The Norfolk Public Library's Digital Image Project could not have started without the generosity of the Dudley Cooper Family.
The late Norfolk optometrist's six grandchildren made a substantial gift over a five-year period that enabled the library to purchase
hard- and soft-ware to begin the arduous process of digitizing the tens of thousands of images and negatives, postcards, maps and documents
in the collection of the Sargeant Memorial Room. The gift honoring Dr. Cooper recognized his many contributions to the quality of life in
the City of Norfolk, particularly his rescue of the popular Ocean View Amusement Park and his help in establishing an amusement park for the
local African American population at Seaview Beach in the then-segregated community. If you would like more information about Dr. Dudley Cooper,
please visit the Special Collections department of Old Dominion University's Perry Library here in Norfolk where
you can see The Papers of Dudley Cooper and Ocean View Amusement Park.
The digitization of area city directories is made possible by the generosity of Mrs. Joan Dalis and the Dalis Foundation. Norfolk and Portsmouth city directories from the 1860s to the 1930s are being digitized from the funds of this wonderful gift.
We thank our fellow partners in the Tidewater Digital Initiative (Chesapeake Public Library, Portsmouth Public Library, and Virginia Beach Public Library) for their effort and support in our overall drive to make Norfolk and Hampton Roads regional history more accessible to everyone.
Finally, we thank everyone who has donated materials to the collection and has shared their treasures with us. We promise to be responsible caretakers.
