# WMRN Archive Wishlist - Link: https://wmrnhistory.com/wishlist/ - Published: 2026-05-18T00:28:09-04:00 - Author: Brendon Hamblin The WMRN Radio History Archive is an ongoing historical preservation initiative dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the history of WMRN-AM 1490 and WMRN-FM in Marion, Ohio. Through photographs, recordings, station memorabilia, apparel, documents, oral histories, and archival materials, the archive works to preserve decades of local broadcasting history for future generations. The supplies, preservation equipment, exhibit materials, and outreach resources listed below directly support the long-term preservation, digitization, organization, exhibition, and accessibility of historic WMRN materials. --- ## Why This Matters For generations, WMRN served as a companion to everyday life across Marion and surrounding communities. Local radio informed listeners during severe weather, breaking news, school closings, sports broadcasts, elections, fundraisers, and historic moments both local and national. Many surviving materials connected to WMRN are now fragile and increasingly difficult to preserve. Photographs fade. Cassette tapes deteriorate. Newspaper clippings become brittle. Audio recordings and obsolete media formats require specialized equipment to safely access and digitize. Archival preservation supplies and digitization equipment help ensure these materials survive for future generations of listeners, historians, researchers, broadcasters, students, and the Marion community. ** Every contribution directly supports the preservation of Marion broadcasting history. ** --- ## Most Needed Right Now * Archival document storage boxes * Acid-free photo sleeves * Buffered archival tissue paper * External hard drives for digital preservation * Archival garment storage boxes * Plastic shelving for organized storage * Cassette and reel-to-reel preservation supplies * Display and exhibit materials * Protective handling supplies * Portable exhibit signage and outreach materials --- ## Recommended Preservation Supplies & Equipment The following items directly support the preservation, organization, digitization, and exhibition of historic WMRN materials. ### Archival Document Storage Boxes Used to safely preserve historic WMRN documents, photographs, station paperwork, and fragile paper materials long-term. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.archivalmethods.com/product/document-boxes) ### Archival Garment Storage Box Used to preserve historic WMRN station apparel including jackets, sweaters, polos, and promotional clothing safely long-term. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.containerstore.com/s/storage/under-the-bed-storage/university-products-archival-under-bed-garment-storage-box/12d?productId=10000203) ### Buffered Archival Tissue Paper Used for wrapping fragile artifacts, padding textile folds, and protecting delicate historical materials. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.archivalmethods.com/product/archival-tissue) ### Archival Photo Sleeves Used to safely protect historic WMRN photographs, negatives, and printed materials from fingerprints, scratches, dust, and deterioration. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.bcwsupplies.com/6x8-photo-sleeves) ### External Hard Drive Used to safely back up scans, podcast recordings, digitized audio, photographs, and archival database exports. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Toshiba-Canvio-Advance-Plus-Portable-External-2TB-Hard-Drive-Honey/5166665471) ### Archival Storage Shelving Used to organize archival boxes, preservation supplies, historical materials, and digitization equipment safely and efficiently. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-Black-Plastic-4-Tier-56-2-H-x-30-W-x-13-8-D-280lb-Total-Capacity/360918655) ### Nitrile Preservation Gloves Used when handling fragile photographs, negatives, glossy prints, and delicate historical materials. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=powder+free+nitrile+gloves) ### Portable Display Easels Used for exhibits, historical displays, community outreach events, and educational presentations. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=display+easel+stand) ### Folding Event Tables Used for archive exhibits, public events, scanning workstations, and preservation activities. [ View Preservation Item ](https://www.walmart.com/search?q=folding+table) --- ## Exhibit & Outreach Materials These materials support public exhibits, traveling displays, educational outreach events, community engagement, and historical interpretation efforts connected to the WMRN Radio History Archive. ### Retractable Banner Stands Portable museum-style banner displays used during public exhibits, local history events, outreach programs, and archive presentations. [ View Exhibit Item ](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=retractable+banner+stand) ### Portable Exhibit Panels Freestanding display panels for historical photographs, station timelines, interpretive displays, and traveling exhibits. [ View Exhibit Item ](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=portable+display+panels) ### Acrylic Sign Holders Museum-style holders for exhibit labels, artifact descriptions, informational signage, and interpretive cards. [ View Exhibit Item ](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=acrylic+sign+holders) ### Tabletop Literature Holders Used for brochures, archive information sheets, event handouts, exhibit guides, and visitor materials. [ View Exhibit Item ](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=brochure+holder) ### Event Table Covers & Runners Professional presentation materials used for archive booths, public exhibits, local history events, and outreach displays. [ View Exhibit Item ](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stretch+table+cover) ### Portable Exhibit Lighting Compact lighting solutions for exhibit tables, temporary displays, artifacts, and community presentation spaces. [ View Exhibit Item ](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=portable+display+lighting) --- ## Audio Preservation Needs Preserving historic radio recordings presents unique challenges. Many recordings survive only on aging or obsolete media formats that require specialized equipment to safely digitize. * Cassette decks * Reel-to-reel playback equipment * VHS digitization hardware * Audio cleaning supplies * Archival media storage cases * Digital audio backup drives * Microphones for oral history interviews * Audio interfaces and recording hardware The archive continues working to preserve: * Historic airchecks * Station jingles * News broadcasts * Commercials * Sports broadcasts * Interviews * Community programming * Personal recordings saved by listeners and former employees --- ## Historical Materials We Are Seeking The archive is always interested in learning about historical materials connected to WMRN-AM and WMRN-FM. * Photographs of the station or staff * Airchecks and recordings * Cassette tapes and reel recordings * Station memorabilia * Promotional items and apparel * Newspaper clippings * Sales materials and advertisements * Personal recollections and stories * Documents connected to station history * Broadcast equipment or artifacts Even small items or memories can help preserve an important piece of Marion broadcasting history. --- ## How You Can Help * Purchase preservation supplies * Donate archival materials or memorabilia * Share photographs and recordings * Connect the archive with former staff members and families * Contribute historical information or memories * Share archive projects with the community * Help identify people, dates, and locations in historic materials ** The preservation of local broadcasting history depends on community support.** Every photograph preserved, every recording digitized, and every story documented helps ensure the history of WMRN remains accessible for future generations. --- ## Contact the Archive If you would like to contribute materials, share information, or support preservation efforts, please contact the archive directly. **Email:** archive@wmrnhistory.com **Phone:** [740-914-2335](https://wmrnhistory.com/wishlist/+17409142335) Thank you for helping preserve Marion’s radio history.