Libraries
Arlington Community Archives
Arlington Hall, ca. 1943. A former girls finishing school, Arlington Hall was taken over by the Signal Corps in 1942. During World War II, crucial work on breaking German codes was performed here.
The Arlington Community Archives collects and preserves historical documents that narrate the history of Arlington County, its citizens, organizations, and social issues. Researchers can find personal papers, photographs, and archival records of local organizations, clubs, and associations. The archives are an extension of the Virginia Room, the county's local history collection located at Central Library.
Since the archives are located at an off-site facility, researchers need to allow two or three days for material to be retrieved and made available in the Virginia Room. All users are encouraged to contact the archivist or Virginia Room staff prior to a visit.
If you have suggestions for possible donations or would like to donate historical material, please contact the archivist.
Access
A portion of the Community Archives collections is cataloged. Researchers may access the online catalog, or visit the library's homepage. Due to the limited nature of the cataloging, researchers are encouraged to contact the Archivist with reference queries.
A Virtual Tour of the Archives
What care goes into preserving a collection and how is an archive maintained? Click here for a virtual tour of the Arlington Community Archives.
Research Usage Policies
Guidelines for using materials from the Arlington Community Archives.
Collections
The following subject guides to the collection are updated periodically. If you have questions, please contact the archivist.
