WNAV History Saved As Museum Steps In

As WNAV prepares to leave its longtime Annapolis home, a significant piece of local broadcasting history is being preserved. An effort led by former WNAV reporter Donna Cole, working alongside station staff, management, and the National Capital Radio & Television Museum, has resulted in the rescue of dozens of historic artifacts before the station’s longtime home is vacated. 

Cole wrote that after learning of the station’s uncertain future following the sale of the property, she visited the building and found decades worth of memorabilia, equipment, photographs, documents, and newsroom materials still inside. Concerned that the collection could be discarded as the property changes hands, she contacted the National Capital Radio & Television Museum, which has experience preserving the history of radio and television stations. Museum officials quickly coordinated with WNAV owner Todd Bartley, former General Manager Steve Hopp, longtime announcer Charlie Stinchcomb, and others to begin salvaging nearly 80 years of station history. The museum has even rented additional storage space to house the growing collection and hopes to eventually record oral histories from former WNAVemployees. 

Among the items rescued were vintage broadcast equipment, signs, photographs, newsroom materials, advertising carts, and other artifacts documenting WNAV’s long service to Annapolis. While the station is leaving its longtime location, Bartley says WNAV itself is not going away. He told Annapolis Creative that the station plans to relocate to a new studio in Annapolis while continuing to broadcast from leased tower facilities. He also hopes to incorporate a museum style display into the new studios so listeners can continue to experience the station’s rich history as WNAV enters its next chapter. You can read more details here.