Start your historical journey here. RELIC's email newsletter highlights upcoming free events and happenings. Genealogy and local Virginia history are our specialties as a service provided by Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL). You can always find more about us on RELIC's webpage. 

RELIC service is available in person at Central Library,
by email at [email protected], and phone at 703-792-8380. 

Hours of Operation
Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
All programs will be in-person at Central Library. In accordance with CDC guidelines, Prince William County recommends all visitors wear a mask or face covering while inside county facilities.
Some previous RELIC programs can be viewed on RELIC's Programs webpage.
Thomas Jefferson was intimately involved in every aspect of the creation of the University of Virginia. It represented what he regarded as one of the three greatest achievements of his life to be listed on his tombstone. Join Andrew O'Shaughnessy, Saunders Director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, as he dives deeper into Thomas Jefferson’s Idea of a University. Register online, by phone at 703-792-8380, or email. 
Join RELIC’s Don Wilson for an insightful discussion of the latest data release from the U.S. Census. According to the “72-Year Rule,” the National Archives releases census records to the general public 72 years after Census Day. The 1950 census records will be released in April 2022. Register online, by phone at 703-792-8380, or email.  
Join RELIC Manager David Shumate to explore the ins and outs of personal archiving. Registration required. Register online, by phone at 703-792-8380, or email.  
RELIC INSIDER
REMINDER:
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL PRINCE WILLIAM / MANASSAS HISTORY SYMPOSIUM
Old Manassas Courthouse, Manassas, Virginia
Saturday, March 26, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact the Prince William County Historic Preservation Office at 703-792-4754 to register for the event. Registration is $10.00.  

Here are the titles of the five talks:
  •  9:30 p.m.—The “Courageous Four:” Integration in Prince William County Schools.
  • 10:30 a.m.—Thomas Blackburn of Rippon Lodge.
  •  1:30 p.m.—U.S. Colored Troops in Prince William County during the American Civil War.
  •  2:30 p.m.— The Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Bull Run Bridge.
  •  3:30 p.m.— Prince William County in 1861: A Viewpoint from Edmund Ruffin
THE 1950 CENSUS IS ALMOST HERE!

Federal law allows U.S. census information to be released after 72 years. The 1950 census will be available at FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, and likely other sites on or about April 1. It won’t be indexed immediately, so you will need to browse to find your family. RELIC’s program on April 7 will give you tips on how to find those people before indexing is completed, and what information you are likely to find. Click here to register. 

American genealogists are fortunate that we must wait only 72 years to see the census. British researchers must wait 100 years to see personal census data. Canadian researchers got access to the 1921 census after 92 years.
VISIT THE "TREE DOCTOR"
Make appointments for virtual or in-person visits with Don Wilson, "The Tree Doctor." Set up an hour appointment to discuss and dive into your brick wall research problem. Call by phone at 703–792–8380 or email to set up a time.
March 2022 - pwcva.gov/library
Make sure to download our Spring 2021 – 2022 Explore magazine, or grab one at your nearest library, to learn more about our upcoming events.

[email protected] or 703-792-8150
Questions and comments are always welcome.