A depot saved for the next generation of researchers

From threatened building to research destination

The Pittsylvania County Public Library traces the History Research Center's preservation story to 2001. With Norfolk Southern planning to demolish Chatham's 1918 Southern Railway Depot, the Pittsylvania Historical Society raised funds and purchased the building.

The county Board of Supervisors sponsored applications for transportation enhancement grants, and preservation work began in 2006.

The county's library overview says the library system has operated the center since 2013. The building's second life joins the preservation of a physical landmark with access to the region's remembered lives.

The library describes exhibits of clothing, tools, crafts and photographs, along with research computers, printed resources and microfilm equipment.

Bring a question to the right collection

Start a visit with a name, an approximate date and the records already in hand. A family photograph can suggest a question; a newspaper or directory may help establish the date or place.

Keep notes on where each answer came from.

The center also points researchers toward the county Clerk of Circuit Court for records it does not hold, including deeds and marriage licenses. Checking that distinction before a trip helps visitors spend their time with the collection most likely to answer their question.