HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL NR 2022-09-27 Thomas Balch Library Debuts the Elaine E. Thompson Collection
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
September 27, 2022
Media Contact:
Leah Kosin, Assistant Public Information Officer
pio@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2781
Thomas Balch Library Debuts the Elaine E. Thompson
Collection
Leesburg, VA (September 27, 2022) – On Sunday, October 2,
the Thomas Balch Library will introduce the recently
processed papers of educator, historian, and author Elaine
Eppie Thompson.
Curator of Manuscripts and Archives Laura Christiansen along
with Project Activist Meghan Glasbrenner will present a
guided tour through three recently processed collections
donated by Thompson’s family: Elaine E. Thompson Collection
(M0134), Loudoun County Emancipation Association, 1890-
2015 (M0145), Thompson Funeral Program and Memorial
Collection 1900-2015, (M0146). The event will begin at 2 p.m.
This program will focus on photographs and visual materials collected by Thompson and her
family. Thomas Balch Library is actively seeking assistance identifying unidentified people,
places, and events in this extensive collection of photographic history. Come lea rn more about
this remarkable resource and how you can help. An exhibit honoring Thompson’s life, family,
and work is also available to view at the library through October 4.
To register for this program, please call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov or
register online.
Processing of these materials was made possible through grant funds from Mildred Nichols, the
Robey Foundation, and the Loudoun Library Foundation. Now available to researchers, the
extensive collections presented in this exhibit not only document Thompson’s career and
contributions to African American and local history but also provide valuable materials for
future researchers on numerous aspects of Loudoun County History.
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