Archives
Spanning the 1700s to the present day—with a focus on the people of Greensboro, Guilford County, and Piedmont North Carolina—our Archives houses manuscripts, photographs, printed materials, artwork, and audiovisual materials.
See the Highlights
Digital highlights include a document encouraging the disfranchisement of African American voters in the 1890s, two women’s diaries from the early 20th century, and newspapers from the military base within Greensboro city limits during World War II.
Manuscript Collections
Notable collections include resources documenting the lives and work of author William Sidney Porter (O. Henry) and First Lady Dolley Madison. A broad range of materials with a Greensboro focus include collections from local African American educator Abraham H. Peeler of J. C. Price School and the World War II letters of Beth and Lewis Puckett.
Photographs
Our substantial photograph collections feature businesses, schools, civic organizations, and street scenes, in addition to many portraits ranging from the Civil War to the 21st century. We have five major studio collections as well as dispersed groupings for individual photographers.
Printed Materials
Our printed materials range from books and periodicals to maps, sheet music, and postcards. City promotional publications from the late 19th and early 20th century, which we call Pictorials, are particularly useful for researching local businesses, people, and buildings.
Interested in Donating an Object?
Every year we acquire new items through individuals, families and businesses that illuminate the history and people of the Greensboro area. When we add to our collection, whether a tiny button or an automobile, we are agreeing to care, research and document each object so it will be part of the community story for generations to come.