"The Lost Records Localities Digital Collection consists of copies of records from counties or incorporated cities that suffered significant record loss due to a variety of reasons. The collection is divided into subcollections related to the localities which suffered record loss. The 'Source' of each item is listed, which tells the researcher the collection in which the original 'lost' record was found." The lost records are arranged by county: Ablemarel, Appomattox, Augusta, Botetourt, Brunswick, Buckingham, Caroline, Charles City, Culpeper, Dinwiddie, Elizabeth City, Fairfax, Gloucester, Hanover, Henrico, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Nansemond, Nottoway, Prince George, Prince William, Richmond City, Rockingham, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Warwick, Washington, Westmoreland, and Williamsburg. Documents include wills, deeds, and other miscellaneous papers. Each slave owner is listed first, followed by the date and type of document. The list of slaves follows and the new owner is listed if known. Surnames of the owner's children are indexed if noted in the document.

Freed slaves are listed under Emancipated, which includes manumissions. Certificates of Freedom, Free Negro Registration, and Free Person of Color are also noted. Servants are included; counties without records are not included. A full-name index adds to the value of this work.