Although Rockingham County has a rich heritage, until the 1980's there was no organization or institution attempting to preserve the raw materials of history — documents, rare books, and artifacts. Recognizing the need to preserve historical source material and make it available to the public, the Rockingham Community College Foundation, Inc. sponsored the Historical Collection at the James Library, which is centrally located on the college campus in Wentworth.

An Advisory Committee has developed a policy for the collection. The college has committed rooms in the James Library for accession of documents and artifacts and for display and study. In the past, many historical items have been lost from the County because there was no repository that would preserve them. The Historical Collection of Rockingham Community College Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation of our heritage.

The purpose of the Historical Collection of Rockingham Community College Foundation. Inc., is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and make available for public use published materials, rare books, documents, and museum artifacts. The emphasis of the Collection is the heritage of Rockingham County and adjacent areas, but materials that relate to the instructional program of the College will be accepted. For more information on the Collection, visit www.rockinghamcc.edu/library/hcr.htm.

The Historic Village is the result of a joint effort of the Rockingham County Historical Society and the Rockingham Community College. Currently the Historic Village consist of four buildings that have been moved to the property adjoining the college campus. The buildings have been renovated and are on display during special events such as the Folk Festival that is held at the college each year. You can see an original tobacco factory and barn, a one room school house and a corn crib. The Historic Village can be seen at other times by appointment only. Contact the Archival Clerk at (336) 342-4261, ext. 2291 for more information.