Have a history or genealogy question? We can help. We are willing to conduct simple research for any requests we receive from correspondences (electronic and regular mail). However, we cannot devote time to conduct extensive research on broad topics and questions.

Examples of specific questions:

Can you see if there was a John Smith listed on the 1930 Census for Norfolk, Virginia?

Is there a John Smith in the 1949 Norfolk City Directory?

I need the obituary for John Smith who died on May 1, 1980 in Norfolk, VA.

Examples of broad questions we will not research:

I need all the addresses for John Smith who lived in Norfolk from 1930 - 1970.

I need all the entries about John Smith in Norfolk City Records from 1850s to 1890s.

I need the obituary for John Smith who died probably in 1970.

We will need all the information possible about the subject or individual and as close to an exact date as possible. For example, John Smith died on January 1, 1990 in Norfolk, Virginia.

We will process your research query in the order we received it and we will try to respond in a timely manner.

Photocopy charges are $ 0.15 cents per page.

Postage is assessed at first class rates.

Checks should be made payable to City of Norfolk - Norfolk Public Library.

If you have extensive research questions, please contact a professional genealogist or researcher to conduct the research. Click HERE for a list of professional researchers supplied by the Library of Virginia.

Ways to contact us:

Mailing Address -

Sargeant Memorial Collection
Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library
111 W. Ocean View Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23503
Phone Number - (757) 664-7485

Email - localhistory@norfolk.gov