Commemorating and Preserving Local and Military History, APUS Donates 7,500 Books, War Journals, and Archives from Richard G. Trefry Library

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American Public University System (NASDAQ:APEI) announced the donation of approximately 7,500 books, journals, artifacts, and archival collections to various non-profit organizations, following the closure of its physical Richard G. Trefry Library. The donations are being distributed among six recipients, including local libraries, historical societies, and military institutions.

The donation includes materials from the Richard G. Trefry Archives, which documented the school's history and the career of the late U.S. Army Lieutenant General Richard G. Trefry, who served on the APUS Board for 22 years. The physical library closure was part of APUS's real estate portfolio optimization, with the university maintaining its robust online library and archives services.

Recipients Include Charles Town Public Library, Harpers Ferry Public Library, Jefferson County Historical Society, Jefferson County Museum, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, and the Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., July 16, 2025 /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."

Several non-profit organizations are grateful to receive these donations.

"By taking over the preservation of these photographs, post cards, newspaper articles, and other historical records, Jefferson County Historical Society has enhanced its ability to provide such historical resources for research about our community," said John Bagladi, Curator for the Historical Society. "It is only through the partnership of many organizations can we jointly continue to preserve and promote the rich history of 'Mr. (Thomas) Jefferson's County.'" 

Another local non-profit organization echoed that sentiment:

"The Jefferson County Museum is thrilled to receive archival and display supplies, as well as artifacts and archival materials transferred from the Trefry Library Collections," said Lori Wysong, Director, Jefferson County Museum, while noting their "extraordinary significance" to the County's history. "We are excited to make these collections accessible to researchers, and to display some of the objects and documents in future exhibits as well. We look forward to stewarding these collections for generations to come."

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.  

¹ APUS has been honored with the online Learning Consortium's Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and is a five-time recipient of the consortium's Effective Practice Award https://www.apus.edu/newsroom/awards/. 

² https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2025/ Ranking based on the most recent data available (2021-2022 cohort) showing students' median earnings 20 years following their initial enrollment at APUS.

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military. 

Media Contact
Frank Tutalo
Associate Vice President, Public Relations
FTutalo@apus.edu 

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SOURCE American Public University System

FAQ

What is APEI donating from its Richard G. Trefry Library in 2025?

APEI is donating approximately 7,500 books, journals, artifacts, and archival collections to six different organizations, including local libraries, historical societies, and military institutions.

Why did APEI close the Richard G. Trefry Library?

The physical library closed after the building's sale to the Jefferson County Commission as part of APUS's efforts to optimize its real-estate portfolio, considering its remote workforce. The university maintains a robust online library and archives.

Who are the recipients of APEI's library donations?

The recipients include Charles Town Public Library, Harpers Ferry Public Library, Jefferson County Historical Society, Jefferson County Museum, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, and the Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library.

What materials from General Richard G. Trefry are included in the APEI donation?

The donation includes artifacts, journals, photographs, memos and letters from the Richard G. Trefry Archives, documenting his 40-year military career from 1943 to 1983.