Dear map librarian hive mind,

I'm trying to help a patron locate some historical aerial photography for Suffolk VA and the surrounding area. I can find a few things through Earth Explorer, but nothing earlier than the 1980s and only low resolution frames covering large areas. She's looking at specific properties scattered around the urban area of Suffolk.

Does anyone have some local knowledge about aerial photo collections in the region?

It sounds like this patron has been bounced around quite a bit, so if anyone has some expertise in historical data and images for Hampton Roads/SE Virgina, or knows of someone who does, I would really like to connect her with someone who will be able to assist.

Her message is pasted below:

I’m doing genealogical research on my family tree. I’m trying to find information about my father’s properties. I’m looking for historical satellite and aerial imagery between the years 1930 to present. I’m trying to view what his properties looked like over time. He has owned many properties including two grocery stores, one pool hall/restaurant as well as other properties in Suffolk, Virginia. I’ve been trying to locate this information for the longest time.

I’ve tried calling multiple places, but no one was able to help me or have the years I need.


If it helps I’ve listed all of the properties below.


- G. L. Grocery Store located on 900 Railroad Ave, Suffolk, Virginia (West Jericho)

- Garfield Griffin (Eunice Griffin) Grocery Store on the corner of Sunset and Oak, in Suffolk, Virginia. (I don’t know the physical address).

- Pool Hall/Restaurant I’m not too sure of the address, but when he showed my siblings and I, It was within walking distance from our home on 222 N 5th St, Suffolk, Virginia. I believe it could’ve been on 227 N 6th St, Suffolk, Va. The date for the grand open was on May 11, 1957, my father’s birthday. He was so excited to finally open it, after all of the hard work he put into it, but he later got sick before he had a chance to see the grand opening of his store.

- 222 N 5th St, Suffolk, Virginia

- 202 N 5th St Lloyd’s Pl, Suffolk, Virginia or 202 5th St Lloyd’s Pl, Suffolk, Virginia or 5th St Lloyd’s Pl, Suffolk, Virginia

- 902 & 904 Lincoln Ave, Suffolk, Virginia


I would also love to find other properties or stores he has owned as well.