Staffordshire History Centre Opening Announcement Captions
Doors to new history centre to open next month
People interested in exploring over a thousand years of Staffordshire’s history can do so when a new heritage centre for the county opens to the public on Wednesday, 6 November 2024
The new £8.7 million Staffordshire History Centre project has been delivered by Staffordshire County Council and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with a grant of £4,858,699.
Combining three important collections from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, the County Museum, and the William Salt Library, the new History Centre will offer visitors the chance to access and research fascinating archives and artefacts that tell the story of Staffordshire’s past.
Located off Eastgate Street in Stafford, the centre includes modern search rooms, strong rooms capable of holding a further 55 years of archives and collections and a bright exhibition space for displays and exhibitions. The centre will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
The adjacent restored William Salt Library building, part of the new centre, showcases William Salt’s unique collection and the history of the library itself, which has been cherished by local residents for decades.
An exciting programme of activities and touring exhibitions will also take history into local communities right across the county.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “We’re all incredibly excited about the project and delighted to be able to announce the opening date as 6 November.
“We’re extremely grateful for the funding from the Heritage Fund and we can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike to research and learn more about the rich history and culture that has shaped our county.”
A Hub for History and Learning
The Staffordshire History Centre is not just a place for historical collections. It features a remodelled research room, perfect for local historians, genealogists, and academics to delve deep into Staffordshire’s past.
The new education and learning space will host a range of school programmes, workshops, and events designed for all ages. During November and December there will be a range of activities for visitors to join in with including walking tours, spotlight talks and family friendly festive crafts.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in the strategic plan, Heritage 2033.
Over the next ten years, the Heritage Fund aims to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.
The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
The Heritage Fund is passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund www.heritagefund.org.uk