Explore 60 Years of the University of Warwick and Discover Your Roots at the Modern Records Centre

As part of Heritage Open Days 2025, the Modern Records Centre (MRC) invites visitors to explore the rich history of the University of Warwick and beyond. This year’s event marks the university’s 60th anniversary, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on its development during a transformative period in British education and society.

The archivist-led talk will guide attendees through the university’s early years, highlighting key moments in its establishment and growth. While touching on architectural themes in line with this year’s national focus, the session will also delve into student life and the broader historical context of the 1960s.

A new addition for 2025 is “Finding Family in the Archives,” a practical session led by genealogist Paul Wilkins. This workshop will introduce participants to the MRC’s vast holdings—over 1,500 collections covering modern British political, economic, and social history—and demonstrate how these resources can be used to uncover personal and family stories. From trade union records to political papers, the archives offer a wealth of material for anyone interested in tracing their roots.

Each session will last approximately 2.5 hours and is free to attend, but advance booking is essential due to limited capacity (maximum 20 attendees per session). The venue is fully accessible, with parking, accessible toilets, and facilities for assistance dogs and families.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

1300 - 1530

Wednesday 17 September:

1030 - 1300

Location & directions

Modern Records Centre, University Library, University of Warwick, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV4 7AL

Directions:

The University of Warwick is on the southern edge of Coventry, approximately 5km from the city centre. Nearby towns include Kenilworth (5 km), Leamington Spa (10 km), Warwick (10 km) and Stratford-on-Avon (20 km). The University is 25 km south-east of Birmingham, and 160 km north of London. The Modern Records Centre is located on the Main University Campus, in the Central Campus Library extension. The building is signposted from Library Road and has wheelchair access. The closest railway station is Coventry. Further information can be found on our website @ https://warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/ You will find information for "Visiting the Modern Records Centre" under "Using the MRC"

Contact on day:

Helen Hopper

Telephone number:

+442476524219

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please put as your subject heading "Heritage Open Day Booking". Please note that there is a limit of 20 places for each event.

Booking contact name:

Helen Hopper or Carole Jones

Booking telephone number:

+442476524219

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

01 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

10 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

2 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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