Preserve Your Past!

Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 2022

The Louisa County Historical Society welcomes you to research and preserve

your family history!

Celebrate your family’s heritage by participating in this two-part initiative -

Scan Your Roots and Search Your Roots.

Scan Your Roots - Preserve your historical documents and photos. Take advantage of the LCHS digitization initiative, which transfers printed material and historic artifacts to electronic media.

Search Your Roots – Work with a research specialist to discover the stories of your ancestors. Peel back the layers of time to better understand where and how they lived.

Appointment Slots are Limited. Reserve Today!

Scan Your Roots

Bring your photos, bibles, letters, recipes,

and documents to the museum.

By appointment only, your session will last up to 30 minutes to include

five items. Items must be one-sided, and no larger than 13” x 18”.

For best results, items should lay flat, not be curled, folded or creased.

Our archival team will use professional tools and techniques

to digitize and enhance your items,

keeping your treasures preserved for future generations.

Take home your originals and the digital copies.

Digitization Appointment Form

Search Your Roots

Tell us what you’d like to learn about your family history.

We can help you uncover the branches of your family tree

through genealogy.

Come with your research form filled out and reserve your one-hour guided research session with LCHS staff to find your answers.

Unsure about what to include on your form? Staff will sit with you and help you fill it out.

All forms are also available for download below.

Research Appointment Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at collections@louisahistory.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Does LCHS keep my items?

No, our archival team will create a digital copy of your item for you to take home with your original. If you wish to donate either a digital copy or the original item to LCHS, there will be information on how to donate your materials to the museum at the event.

Can I bring an artifact or an object to be digitized?

We will only be able to digitize materials that are one-sided and no larger than 13” x 18” at the Scan Your Roots event. If you have an item that does not fit these parameters, please contact LCHS at collections@louisahistory.org to make special arrangements.

Can I attend Scan Your Roots and Search Your Roots with one ticket?

No, you will need a separate ticket for each service. Please note that the day of Scan Your Roots there will only be consultation appointments for Search Your Roots.

How will I receive my digitized item?

Your digitized item can be saved on a CD or USB drive which you will receive at the end of your appointment. Additional digital formats are available on request.

Can I schedule my Search Your Roots research session for May 20 or May 21?

No, you will find the available dates for research sessions under the Search Your Roots Book Appointments Online section. On May 20 and 21, we will only be able to provide assistance with completing the Background Research Form for a future research appointment.

Where can I find a family tree diagram like that pictured above? Will you be providing them?

Researchers will work with you to diagram your family tree. Pedigree charts can be found from various organization and range from basic lines to more elaborate decorative art. The tree featured in our image above is sold by our business partner Jigsaw Genealogy.