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Roanoke libraries add David Ramey Sr. archive to Gainsborough branch; city proclaims National Arts and Humanities Month
Summary
Roanoke Public Libraries and the Taubman Museum transferred more than 600 drawings and journals by local artist David Ramey Sr. to the Gainsborough Branch archives. Library and arts staff described the collection and announced a new Fourth Floor hallway exhibition tied to a Pilgrim at Tinker Creek-themed show; Mayor Joseph L. Cobb issued a related
Roanoke Public Libraries officials told City Council on Monday they have added more than 600 drawings and journals by local artist David Ramey Sr. to the Gainsborough Branch archives.
"Last month, we were delighted to welcome the art and journals of, David Ramey Sr. To the archives of the Gainsborough Branch Library. So this collection consists of over 600 pieces drawn from his memory," Sheila Umberger, director of libraries, said during a presentation. Library staff said the drawings document historic Henry Street and other neighborhood sites, and that staff are creating detailed descriptions and searchable metadata to accompany scanned images for long-term preservation and research access.
Doug Jackson, the city's Arts and Culture Coordinator, described a new temporary exhibition in the fourth-floor municipal hallway tied to a community book club that reflected on Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Jackson said the hallway show includes 30 new images and will be paired with artist talks before evening council meetings to invite the public into the building.
Council also received a proclamation from Mayor Joseph L. Cobb proclaiming October 2025 as National Arts and Humanities Month in Roanoke, noting the economic and civic contributions of arts and cultural activity to the city. Library and arts staff acknowledged partners involved in the Ramey collection project, including staff from the Taubman Museum and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, and family members who worked with the city to transfer the materials.
Why it matters: the Ramey archive preserves visual and written remembrances of neighborhoods and sites — including scenes no longer extant — and makes those materials available for community research and exhibitions. Officials said some images may be unique documentary records of demolished places or lost streetscapes.
Ending: Library staff said they will continue cataloging, scanning and adding searchable descriptions to the Ramey materials and will schedule public programming tied to the collection and the new hallway exhibition.
