Greetings - the LVA is pleased to announce the availability of the new Portsmouth Public Library photograph collection. The new database and photograph images can be found on the Library's web site: http://www.lva.lib.va.us In the "What We Have" section under "Photograph Collections." We are still processing this collection, but two significant components have been completed, the Olde Towne collection and the Lee F. Rodgers collection: The numerous photograph collections housed at the Portsmouth Public Library consist of 15,000 to 20,000 photographic prints as well as a large number of negatives and slides. The photographs date back to the late 1800s and cover a myriad of subjects including historic buildings, homes, churches, schools, commercial establishments, businesses, social and civic events, military life, local citizens and civic leaders, and a significant collection of images depicting the life and history of Portsmouth's black community dating back to the 1920s. Many of the photographs were taken by newspaper photographers such as Lee F. Rodgers of the Portsmouth Star, and amateur historians such as John Cloyd Emmerson and James Arthur Murdaugh who took block-by-block photographs of the city between the 1920s and the 1950s. The Olde Towne Photograph Collection consists of approximately 800 photographs of homes, churches, streets, commercial structures, and other historic sites located in and near the historic downtown area. The cataloging and digitization of this collection was funded by a grant from the Olde Towne Civic League Foundation. Lee F. Rodgers was a reporter for the Portsmouth Star during the 1950s and 1960s and wrote the "Colored Notes" column. The Rodgers collection consists of approximately 1,500 photographic prints originally displayed in nine (9) albums or binders. Many of the photographs were used to illustrate his column. Most of the photographs are undated but generally span the decades between the 1920s and 1960s. Subjects represented include: servicemen and women; individuals and families; fraternal organizations and clubs; vocal groups; schools; recreational, social, and cultural activities; and events related to civil rights and desegregation. Please contact me if you have any problems using this database. Elizabeth -- Elizabeth Roderick email ([log in to unmask]) Director, Digital Library Program voice (804) 692-3761 The Library of Virginia fax (804) 692-3771 800 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23218 ********************************************** http://www.lva.lib.va.us The Digital Library Program ********************************************** To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html