by Joe Miller,
Director of Development
This week’s post comes from Emily Castilleja, librarian for Pocahontas County Library and Visitor Centers’ Hillsboro branch. Emily discusses the library’s role in preserving our county’s social and cultural heritage.
Living in Pocahontas County comes with unique challenges. The rugged landscape and rural setting make travel a challenge, while the quiet zone limits some of the modern conveniences that people in other areas take for granted.
Yet, despite these obstacles, we choose to embrace this way of life, a way that’s rooted in the hard work and dedication of those who came before us. This commitment to our heritage is reflected in the efforts of the many individuals in our county who preserve and document our history, ensuring that the stories of our community are never forgotten.
Our libraries play a vital role in safeguarding our history for future generations.
Exhibit A: each of our five branches has a dedicated genealogy section filled with treasures—books, records, and archives built through a combination of library purchases and donations from community members. Those donations are often the work of countless hours spent researching and compiling family, business, and local histories—knowledge and history that would be lost without these efforts.
Indeed, the backbone of our genealogy collections are these contributions from our community—works that help weave together the story of our county. And we’re always on the lookout for new contributions. Items such as old yearbooks, family genealogy books, self-published histories, historical documents, photographs from family gatherings, or old artifacts gathering dust in attics—they can all find a permanent home in the library.
Each of these donations adds to the rich tapestry of Pocahontas County’s history, showing how generations of hardworking individuals shaped the vibrant community we know and love today.
If you’re curious about local genealogy or simply want to explore the county’s history, the McClintic Library is an excellent place to start. Pam Johnson—who joined the team when the library was still housed in Judge McClintic’s former home—has worked tirelessly to create an incredible genealogy room, one filled with a collection of materials that might otherwise have been lost to time.
Through collaboration with organizations and passionate community members, Pam has preserved countless pieces of history that reflect the spirit and resilience of our county.
Our libraries are more than just buildings—they are gateways to understanding where we come from. Whether you’re interested in geography, genealogy, or local history, they offer invaluable resources that honor the legacy of our community and the people who built it.
By preserving our past, we ensure that future generations will understand and appreciate their roots, and the remarkable effort it took to create the Pocahontas County we cherish today.
For those who value our shared history, consider visiting the library, contributing to the genealogy collection, or simply learning more about the hardworking individuals who have made these resources possible.
Together, we can celebrate and protect the legacy that makes our county such a special place to call home.
