The HRHS Archives "Finding Aids" that are available for research.

Archived Items

Documents and other collections are described in these finding aids.

 

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HRHS-1 F. Flavia Converse Collection—Professional Papers, c.1917-c.1964 (Boxes 1-10)

This collection consists of correspondence, notes, and other material relating to Converse’s professional genealogical research. They contain the correspondence of individuals seeking information regarding their ancestors, and Converse’s reports to them regarding her findings. The finding aid for this collection consists of the general finding aid, which will explain the collection’s unique arrangement, and a detailed surname inventory of the subseries “Patron Files.”

 

HRHS-2 Ruby Layman Collection, c.1940s

This is a scrapbook assembled during World War II, including photocopies of loose clippings. Many of the articles concern local citizens during the war, and are indexed in the finding aid.

 

HRHS-3 Simms-Wilson Collection, c.1877-c.1929

The collection consists of a roll book [containing class rosters, essays, and class lessons and/or notes and also was used as a scrapbook of poetry and prose newspaper clippings], two photographs, photocopies, a letter, and other papers of Lucy Simms and U.G. Wilson. Simms and Wilson were prominent African-American educators in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

 

HRHS-4 J. O. Stickley Collection, 1910-1978

The collection consists of materials pertaining to a major agricultural implement business in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Includes sales books from 1912 to 1960, photographs, clippings, reports, and other miscellaneous items documenting the Stickley family’s business and their involvement in local financial institutions.

 

HRHS-5 John J. Forrer Papers, 1916-1971

The collection consists of biographical material, correspondence, reports, an unpublished illustrated manuscript, newspaper clippings and photographs pertaining to his career a highly regarded pioneer in the asphalt paving industry.

HRHS-5.1 Forrer Family Collection, 1872-1972 (Incorporated in HRHS-5 Finding Aid)

The collection consists of genealogical papers, notes, correspondence, newspaper clippings, postcards and photographs relating to the family of Henry and Maria Showalter Forrer and their descendants, which include the Eversole and other allied families.

 

HRHS-6 FEMA Bridgewater Historic Homes Collection, c.2001

For three homes scheduled to be demolished in Bridgewater c.2001, URS Corporation prepared “architectural recordation packages” documenting the structures and adjacent areas. Structures include the Christian Lantz House, Clark Rosenburger House, and the Mildred Byrd House.

 

HRHS-7 Coffman Family Papers, 1918-1961

The collection consists of military papers, genealogical notes, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other material relating to the Coffman [Kauffman], Stover, Conrad, and allied families. Correspondence and genealogical notes pertain to the Coffman [Kauffman], Stover, and Conrad families.

 

HRHS-8 Stiegel Family Papers, 1770-1917

The Stiegel Family Collection was “discovered” in 2001 by the owners of J.C. Stiegel’s Franklin Street home in Harrisonburg. It contains indentures and deeds, correspondence, receipts, and ephemera. Indentures and deeds for transfers of specific properties comprise half the collection.

 

HRHS-9 Samuel Simmons Family Bible Record, 1848-1965

The Simmons family Bible record contains marriage, birth, and death information regarding Samuel Simmons and his descendants, including the Baker and McCorkle families.

 

HRHS-14 Rockingham County Baseball Collection, 1924-2004

An ongoing collection consisting of materials relating to baseball in Rockingham County. At present the collection consists of three items: a program entitled “Celebrating 50 Years of Baseball 1954-2004 at Buck Bowman Park;” a program celebrating the Rockingham County Baseball League’s Golden Anniversary, 1924-1974, and a program celebrating the Rockingham County Baseball League’s Diamond Anniversary, 1924-1984.

 

HRHS-55 Rockingham County Schools

Collection An ongoing collection containing documents, reports, and pamphlets relating to schools in Rockingham County. A folder-level list for the collection is provided in the Archives Finding Aids binder located in the genealogical research library and will be updated as new materials are added to the collection.

 

HRHS-58 John E. and Oliver B. Roller Collection, 1884, 1887

An ongoing collection of materials relating to brothers John Edwin Roller and Oliver Brown Roller, both whom practiced law in Harrisonburg. At present, the collection consists of a postcard and transcription of postcard to John E. Roller, 10 June 1884, from I. M. B; and a postcard to Oliver B. Roller, 9 September 1887, from P. P. Shiflett. Both postcards concern legal cases.

 

HRHS-64 Ralph Sampson Trading Card Collection

Collection consists of four trading cards relating to the basketball career of Harrisonburg native Ralph Sampson. Three of the cards pertain to Sampson’s professional NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Sacramento Kings. Another card contains a schedule for the University of Virginia’s basketball team during the 1982-1983 season.

 

HRHS-67 Miscellaneous Publications

Collection An ongoing collection consisting of various brochures, pamphlets, booklets, magazines and other publications containing information relating mainly to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. An item-level list for the collection is provided in the Archives Finding Aids binder located in the genealogical research library and will be updated as new materials are added to the collection.

 

HRHS-91 HRHS Newspaper Collection

This is an ongoing collection of newspapers published in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. An item-level list for the collection is provided in the Archives Finding Aids binder located in the genealogical research library and will be updated as new materials are added to the collection.

 

HRHS-116 John Hinkle Collection

Collection contains miscellaneous materials, mainly relating to Shenandoah College, that passed down to the donor from his parents, John Ray Hinkle and Nellie Mauzy Hinkle. Also included are documents pertaining to Nellie and her brother, Hulvey Enoch Mauzy.

 

HRHS Register of Rare Books Stored in the Archives
Identified as a rare book if dated before 1900, Rockingham Co. publisher, or dealing with local history (prior to 1900)