The best place to do genealogical research in Bedford is at the Bedford City/County Museum, which is right next to the County Courthouse in Bedford. They have a very nice genealogy collection, maintained by the Bedford County Genealogical Society. I've forgotten their hours. I suggest you also visit the courthouse, which has land records and marriage records (the folks at the Museum can tell you where in the courthouse).Two other places nearby are the Library in Roanoke (next county) and the Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg. The best place in Richmond is the State Archives. I've visited all with a fair amount of success. Good luck.