This year was all about embracing new opportunities and changes for RELIC, such as the Virginia Commission for the Arts VA250 Grant that we received, which will be a series of workshops and classes representing the evolution of the traditional fiber arts of the 18th century to a modern-day art form. We now have a Digital Preservation Lab, a dedicated space within RELIC where patrons can digitize 8mm film, audio cassettes, VHS, negatives and slides, and photos. Several of our patrons were happy to assist us with Beta testing of the equipment to fine-tune the instructions and introduce us to the different types of mediums that exist in the various formats we offer.

This year, RELIC staff has done extensive research on cemeteries, especially with issues surrounding data centers, county improvements, and land history. We worked with local county agencies focused on history and those who appreciated access to RELIC’s resources. 

We started to make changes to RELIC’s physical space, including creating a programming space complete with a monitor, a cartography section, and a display case for showcasing resources from the collection and historical events throughout the year.

For next year, we are developing a volunteer program for adults and teens, and outreach services to bring RELIC to the community.

We have started three new programs:

• The Local History Tour Group is like a book group where we visit historical sites throughout the area each month.
• The History and a Book Group covers historical topics in nonfiction and fiction books.
• Throughout the year, we are partnering with various organizations to have programs that further explore local history by visiting historical sites in natural places such as the Prince William Forest Park and Bull Run Mountains. To address the needs of patrons interested in a local genealogical group, we are currently working with genealogical societies in other counties to learn how to best establish one here in our area.

We are also planning events highlighting Prince William County’s involvement in colonial American history for the VA250 events in 2026. 

We look forward to further introducing the community to RELIC’s resources and services, providing informative and diverse programs that showcase local and national history, updating our collection with new material and current information, and creating a space that brings people and organizations together that have an interest in history and genealogy and are willing to share their stories and history with us.

Thank you for your continued support, and Happy New Year from the Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center for Local History and Genealogy staff, better known as RELIC.