ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) – Rockingham County Circuit Court Clerk Chaz W. Haywood announced in a press release that the court has been awarded an Item Conservation Grant of $18,311.50 from the Virginia Circuit Court Records Preservation (CCRP) program. This funding will conserve fragile historical documents vital to the county’s legal and land ownership history.

The CCRP Grants Review Board evaluated 140 applications from 105 localities across the Commonwealth. With a total budget of $2 million and more than $3 million in funding requests, Rockingham County is honored to receive full funding for its project.

Historical Records to be Preserved:

· Deed Book 16 (1878-1879)

· Land Books 1879, Part 1 & 2

· Land Books 1896, Part 1 & 2

These records will be sent to Kofile in Greensboro, NC, for professional restoration. As part of the project, high-resolution digital images will be created, ensuring the longevity and accessibility of these records.

Clerk Haywood stated, “The Clerk’s Office is excited to receive this grant, as these records are the foundation of our county’s history, and preserving them is essential for research, education, and community heritage. We are grateful for the CCRP grants and the Library of Virginia’s assistance that allows us to continue this vital effort.”

Under Clerk Haywood’s leadership, the office has prioritized the preservation and digitization of historical records, securing a total of $423,518.20 in CCRP grant funding. These ongoing efforts ensure that irreplaceable records remain both physically protected and digitally accessible for future generations