The library and archives offer a wealth of resources for those researching family and local history. Catawba County families, government, organizations, religion, education, businesses, and military are some of the subjects covered in the library, as are western North Carolina and overall state history. Bound volumes of the Hickory Daily Record and the Hickory News are available, as well as yearbooks from local colleges, high schools, and elementary schools.

In the archives, an extensive assembly of files on county families includes the Margaret Huggins Collection. Catawba County towns, cities, historic sites, events, and personalities are well represented in the photograph collection, and surveys of many historic houses and sites are held in the National Register files.

We invite you to enjoy the resources offered by our Museum Library and Archives. Appointments are not necessary for independent research, but are recommended, since this allows time for staff to locate materials in advance.

Family-file research requests are welcome, and staff assistance is available for a search fee of $10/hour for nonmembers, and $5/hour for CCHA members. Independent research of the family files is free, and available by appointment. Please call to setup an appointment (828.465.0383) or email your request. Photocopies of documents are .25 cents/page for both museum visitors and those requesting research from a distance. All fees help cover our costs and directly benefit ongoing CCHA educational efforts.