ATLANTA — The Central of Georgia Railway archive is now housed alongside the Southern Railway’s historical records at the Atlanta History Center, thanks to a $500,000 donation from Norfolk Southern.
The funding will support the processing and preservation of the historical records, making them fully accessible in one location for the first time, the Atlanta History Center and the Georgia Historical Society announced on Tuesday.
The museums said the exchange of archival collections was unprecedented and will expand public access to Georgia’s history.
Under the agreement, the Atlanta History Center acquired the Central of Georgia archives from GHS. The archives include nearly 1,000 linear feet of records. The museums said the consolidation creates one of the most comprehensive railroad history collections in the country. Both railways are Norfolk Southern predecessors.
In return, GHS received several major manuscript and photographic collections from the AHC that expand existing collections at the GHS. Many document pivotal moments in modern Georgia, including portions of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games photo archive and files from the Georgia Film Commission.
“This is more than just an exchange of archives. It’s about making Georgia’s history easier for people to discover,” Atlanta History Center CEO Sheffield Hale said in a statement. “By reuniting collections that have been scattered for decades, we’re opening new doors for researchers, students, and history lovers everywhere.”
“This is a historic agreement,” said Georgia Historical Soeicty CEO W. Todd Groce said in a statement. “I’m not aware of any other institutions that have swapped collections of this size or scope. This agreement demonstrates two nonprofits working together for the greater good. Norfolk Southern is playing a vital role in that.”
In 2021, Norfolk Southern donated the complete collection of Southern Railway archives to Atlanta History Center’s Kenan Research Center. The donation provided a comprehensive glimpse into the foundation of Southern Railway and its 200 predecessor railroads, dating back to 1828.
“The story of railroads underscores the compelling narrative of how rail transportation spurred Georgia’s development by connecting cities, fueling commerce and shaping communities throughout the Southeast,” Kristin Wong, director of NS foundation and community impact, said in a statement. “Supporting the preservation and accessibility of these remarkable archives via this unprecedented exchange not only honors our heritage, it reinforces our commitment to connecting people, places and history.”
The exchange resolves long-standing challenges for researchers, who previously had to travel between Atlanta and Savannah to access related materials.
