APUS preserves local and military history with donation of 7,500 books, war journals, and archives from Richard G. Trefry Library
American Public University System (APUS) is donating approximately 7,500 books, journals, artifacts, and archival collections to several non-profit organizations, signaling its ties to the local community and U.S. military.
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va./PRNewswire/ - American Public University System (APUS) is donating approximately 7,500 books, journals, artifacts, and archival collections to several non-profit organizations, signaling its strong ties to the local community and U.S. military.
The University's charitable donations are supported by its Richard G. Trefry Library, formerly located at 330 North George Street. Though the physical library closed after the building's sale to the Jefferson County Commission, the University still operates a robust online library and online archives enabling 24/7 access to vital resources (the building sale was part of ongoing efforts to optimize the University's real-estate portfolio, considering its remote workforce).
The recipients include:
- Charles Town Public Library (approximately 300 audio books);
- Harpers Ferry Public Library (novels);
- Jefferson County Historical Society (historical records);
- Jefferson County Museum (artifacts and archival materials);
- The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania (artifacts, journals, photographs, memos and letters from Richard G. Trefry Archives); and
- The Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library at the Command & General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas (100 books).
"We're so grateful that these collections showing our rich history will be preserved and appreciated," said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, APUS Provost. "Thanks to the many local and military organizations who have stepped up, we have found good homes for so many significant books and artifacts."
The University's library included the Richard G. Trefry Archives which housed documents on the school's history and progress, plus a large manuscript collection detailing the career of the late U.S. Army Lieutenant General Richard G. Trefry, who served as a Board member with American Military University (AMU) and APUS for 22 years, up until 2017. His lengthy, distinguished military career spanned 40 years, from 1943 to 1983.
"I'm deeply grateful that my husband's papers and research have found such good homes, as General Trefry was always a teacher who loved education," said Jacquelyn Trefry, wife of General Trefry. "It means so much to know that, even posthumously, his work will continue teaching and helping others thanks to the University's care and commitment."
About American Public University System - American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a rich, 34-year history and vibrant community of over 155,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning1. APUS is in the top 22% for students' return on educational investment, compared to 4,396 colleges and universities nationwide, based on data collected by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2025)2.
APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information, visit www.apus.edu.
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