In a groundbreaking move to expand public access to Georgia’s history, the Atlanta History Center (AHC) and the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) have announced an unprecedented exchange of archival collections. The partnership brings together long-separated records, making them easier for researchers, students, and the general public to explore.

This collaboration is made possible through a $500,000 contribution from Atlanta-based Norfolk Southern to AHC. The funding will support the processing and preservation of the historical records, making them fully accessible in one location for the first time and unlocking a vital chapter of the region’s history.

Under the agreement, AHC acquired the Central of Georgia Railway Collection from GHS, nearly 1,000 linear feet (almost three football fields) of records, allowing it to be housed alongside the Southern Railway archives. This consolidation creates one of the most comprehensive railroad history collections in the country. Both railways are predecessors of Norfolk Southern.

In return, GHS received several major manuscript and photographic collections from the AHC that added to existing collections at the GHS. Many document pivotal moments in modern Georgia, including portions of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games photo archive and files from the Georgia Film Commission.

“This is more than just an exchange of archives. It’s about making Georgia’s history easier for people to discover,” said Sheffield Hale, President and CEO of Atlanta History Center. “By reuniting collections that have been scattered for decades, we’re opening new doors for researchers, students, and history lovers everywhere.”

“This is a historic agreement,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “I’m not aware of any other institutions that have swapped collections of this size or scope. This agreement demonstrates two nonprofits working together for the greater good. Norfolk Southern is playing a vital role in that.”

In 2021, Norfolk Southern donated the complete collection of Southern Railway archives to Atlanta History Center's Kenan Research Center. The donation provided a comprehensive glimpse into the foundation of Southern Railway and its 200 predecessor railroads, dating back to 1828. Building on that legacy, Norfolk Southern’s support made this latest collaboration possible, as the exchange of materials for the Central of Georgia records completes the story of Southern Railway’s impact and makes key historical documents accessible to the public.

“The story of railroads underscores the compelling narrative of how rail transportation spurred Georgia’s development by connecting cities, fueling commerce and shaping communities throughout the Southeast,” said Kristin Wong, Director NS Foundation & Community Impact. “Supporting the preservation and accessibility of these remarkable archives via this unprecedented exchange not only honors our heritage, it reinforces our commitment to connecting people, places and history.”

The exchange resolves long-standing challenges for researchers, who previously had to travel between Atlanta and Savannah to access related materials. For example, the Georgia Historical Society currently holds approximately two-thirds of the personal papers of Helen Dortch Longstreet, the outspoken widow of controversial Confederate General James Longstreet, who was the subject of an award-winning biography by University of Virginia professor Elizabeth Varon. Longstreet was active in progressive political causes in the early 20th century and remained active in environmental and political causes throughout her long life. The remaining third of her papers were held at AHC. With this agreement, her entire collection is now reunited at GHS and made accessible in one location.

Once fully processed and preserved, these collections will be available to researchers and visitors seeking to better understand the people, industries, and events that have shaped Georgia.