The Center for Local History collects, preserves and shares resources that illustrate Arlington County's history, diversity and communities. They operate a public research room at Central Library and an off-site Arlington Community Archives repository.
The staff of librarians and archivists develop collections of unique research material and make them available for use by residents, students, teachers, genealogists, scholars, authors and anyone who is interested in learning more about Arlington County.
In addition, the staff supports events and exhibits that spotlight local stories and offers classes on digitizing photos, home videos and more.
The newest Community Archives collections!
Explore the Bill Thomas Historic Preservation Photograph Collection that features neighborhoods, roads and highways in Arlington County.
Explore the Arlington Association Holly Ball Collection that was held between 1955 to 1986. The collection features photos from the 1968 and 1971 ball.
Up next from the Center for Local History...
Stop in at a Center for Local History Open House on the first Saturday of every month to browse unique collections of photos, records, maps and more or chat with our staff.
Learn how to preserve your memories stored in photographs with Digital Archivist Gregory Pierce who shares tips and best practices for storing and scanning.
The Center for Local History celebrates a local historian
In honor of the late Charlie Clark, the Center for Local History will be known as the Charlie Clark Center for Local History.
Charlie Clark was a local journalist, historian and researcher who published several books on his beloved Arlington County, including “Arlington County Chronicles,” “Hidden History of Arlington County” and “Lost Arlington County.”
“Charlie was a community ‘weaver,’ one of those special people who knit community together,” said Library Director Diane Kresh. “He was a great friend to the library, a consummate storyteller and thorough researcher who was frequently using our archives. Renaming the Center for Local History is a fitting tribute to Charlie."