What's it about?
Local and national archives, large and small, public and private, general and specialist will open their doors throughout the year to celebrate the wealth of archive material across the UK.
Why not find out more about archives...Do you know where your nearest archive centre is or where you would go to find out about your great-granny or the house you live in now?
What are archives?
Archives are collections of documents that have been created by an individual, family, business or organisation and have been specially chosen to be kept permanently! They can be written papers, illustrations, photographs or visual and sound recordings. An archive holds historic documents but it does not have to be very old.
What can I find out from archives?
Practically anything! There are more than 2000 organisations across the UK and Ireland which hold a huge variety of archives. You can trace your family tree or discover the history of your house. Archives can help with school, college or university work or help in legal matters. Whether your favourite hobby is stamp collecting or bee-keeping there will be archives somewhere which will interest you!
Where are archives kept?
Not in dusty attics! Many archives are looked after by professionals in clean strong rooms which ensure a secure and safe environment for their continued survival. They are available to the public in a supervised search room where staff on duty will be able to provide advice and help. Most are free.
How can I find archives?
Places that keep archives are usually called a record office or an archives centre or by another similar name. Major national and university libraries as well as museums and businesses often hold archives. There are local record offices throughout England, Wales and much of Scotland. There is a directory called ARCHON which provides links to most record offices and other archive-holding institutions in the UK.
Archive Awareness Campaign is co-ordinated by The National Council on Archives with support from The National Archives and MLA.
