RESEARCH LIBRARY COLLECTION
Founded in 1981, the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia Library is in the Trinity Church Building. The Trinity Church building also houses the Society’s office.
The CHSV Collection contains around 30,000 items, 95% donated by County residents and non-residents, alike.
The CHSV Library is open weekdays to visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There are photocopiers available for a charge. Research requests fulfilled by staff has a fee of $25.
CHSV Library and Collections include:
Maps: A comprehensive collection (1607-2019) of county and regional maps, including the Colonial era, Revolutionary War, Civil War, Coal Mining, Railroads and Rivers, and more.
Manuscripts: Original documents including diaries, church minute books, country store ledgers, family Bible records, letters, genealogy charts, and more.
Picture Collection: Over 5,500 County photographs, from tin-types to digital.
Rare Books: Includes out-of-print books and original manuscripts. Available to the serious historian by appointment. Many items have been photocopied for general use.
Cemetery Records: An alphabetical file of over 12,000 known burials in Chesterfield County recorded from family graveyards, church cemeteries and other resources
Vertical Files: An extensive alphabetical file on people, places and events in Chesterfield County, including newspaper and magazine clippings, brochures, programs and flyers as well as promotional materials and historic records.
Family History Files: Research files on Chesterfield County families.
Census Records: From records in the late 1700s to 20th Century census indices.
Abstracts of Title Deed Searches: From the mid-1800s thru to the 1930s.
Periodicals: Copies of select newspapers as well as genealogical publications.
Research Requests
Thank you for the opportunity to assist in your research on people, places, and events in Chesterfield County history. As the birthplace of the second permanent English settlement in the New World with the first hospital, coal mines, ironworks, tobacco farming, and many other significant events, we have a history we are proud to share! We are only able to conduct research on Chesterfield County history and residents. Please note that there is a minimum charge of $25.00 per research request. Copies and postage are extra. Upon evaluation of your request, you will be contacted to discuss the request and anticipated charge.
