What's on the shelf?
Your county archive is an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures. In Buckinghamshire they have 800 years of records to dive into – from Medieval songbooks to photographs from the Paralympics. Extra tip if you take a tour - don’t forget to ask about the ancient document an owner’s dog took a bite of!
Keeping score
If you’re into football, this is the year for you, not only a World Cup playing out right now, but when it’s done, why not delve into the history of the beautiful game with a trip to the stores of the National Football Museum.
All in a day's work
Companies keep archives too, their records providing a unique overview of how brands have changed over the years, as well as insights into everyday working life. This September Unilever will be opening up its books (and boxes!) to take you through their story, particularly highlighting women’s working lives.
Living archive
Archives are not just locked memory boxes, they’re ever growing collections that both hold and inspire stories. At this event you’re invited to explore and contribute to a Living Archive project celebrating Black history.
Keeping the beat
The world’s largest collection of brass band heritage has over 9,000 items. Whether you want to hear the music, see the instruments, or discover more about the players, Huddersfield is the place to go, with an exhibition and specialist tours to ‘march’ you through the stories.
Earn your badge
‘Be prepared’! The Girl Guides have their own special archive and are inviting you to play a game as you explore their stories. There’ll be a range of activities to complete to earn your badge, as you learn more about Nora, a local Girl Guide who’s collection of badges, uniforms and more is held here.
School records
Winchester is an ancient city, with a very old college. On this special tour you not only get to delve into its records but explore the rarely accessible spaces where they are stored – spaces that were specifically built to house these records way back in the 1390s!
Weaving stories
This luxury textile manufacturer has been operating since the 17th century. Visit their company archive to explore silks woven for the grandest homes in the world, and the stories of the people who made them.
Stop press!
Thousands of precious stories were saved from oblivion by Worcester Civic Society when they rescued the archives of a local newspaper. Newspapers are a rich source of social history – they add colour and context to the dates and details on census and parish records. Check out the latest (old) news on one of these tours.
Cream of the (Cornish) crop
With over 14 miles of shelving this is the world’s largest collection of records relating to Cornwall. They’re unlocking their secure, fully accessible spaces this September to help you discover stories of miners, fishing communities, schools in the 1960s and much more!
PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.
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