School History Finds a New Home: The Archives Room

If you take a stroll through the new Commons, you’ll find more than just a place to eat lunch or study; you’ll find a curated time capsule. Sports memorabilia and storied artifacts are now on display, serving as a public window into the school’s past. This look at our school’s history is made possible by the opening of the Archives Room, a dedicated space on the ground floor of Thornley Middle School established in honor of Charles H. Landreth ’29. 

The Landreth name is woven into the fabric of the school. Charles “Charlie” H. Landreth ’29 was a baseball player dedicated to preserving campus stories, serving as the first-ever editor of The Campus Lantern and later as CHA’s business manager and archivist, who lived in the school’s faculty apartment in the Inn. 

On March 2, Charles “Chas” Landreth '66, also an athlete and once editor of The Lantern, and his son, Charles ’96, and daughter, Kirsten ’95, became the first official visitors to the Archive Room, where they opened old yearbooks, inspected attendance logs, and viewed vintage photographs. They even swung the baseball bat used by the eldest Landreth ’29, recalling stories set in and around the Inn. 

The transition from dusty boxes to an organized archive and gallery didn't happen overnight. Dan Pevear, Upper School librarian and archivist, has spent the past 18 months meticulously cataloging and organizing hundreds of items and creating a comprehensive digital catalog that will continue to expand. "SCH’s archive preserves the memories of two remarkable communities that have come together over time. By making these items discoverable, the stories, struggles, and achievements of the past are brought to life, allowing present and future generations to connect with and learn from this shared history," says Pevear. Through his efforts, decades of forgotten jerseys, photographs, and documents have been transformed into a cohesive narrative of our community's evolution.

The Archives Room stands as a testament to the enduring support of the Landreth family, whose commitment to the school spans generations. With gratitude for the generosity of the Landreth family: Burnet Landreth 3rd ’18, Charles H. Landreth ’29, Charles B. Landreth ’66, Charles A. B. Landreth ’96, Kirsten E.H. Landreth ’95, Charlotte L. Rodgers ’62, John L. Rodgers IV ’86, Ben Rodgers ’22, Margaret Rodgers Deal ’89, Peter M. Landreth ’68, Peter M. Landreth Jr. ’00, and Christopher D. Landreth ’04.

Alumni and others will soon be able to view archives by appointment.