Ray Smock, right, stands by his replacement, George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War Director Jim Broomall, in the Byrd Center’s archives last month. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — On Nov. 15, the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education announced the appointment of its next director, Shepherd University associate professor of history Jim Broomall, who will take over the position from interim director Ray Smock at the beginning of the new year.

Broomall, who is also the director of the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, will be taking a step back from some of his teaching obligations at the university, so he can take on the role of director at both centers. These two organizations, according to Broomall, have a similar vision, which makes them compatible to manage together.

“Both centers are grounded in the deep history of West Virginia, and this moment affords an opportunity to cultivate and promote guiding partnerships,” Broomall said, mentioning he is interested in conducting shared projects between the two centers.

Regarding the future of the Byrd Center, which has only been led by two previous directors — Smock, from 2002-2017 and 2021-2023, and Jay Wyatt, from 2017-2021 — it has much potential for growth, according to Broomall.

“As we enter this new phase of leadership, it is essential that we renew our commitment to civic education, especially among the local and regional community, but also continue a history of excellence in public programming. Only by redoubling these efforts can we promote a clearer understanding of the role and history of the United States Congress and our sacred Constitution,” Broomall said. “I am excited and honored to continue the work of my colleague and friend, Dr. Ray Smock, and look forward to collaborating with the Robert C. Byrd Center’s Board of Directors.”

The leadership of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education will undergo a change at the beginning of the new year. Tabitha Johnston

Smock, who served as the former Historian of the U.S. House of Representatives, before becoming the Byrd Center’s founding director, will retain a connection with the Byrd Center as director emeritus and resident scholar, but will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations.

“I feel confident about the future of the Byrd Center. The staff it will have, I couldn’t be happier about! It’s good to see that, as I leave, there’s good people here,” Smock said, noting the George Tyler Moore Center’s program assistant, Kristen Marino, will be remaining in that part-time position and taking on a second one, as the office manager at the Byrd Center. “It’s going to be there’s to shape. I think they’ll maintain what has already been established here, and add some new wrinkles that I never thought of, and that’s what each generation should do it. Because we’re not just passing it on to a new director — we’re passing it on to a new generation of scholars and practitioners. They’re much more savvy with electronics than I am!”

Smock, in particular, said he has seen a trend developing in recent years, for organizations like the Byrd Center to develop a strong online presence. He views developing an online archive, which is currently taking place under the direction of Archivist Tish Wiggs, and increasing blog, vlog, podcast and social media output, as the potential steps in line with that trend, which the incoming, younger generation of leadership might take at the Byrd Center.

Support for Broomall’s appointment as Byrd Center director has been received from both the Congressional Education Foundation, which oversees the Byrd Center’s work, as well as the Shepherd University leadership.

“We are honored and very pleased to have Dr. Broomall assume the leadership of the Byrd Center, and we look forward to working with him to foster the mission of the center,” said Congressional Education Foundation Chairman Joe Stewart.

Shepherd University President Mary J.C. Hendrix wholeheartedly agreed.

“We are delighted that Dr. Broomall will lead the Byrd Center and carry on the rich legacy established by Dr. Smock,” Hendrix said. “We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Smock for his remarkable contributions in making the center a world-class Congressional archive and educational resource dedicated to promoting representative democracy. I look forward, under Dr. Broomall’s leadership, to further advancing the special partnership between the Byrd Center and the university.”