Libraries
Local History
We welcome library patrons to use the Local History Collection for writing school and scholarly papers, researching family histories, or simply pursuing an interest.
The Local History Collection provides a central reference service, repository, and archive for the county's historical resources and documents.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Arlington School Desegregation
On February 2nd, 1959, four African-American children arrived at Stratford Junior High School to start their school day. This was the beginning of public school desegregation in Virginia. Arlington County was the first county in the state to desegregate their schools, and we are celebrating this occasion with a display in the Virginia Room of news articles, photographs and other materials from our collections.
The Virginia Room holds many materials relating to school desegregation. We have oral histories with educators, activists and family members of the four Stratford students, pictured at right, and many recordings of events where the children, now grown, told their stories first-hand. The Arlington Community Archives holds many records of the school system and the personal papers of those involved in the struggle, such as Dorothy Hamm and Barbara Marx. Come to the Virginia Room to learn more about this momentous anniversary.
Virginia Room
Located at Central Library, this is the reference service and repository for the county's historical resources.
Community Archives
Housed at an off-site facility, the Archives collects and preserves historical documents that narrate the history of the county.
Check out Our Back Pages, a feature that spotlights our collections and important events in Arlington history!
Online Exhibits
A Pictorial History of Arlington
A Virtual Tour of the Arlington Community Archives
Ask the Virginia Room your local history questions
HOURS
Monday: 10 am to 5 pm
Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
Wednesday: 1 pm to 9 pm
Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
